This article presents research results which demonstrate how a socio-scientific thematic approach to science education provides students with a chance to relate scientific knowledge with everyday life. The lessons were conducted in natural science subjects in 8th grade group of a Distrito Federal public elementary school. The aim of the thematic approach was exploring STS (ScienceTechnology-Society) relationships. The lessons were carried out according to perspectives in the science education literature about study situations and generating themes. The analysis of the data suggests that students who did not establish connections between scientific knowledge and their living context began to realize that such connections existed after the introduction of a socio-scientific theme. Besides, a greater interest and participation of students during classes was noted; and a better understanding developed of the scientific content explored.
Science teaching; Fundamental school; STS
