Abstract
The inclusion of the topics from history of chemistry in pre-service chemistry teachers education could enable future teachers to see the evolution of chemistry through centuries, the historical steps in the formation of chemical knowledge, progression of ideas, rejection of initial theories based of new evidences, and the difficulties the scientists faced in their work and life. Throughout learning these historical contents pre-service chemistry teachers could improve their understanding the nature of science.
Additionally, they could identify the potential of history of chemistry as a context for learning the nature of science in their future teaching practice. Based on these in the literature described benefits, an elective course entitled Chemistry as part of society through centuries has been introduced in the education of future teachers at Faculty of Education Charles University in Prague.
Twelve topics were elaborated in the framework of this course. Among them, ten topics were dedicated to historical development of chemistry, one topic was related to history of chemistry education, while the last topic served for summarization and making implications for the future.
The course was organized in English language and realized through lectures and use of various teaching materials. Apart completing different tasks during teaching, students' final activity included searching literature and writing essays.
From the students' portfolios that contain all theirs works in the framework of the course, it is evident that students made a progress in the knowledge of history of chemistry contents, as well as in understanding the nature of science. The students expressed positive attitudes towards the new course.