A STUDY OF LEARNING DIFFICULTIES FACED BY CLASS IX STUDENTS IN SCIENCE SUBJECT

Abstract

Science, society, and culture are deeply interwoven threads of the human experience, each shaping and being shaped by the others in a complex and dynamic relationship that has evolved over centuries. Science, as the pursuit of knowledge about the natural and social worlds through observation and experimentation, does not exist in a vacuum—it is both a product and a driver of cultural values, societal priorities, and collective worldviews. The emergence of modern science during the Enlightenment period, for instance, marked a cultural transformation where reason, empirical evidence, and skepticism began to challenge long-standing religious and traditional authorities, leading to shifts in political power, education, and economic structures. As science matured into a formal discipline, its applications began to revolutionize everyday life, from the Industrial Revolution’s technological innovations to the digital revolution that has interconnected the world. These transformations fundamentally altered how people interact with each other and their environments, reshaping everything from communication and transportation to education, healthcare, and governance. Society, in turn, influences the direction, funding, and ethics of scientific research. Governments, institutions, and even grassroots movements play critical roles in determining which areas of science receive attention and resources—whether it’s curing diseases, advancing artificial intelligence, exploring outer space, or mitigating climate change. Social values and public perception also shape science’s acceptance and application; for example, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and vaccines are seen as scientific advancements in some cultures, while they face skepticism or resistance in others due to historical, ethical, or religious concerns.