<b>Relations between science, technology and society in chemistry textbooks</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascihumansoc.v31i2.461

Abstract

This work deals with the subject ‘Radioactivity’ as it appears in high school Chemistry textbooks. We verified whether they followed a Science, Technology and Society (STS) approach in dealing with nuclear energy. Textbooks were chosen after a survey with public high school teachers. The criteria of analysis were based on the Plano Nacional do Livro Didático (PNLD), on the Plano Nacional do Livro de Ensino Médio (PNLEM) and on the PCN (Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais). The general structure, proposed activities, as well as the treatment given to STS relations was analyzed. The results show that the STS relations are poorly discussed. The lack of these debates constrains the possibility of students taking a critical attitude in view of the necessity of nuclear power plants in our country. Some suggestions are given, in order to improve the quality of the textbooks, re-orienting towards a STS discussion.