Integrating the Natural and Social Sciences in a Ghanaian University: An Idea for Curriculum Orientation

The time has come for the natural and social scientists to integrate their disciplines for the acquisition of skills to solve real life challenges. This study was premised on the belief that the principles of systems thinking, humanitarianism, sustainability, security, and love, which feature prominently in the social sciences could be integrated into the natural sciences. The underlying theory for a possible approach was considered to be the social constructivist theory, as it could transform learners’ ideas about the intersection of natural and social sciences in an active, motivating, collaborative, and non-discriminatory manner. An instrument used to gather data on this idea was a semi-structured guided conversation. Data gathered was interpreted qualitatively. Findings showed that the process to transform the teaching of natural and social sciences was feasible to enable learners to acquire transferrable and concept skills for lifelong living. Participants became aware of the possibility of applying scientific knowledge to solve some humanitarian challenges. They observed that the integration would enable the development of attributes such as love for each other and the environment, tolerance, patience, critical thinking, reflective and analytical skills, if the proposition is considered for curricula implementation. The conversations corroborated findings from other studies that perceived that science integrated in the social sciences and vice versa was feasible. It was concluded that, exposing Ghanaian students to real life experiences in a safe environment through chemical and social principles could make them appreciate the chemistry concepts in the social sciences, and vice versa, for a better world.