The Importance of Science
The study of science fires pupils' curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought.
Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change; affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.
Key Concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of science and how science works. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding.
- Scientific thinking
- Using scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and developing them creatively to generate and test theories.
- Critically analysing and evaluating evidence from observations and experiments.
- Applications and implications of science
- Exploring how the creative application of scientific ideas can bring about technological developments and consequent changes in the way people think and behave.
- Examining the ethical and moral implications of using and applying science.
- Cultural understanding
- Recognising that modern science has its roots in many different societies and cultures, and draws on a variety of valid approaches to scientific practice.
- Collaboration
- Sharing developments and common understanding across disciplines and boundaries.
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