An Analysis of the Representation of Nature of Science in a Chemistry Textbook in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

This chapter estimates nature of Science (NOS) representation in International Baccalaureate (IB) chemistry textbook. While the focus on chemistry originated from the authors’ disciplinary expertise, an IB resource was chosen based on a number of IB program’s attributes. The chapter presents an overview of the international baccalaureate diploma program (IBDP) chemistry as well as a concise description of NOS in IBDP chemistry. It provides an overview of theory of knowledge (TOK) and international mindedness, which are particularly emphasized in IBDP chemistry guide as essential curricular components that support students’ NOS understanding. Based on the intention and philosophy designed into the structure of IBDP science curricula, NOS is explicitly featured in the chemistry syllabus as an overarching theme that informs chemistry teaching and learning. Improvement measures may well be predicated on considerations simultaneously related to the yields of educational research and the particulars of IBDP chemistry curriculum.