Identifying The Requirements and Contexts for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Experimental Science Curriculum: Thematic Analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Curriculum Studies, Department of Educational Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Educational Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.

Abstract

This study purposed to identify the requirements and contexts for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the science curriculum of lower secondary schools. The research employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory design. Participants consisted of 16 science teachers from lower secondary schools, selected purposefully based on criteria such as a minimum of eight years of teaching experience and familiarity with modern educational technologies. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis through coding and the identification of basic, organizing, and global themes. The results revealed four main categories: managerial–supervisory requirements (organizational support and supervision, continuous teacher evaluation, and inter-institutional collaboration); pedagogical–specialized requirements (developing teachers’ digital literacy, redesigning content, and fostering scientific and critical thinking); infrastructural–technological requirements (equipping schools, designing intelligent teaching assistants, and establishing cloud-based platforms); and cultural–social contexts (parental support, positive attitudes toward technology, and culture-building). The findings highlight that the effective implementation of AI in science education requires an integrated approach that combines managerial, pedagogical, infrastructural, and cultural measures to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 September 2025
  • First Publish Date: 15 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 23 September 2025

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