Challenges in science teaching practiced in year 1-6 - A mapping of Danish public schools

This study maps the current challenges facing Nature/Technology (NT) as a subject in Danish schools. NT was developed in 1993 and is taught from grades 1 to 6. This study employed a quantitative register study, analysing microdata from Statistics Denmark on all NT teachers in public schools, with a particular focus on professional identities and organizational conditions. Results revealed that only 28% of NT teachers in 2023 had formal qualifications in the subject, with 48% lacking any formal qualifications. A significant portion of NT teachers holds degrees in other subjects such as Mathematics, and many have limited teaching experience in NT. Organizationally, large variations between different municipalities are observed, ranging from 16% to 43% of formally qualified NT teachers. This study reveals significat gender differences in NT teacher qualifications, with women constituting the majority of NT teacherrs (64%). This study highlights the ongoing challenges facing NT both as a subject and for teachers, for developing a professional identity within NT but also the organizational challanges that NT faces.