Science gives students opportunities to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, science's contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills needed to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate in science-related careers. In addition to its practical applications, learning science is a valuable pursuit in its own right. Students can experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them. In doing this, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific practices. The wider benefits of this 'scientific literacy' are well established, including giving students the capability to investigate the natural world and changes made to it through human activity.
Aims
The Australian Curriculum: Science aims to ensure that students develop:
• an interest in science as a means of expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and speculate on the changing world in which they live
• a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, Earth and space, physical and chemical sciences, including being able to select and integrate the scientific knowledge and practices needed to explain and predict phenomena, to apply that understanding to new situations and events, and to appreciate the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge Australian Curriculum: Science – All elements F–10
• an understanding of the nature 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 principles; collecting 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 ideas on the basis of evidence, and to evaluate and debate scientific arguments and claims
• an ability to solve problems and make informed, evidence-based decisions about current and future applications of science while taking into account ethical and social implications of decisions
• an understanding of historical and cultural contributions to science as well as contemporary science issues and activities and an understanding of the relationship between science and society.
The Australian Curriculum: Science has three interrelated strands:
• Science understanding
• Science as a human endeavour
• Science inquiry.
Together, the three strands provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world.
Students are challenged to explore science, its concepts, nature and uses through clearly described inquiry processes.