Rationale
Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world. Through science, we explore the unknown, investigate universal phenomena, make predictions and solve problems. Science gives us an empirical way of answering curious and important questions about the changing world we live in. Science knowledge is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises and has proven to be a reliable basis for action in our personal, social and economic lives.
Aims
The Australian Curriculum: Science aims to ensure that students develop:
- an interest in science as a way of expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and speculate on the changing world they live in
- a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, Earth and space, physical and chemical sciences, including being able to select and integrate scientific knowledge and practices to explain and predict phenomena and to apply understanding to new situations and events
- an understanding of scientific inquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry practices, including questioning; planning and conducting experiments and investigations based on ethical and interculturally aware principles; generating and analysing data; evaluating results; and drawing critical, evidence-based conclusions
- an ability to communicate scientific understanding and findings to a range of audiences, to justify claims with evidence, and to evaluate and debate scientific explanations and arguments
- an ability to solve problems and make informed decisions about current and future uses of science while taking into account ethical, environmental, social and economic implications of decisions
- an understanding of the dynamic nature of science knowledge including historical and global contributions, and an understanding of the relationship between science and society including the diversity of science careers.
Structure