View of teachers and students understanding’ of the nature of science at elementary schools in Padang city Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to determine the level of understanding of teachers and elementary students about the nature of science (NOS) in the city of Padang. The type of research conducted is descriptive qualitative by survey method. The sample of this research are 1 teacher and 28 students of grade 5 SD N 08 Padang Besi at Lubuk Kilangan District Padang City, 1 teacher and 28 students of grade V Elementary School Kampung Baru at Lubuk Begalung District Padang City, 3 teachers and 29 students of grade V and VI Elementary School Koto Tuo at Koto Tangah District Padang City, and 3 teachers from Elementary School Lubuk Minturun at Koto Tangah District Padang City. The instrument used in the research is a questionnaire containing 30 statements prepared by researchers, consulting with supervisor, elementary teachers and compiled based on theories from related literature. The result of the research showed that the level of understanding of teacher science in three sub-districts are in Good criteria with average score of 71.58% and the level of science understanding of elementary students in three sub-districts of Padang City is on the criteria Enough with an average value of 64.05%. The Scientific Method aspect of the nature of science is more widely understood by teachers and the Theories and Law aspects of the nature of science are more widely understood by students. In conclusion, the level of understanding of the nature of science of the teachers is higher than the level of understanding of the nature of science of the students and no relationship significant between the two. The implication of this research is the knowledge about the nature of science should begin to be considered and understood by all elements of education so that teachers and students can understand the nature of science very well.