تحلیل برنامه درسی علوم دوره ابتدایی مبتنی بر مولفه‌های برنامه فلسفه برای کودکان

The primary aim of this study was to analyze elementary school science textbooks through the lens of the components associated with philosophy for children. Employing a descriptive content analysis methodology, the research focused on a statistical population comprising science textbooks spanning grades one through six, with all available textbooks selected as samples for the investigation. The research instrument utilized was a researcher-developed checklist that incorporated various components of philosophy for children, including critical thinking, creative thinking, caring thinking, problem-solving skills, metacognitive awareness in science, scientific exploration, foundational thinking skills, efficient thinking, conversational abilities, encouragement of truth-seeking, engagement with phenomena, and careful observation. The content analysis was performed using both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. The findings revealed that the components of philosophy for children were referenced 628 times across the examined textbooks. Notably, the highest frequency of references to these components was observed in the sixth grade (148 cases), followed by the fourth grade (132 cases), fifth grade (128 cases), second grade (87 cases), third grade (67 cases), and first grade (66 cases). Furthermore, the most frequently cited components included the exploration component (241 cases), conversational ability (103 cases), and core thinking skills (73 cases). In conclusion, these components were utilized to revise selected excerpts from empirical science textbooks, and a sample of the rewritten text along with its corresponding analysis was presented.
Keywords: Philosophy for children, Curriculum, Experimental sciences, Content analysis, Elementary education.
 
Introduction
Philosophy has long been considered an intellectual activity requiring precise knowledge and complex cognitive skills. When considering philosophy’s relationship with childhood, three main tendencies emerge: the philosophy of childhood, teaching philosophy to children, and children philosophizing themselves. Philosophy for Children (P4C) is a global effort to recognize and encourage children’s philosophical abilities by creating spaces for them to engage in intellectual activities. Unlike typical university philosophy classes, P4C sessions focus on philosophical concepts, questions, and debates rather than mastering historical or contemporary arguments. The P4C approach, introduced by Matthew Lipman in the early 1970s, aims to develop critical thinking in students through guided philosophical conversations in the classroom. This method emphasizes collaboration over competitive debate. Influenced by pragmatists like Charles Sanders Peirce and John Dewey, Lipman believed that scientific inquiry should model the educational process. P4C has shown positive impacts on both students and teachers, enhancing critical thinking, teaching, and perceptions of students. Lipman was motivated to create P4C when he realized his children were not being taught reasoning skills at a young age, which he felt was crucial for their intellectual development.
 
Materials and Methods
The study analyzed elementary science textbooks using the philosophy for children’s components. It employed a descriptive content analysis method with a checklist. The study included all elementary science textbooks from first to sixth grade, analyzing text, questions, exercises, and images. The analysis focused on eleven components: critical thinking, creative thinking, caring thinking, problem-solving skills, metacognitive awareness in science, scientific exploration, foundational thinking skills, efficient thinking, conversational abilities, encouragement of truth-seeking, engagement with phenomena, and careful observation. The textbooks were studied for three months, and the components were counted and recorded in tables for each grade. The frequency and percentage of each component were determined and analyzed. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to compare and examine the textbooks. This method allows for a comprehensive comparison of basic science textbooks.
 
Discussion & Result
Teaching the philosophy for children aims to develop reasoning abilities and understanding of philosophy through skills like philosophical, scientific, moral, and social inquiry. This gradual program helps students organize complex thoughts, and enhance reasoning, critical thinking, creativity, and altruism. It focuses on exploring philosophical concepts, recognizing complexity, and appreciating differing views. The main goal is for students to learn to argue, listen, clarify, justify, and explain their thoughts, fostering participation, self-awareness, and decision-making. Education must nurture critical thinking, especially in elementary schools, to prepare students for advanced societies. Despite the recognized importance of philosophy in education, many students lack basic life skills like problem-solving and listening to opposing views. The results showed the attention given to each component in different grades, providing a basis for rewriting text samples. The study highlights the minimal presence of philosophy in elementary science textbooks and emphasizes the need to start philosophical education early to develop creative, responsible adults. The study analyzed the attention to philosophical thinking in elementary science textbooks, finding the highest focus in fourth to sixth grades and the least in first grade. This discrepancy suggests that higher grades, having learned fundamental concepts, show more complex philosophical thinking. The study calls for integrating philosophy into early education to cultivate informed, critical, and thoughtful future generations.
 
Conclusion
In a nutshell, teaching philosophy to children is essential for fostering critical thinking and reasoning skills from an early age. By integrating philosophical inquiry into elementary education, we can help students develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, listening, and understanding diverse perspectives. The findings of the study underscore the need for a more prominent inclusion of philosophical concepts in early curricula, particularly in science textbooks, to ensure that students are equipped with the tools necessary for navigating complex societal challenges. Ultimately, starting philosophical education early will cultivate informed, responsible, and creative individuals who are capable of contributing thoughtfully to their communities