naturorienterande

Naturorienterande is a Swedish term that describes a nature- or science-oriented approach in education. It is used to classify study tracks, curricula, or courses that emphasize natural sciences, the study of nature, and the environment. The concept covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geography, environmental science, and mathematics when taught with a focus on natural phenomena, scientific reasoning, and empirical inquiry.

In the Swedish school system, naturorienterande is often used to designate inriktningar or pathways within programs that prioritize science content. It is commonly associated with upper secondary education (gymnasieskolan) and with foundational science curricula in earlier grades. The exact structure can vary between schools and reforms, but the core idea is to provide students with strong grounding in natural sciences, analytical methods, and inquiry-based learning.

The term is typically contrasted with other orientations, such as humaniora, samhällsvetenskap, or language-oriented tracks. It is closely tied to broader aims of science education and environmental literacy, promoting practical work, experiments, field studies, and data interpretation as central elements of learning.

Examples of naturorienterande content include laboratory experiments, fieldwork in ecological or geographical contexts, and coursework that integrates scientific methods with mathematical reasoning. The concept serves as a guide for structuring curricula and for communicating the focus of a course or program to students and educators.

See also: naturvetenskap, miljövetenskap, biologi, kemi, fysik, geografi, matematik.