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The School Science Lab: Hybrid Space and the Production of School Science

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Cultural, Social, and Political Perspectives in Science Education

Part of the book series: Cultural Studies of Science Education ((CSSE,volume 15))

Abstract

This chapter explores the dialectic of the physical space of the school science laboratory and the school science practice. In so doing, I intend to trouble a seemingly limited understanding of the spatial influence on practical activities in general science – in other words, the invisibility of space. The school science lab has traits from both classrooms and science labs – it is thus a hybrid space. The approach in this chapter is informed by an understanding of spatial dimensions as continuously produced, reproduced and contested. The space is social: it is man-made and constantly remade through the use of teachers and students. While this fluidity points to a potential for change and agency, the physical space also set limits for science practices and the kind of participations that are possible within the hybrid space. The chapter discusses school science practices that are produced within the hybrid space.

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Acknowledgements

There are two persons in addition to the researchers within the network that have made this text possible: Professor Stein Dankert Kolstø for sharing this interesting empirical material with me and Associate Professor Kristin Solli for valuable input and constructive criticism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway

    Gerd Johansen

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  1. Gerd Johansen
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Correspondence to Gerd Johansen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Learning and Philosophy, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Kathrin Otrel-Cass

  2. VIA University College, Teacher Education, Silkeborg, Denmark

    Martin Krabbe Sillasen

  3. Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Auli Arvola Orlander

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Johansen, G. (2018). The School Science Lab: Hybrid Space and the Production of School Science. In: Otrel-Cass, K., Sillasen, M., Orlander, A. (eds) Cultural, Social, and Political Perspectives in Science Education . Cultural Studies of Science Education, vol 15. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61191-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61191-4_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-61190-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-61191-4

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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