SCIENCE

Science provides a distinctive view and way of thinking about the world. The study of science has led to an evolving body of knowledge organised as an interrelated set of models, theories, laws, systems, structures and interactions. It is through this body of knowledge that science provides explanations for a variety of phenomena and enables sense to be made of the biological, physical and technological world. An understanding of science and its social and cultural contexts provides a basis for future choices and ethical decisions about local and global applications and implications of science.

The aim of the Science Years 7–10 Syllabus is to provide learning experiences through which students will:

• acquire scientific knowledge and skills and develop understanding about phenomena within and beyond their experience
• develop an appreciation of science as a human activity and apply their understanding to their everyday life
• develop positive values about and attitudes towards themselves, others, lifelong learning, science and the environment.

There are three strands to this course.

(1) Knowledge and Understanding: where students develop knowledge and understanding of

• the history of science
• the nature and practice of science
• applications and uses of science
• implications of science for society and the environment
• current issues, research and development
• models, theories and laws, and structures and systems related to the physical world, matter, the living world, and Earth and space
• interactions within the physical world, matter, the living world and Earth and space.

(2) Skills: Students develop skills in working scientifically through: