naturkunskaper

Naturkunskaper is a Swedish term that denotes knowledge about the natural world based on the scientific method. It encompasses understanding of living organisms, matter and energy, forces, Earth and its processes, climate and weather, ecosystems, and the ways these elements influence each other. The field emphasizes empirical observation, forming hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and evaluating evidence.

Naturkunskaper spans multiple disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, meteorology, and ecology, and often overlaps with geography, environmental studies, and technology. It seeks to explain natural phenomena, make testable predictions, and inform decisions in health, agriculture, industry, and policy. A key aim is scientific literacy: recognizing uncertainty, assessing sources, using evidence to support or challenge claims, and understanding how models and theories are used to describe the natural world.

In education, naturkunskaper is commonly taught as a school subject or integrated across science and social studies to foster inquiry-based learning and critical thinking about the natural environment. It supports citizens in interpreting contemporary debates—such as climate change, biodiversity, and technological risk—and in making informed choices in daily life. While it draws on specialized disciplines, naturkunskaper is intended as broad knowledge accessible to a general audience.