The Effect of the ‘Environment and Energy’ Theme-based Integration Program on Science Key Competencies

Abstract

This study analyzed the impacts of science key competencies enhancement through the development and application of curriculum integration program focused on ‘Environment and Energy’. The concepts of ‘Environment-friendly Automobile’ and ‘Energy Zero House’, which are two sub-themes of the ‘Environment and Energy’ theme-based integration program, are linked with science, practical course, social studies, integrated science, technology and home economics, and integrated social subjects, and the contents of the workbooks and activities are linked to science key competencies. 135 first-year high school students participated in the study and the questionnaires of science and key competencies conducted before/after the class were analyzed. The results of this study showed that the theme-based integration program significantly improved the students’ key competencies such as scientific thinking, scientific inquiry ability, scientific problem-solving ability, scientific communication ability, scientific participation and lifelong learning ability. The theme-based integration program on ‘Environment and Energy’ can be utilized not only in classroom teaching but also in club activities and can be used in other grades. I suggest the development of another theme-based integration program that can enhance the key competencies by finding common themes that integrate the curriculum.