Comparison of science curricula in Türkiye and the United Kingdom

This study compares the science curricula of Turkey and the United Kingdom in terms of objectives, outcomes, content, teaching methods, assessment and evaluation, highlighting their similarities and differences. The data sources for the research consist of the websites of the science curricula of Turkey and the United Kingdom. The sample for this study includes Turkey's current science curriculum, published by the Board of Education under the Ministry of National Education and the current science curriculum of the United Kingdom, published by the Department for Education. The research employs document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. The study's findings indicate that the Turkish national education system focuses more on moral, national, and spiritual values, while the UK education system emphasizes a more realistic and needs-based approach. When the outcomes of the two countries are examined, it is observed that similar outcomes are present in the same or different grade levels in both the UK and Turkey. Some outcomes are not shared between the two countries due to cultural, sociological, religious and societal differences. In terms of teaching methods, both countries place the student at the center of the learning process, with an emphasis on experiential learning, where the nature of science, scientific methods, and processes are employed in teaching strategies and techniques. Additionally, it was found that in Turkey, exams determine whether a student passes or fails, whereas in the UK, exams are conducted only to assess skill levels.