Flemington PS - Science

A major goal of science education is to develop citizens who are capable of engaging in informed debate about science and its applications. Increasing emphasis will be placed on the role of science and the work of Australian and other scientists in addressing issues of sustainability at a local and global level. Science education provides opportunities for students to develop the skills and understanding appropriate to service and good citizenship. It also encourages students to articulate science values and accept the ethical principles embedded in science research. While only some students directly pursue a career in science and scientific research, all students need to appreciate the significance of science for the long-term future of our society.

Students in Grades Prep-2 are taught Science through the Inquiry Learning/Integrated Studies component of their classroom program. Classroom teachers are supported in their planning, the lessons, activities and resources they use and in the sequential and developmental skills and knowledge leading into the Level 3 curriculum.

Science knowledge and understanding
The Science knowledge and understanding dimension focuses on building student understanding of the overarching conceptual ideas of science. These include

understanding: the nature of the similarities and diversity between living things and their sustainable relationships with each other and their environment
concepts related to matter - its properties and uses, and the production of different substances through chemical change
concepts of energy and force as a way of explaining physical phenomena
the place of the Earth in time and space and the interactions between the Earth and its atmosphere
how scale is important in relating structure to function at microscopic and macroscopic levels.
These understandings enable students to build on their curiosity and answer their own questions about themselves and their interactions with the world while at the same time allowing them to think through contemporary challenges and issues. Through this, students come to understand how science relates to society and the environment.

Science at work
The Science at work dimension focuses on students experiencing and researching how people work with and through science. Students learn to be curious and to use scientific understanding and processes to find answers to their questions. They design and pursue investigations ethically and safely; generate, validate and critique evidence; analyse and interpret ideas and link them with existing understanding; work and reason with scientific models and communicate their findings and ideas to others. They identify and practise the underlying values, skills and attributes of science.

Through their investigations, they gain insight into science as a human activity and the relationship between science, technology and society both now and in the future. They explore how science is used in multiple contexts throughout their lives and its pervasiveness throughout the workplace.

Safety
Students will be exposed to potentially hazardous materials and practices when undertaking scientific activities and investigations. Beginning with their first year at school, students are made aware of safe practices and are encouraged to act responsibly when conducting investigations. As students progress through their schooling they develop skills in the safe use of scientific apparatus, including heating and electrical equipment, the safe handling of living and non-living organic materials and the correct use and disposal of chemicals.