The teaching of science and heritage education: a methodological fusion for Chemistry teaching, heritage preservation and scientific popularization

Abstract:

In this paper - focusing on the contextualization of chemistry and on the possible impact of this activity on heritage preservation and scientific popularization - an activity was proposed, elaborated on, applied and evaluated that aimed to promote the teaching of chemistry through cultural heritage alongside the promotion of heritage preservation and scientific popularization in the field of chemistry applied to cultural heritage. The work, developed by an interdisciplinary team, was based on the integration of science teaching and heritage education methodologies, dealing with chemical concepts and the social and cultural implications involved in cultural heritage. In terms of results, the students assimilated chemistry contents and demonstrated the appropriation of the relation between science and heritage. They also recognized better the value and meaning of cultural heritage, identifying themselves as agents of preservation and demonstrating the recognition of their social, cultural and environmental responsibilities in the preservation process.

Keywords:
Cultural preservation; Cultural heritage; Science literacy; Chemistry teaching