A Content Analysis of the Oman Science Curricula for Grades (5-8) in the light of Nature of Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the proportions of inclusion of the nature of science (NOS) in the content of the Omani Science Curricula for grades (5-8). The study sample consisted of (16) student and activity textbooks. A content analysis card was developed. Its validity was evaluated by some experts in the discipline of education and its reliability was also confirmed by Cohen’s Kappa coefficient= 0.88. The results demonstrated that all dimensions of the NOS were included within the content of the Omani Science Curricula. The total rate of inclusion is (26.98%), which suggests a medium-level score of inclusion with a variance in the inclusion ratios in these dimensions. The results also showed the variation in the percentages of including the dimensions of the NOS among the different grades. The study recommended that the dimensions of the NOS should be further integrated into the content of the Omani Science Curricula for grades (5-8) to a higher-than-average inclusion degree.