Author: Dr. Prachi Rahul Chaudhary
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04011002
Abstract: Science education plays a crucial role in developing intellectual, moral, social, environmental, and national values among students. It helps learners become rational thinkers, responsible citizens, and environmentally conscious individuals as envisioned in NEP 2020. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes holistic development of learners through integration of cognitive, affective, and ethical dimensions of education. Science education, traditionally viewed as a content-driven discipline, is re-envisioned as a powerful medium for inculcating values such as scientific temper, environmental responsibility, ethical reasoning, and social sensitivity. Furthermore, science also instills values such as Scientific Temper, Curiosity, Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Objectivity, Open-mindedness, Creativity and Innovation, Problem Solving Ability, Decision Making Skill, Honesty and Integrity, Responsibility, Self-discipline, Conservation of Resources, Sustainable Development, Respect for Life and Biodiversity, Safety Awareness, Ethical Awareness, Social Responsibility, Civic Sense, National Pride (Scientific Heritage), Respect for Indian Knowledge Systems. The Government of Maharashtra, through SCERT, has prepared a draft curriculum and syllabus for school science education aligned with NEP 2020. The present study aims to examine the extent and nature of value education embedded in the draft science curriculum and syllabus for school education in Maharashtra. Using qualitative document analysis, the study identifies key values integrated across objectives, content, pedagogy, and assessment practices. The findings reveal that the draft curriculum consciously incorporates value education through experiential learning, environmental themes, ethical discussions, and Indian Knowledge Systems. The study concludes that science education in Maharashtra, as envisioned in the draft curriculum, significantly supports the value-based and holistic vision of NEP 2020.
Keywords: School Education, Science Education, NEP 2020, Value Education, Maharashtra State Curriculum – Science Curriculum Draft 2025.
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