Interdisciplinary science and technology: student led inquiry using PBL
The problem-based learning scenarios that students in the integrated curriculum: science and technology course considered and engaged with are based upon the model shown in figure 1 (modified from Aikenhead, 1991). After engaging with reviewing the nature of science and technology, coupled with minor standalone investigations the 3rd year students, in groups of three, undertook a five week collaborative group inquiry. The inquiry commenced with scoping problems or issues of personal significance; ensuring in the scoping exercise the inquiry would require a science investigation and understanding that would have a direct relationship and contribute to a technological solution. Figure 1 shows, that the problem/issue of this nature are first and foremost linked to people, noting we live in a technological rather than a scientific world. In presenting this illustration MacIntyre, Brears and Bhattacharya (2008) suggest, events (issues/problems) first enter the domain of technology and then on into the domain of traditional science where science content is learnt in a meaningful context. Finally it re-enters the domain of technology where the original (possibly superficial) understanding becomes more complex with additional learning. The process once again enters the realm of society as an informed in-depth understanding of the science content that has led to the development of
the proposed technological solution.