Resumen

VELASCO, José. Historia de la ciencia y enfoque historiográfico en libros de Ciencias Biológicas de Educación Básica y Educación Media Diversificada Profesional en Venezuela. Revista de Investigación [online]. 2008, vol.32, n.64, pp.063-084. ISSN 1010-2914.

This descriptive research determines: a) the use of history of the science (HS) and how its incorporated in biological science textbooks used in junior, middle and high school and b) the type of historical nature as a strategy to approximate the student to the construction of the biological knowledge. This research covered a sample of 51 textbooks regarding biological science recommended by teachers who deal with the educational levels mentioned above during the school period 2005-2006.For the diagnosis, we employed the instrument called Observational Format,whose analysis allowed us to learn about the historical referent present in the texts, as well the criteria of reference extension, social context, space and time of the individuals and the communities. Its was also done from the debate and controversies generated by them. Altogether, it’s allowed us to place the textbook in one or more approach quoted in the theoretical part of the research. The result indicated that only 41% of the textbook examined presented some kind of historical element when it regards to biological knowledge. The most frequently used elements were: photographs used as illustrations narrations about the contribution of the scientist to biological knowledge, brief additional readings with limited information concerning the subject. Regarding the historical approach, we identifi ed characteristics of both and intellectual approaches.

Palabras clave : Science History; biology teaching; historical approaches and Biology Textbooks.