Mind the Gap Between Chemistry and Outdoor Education: Primary and Lower Secondary Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs During an Outdoor-Based Introduction to Chemistry in Science Education

Abstract

Outdoor education is rarely used to teach chemistry, despite its potential benefits for students. This paper investigates preservice teachers’ (PSTs) beliefs about the domain of chemistry in science education. Sixteen primary and lower secondary PSTs were asked to draw their perception of chemistry in science education and mind maps about outdoor education before being exposed to a novel, student-active approach. This approach introduced chemistry outside the classroom, demonstrating how outdoor environments can be used with students to learn about basic chemical concepts. Six participants were selected for in-depth interviews after the introduction. An abductive approach was applied to analyze the data. Results indicate that prior beliefs about teacher-centered laboratory activities dominate, with few links to everyday or natural phenomena. The interviews showed that these beliefs stem from secondary school experiences, often associated with challenges such as difficulties in remembering the content of experiments. Some PSTs had prior teaching experiences and wished to include the outdoor environment in their future teaching practice. These unique and diverse beliefs influenced direct encounters with chemical phenomena outdoors. Activities that created visible links between familiar phenomena and chemistry were embraced, especially if they solved prior challenges from school. Nevertheless, the diversity of outdoor phenomena led some PSTs to question their prior chemistry knowledge. This challenge may hinder future integration of outdoor activities unless these questions are addressed. The findings suggest that regularly incorporating chemistry related outdoor activities in teacher education may prove beneficial. However, reflecting on emerging challenges is essential.