Abstract

This review paper presents the historical development of elementary learning about nature with a focus on the didactic aspects of the educational process. The aim of the paper is not to provide a comprehensive detailed list of concepts, contents and approaches to teaching science, or a complete summary of the pedagogical work of personalities who have made a significant contribution to the development of the field of learning about nature for pupils of younger school age. We seek to identify key theories and themes and a synthesis of the existing knowledge that, in a historical context, has made it possible to build elementary learning about nature and society at Key Stage 1 for the needs of the contemporary primary school. In a selection of theoretical approaches, teachers and their representative works, we provide an illustrative overview of the development of the concept of teaching science topics. We demonstrate the connection between theoretical data and practical application by analysing selected didactic aspects - educational goals, didactic principles and principles, teaching methods, organisational forms and demands on teachers' professional competences in the context of political and socio-cultural conditions that were significant for the development of pedagogy in key historical periods.