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MAKING SENSE OF THE LIVING WORLD

ACHIEVEMENT AIMS

In their study of the living world, students will use their developing scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to:
  1. gain an understanding of order and pattern in the diversity of living organisms, including the special characteristics of New Zealand plants and animals;
  2. investigate and understand relationships between structure and function in living organisms;
  3. investigate and understand how organisms grow, reproduce, and change over generations;
  4. investigate local ecosystems and understand the interdependence of living organisms, including humans, and their relationship with their physical environment.

Students need to be encouraged to consider the social and ethical implications involved in making responsible decisions about living things.

 

In their study of the living world, students should be developing an awareness of New Zealand's plants and animals and an appreciation of the special features of the New Zealand environment.

Initially, investigations into the relationships between living things, and between living things and their physical environment, should involve local examples. As their understanding of ecological relationships develops, students should be introduced to examples from other areas of New Zealand and beyond. In this way, students will become aware of New Zealand's place in the global environment and sensitive to the vulnerability of the biosphere.

Although it is required that students will carry out investigations involving live organisms, teachers and students need to carefully consider the social and ethical implications involved, make responsible decisions about living things, and conform to legal requirements in this area. Teachers and students should be guided by advice and requirements set out in Code of Ethical Conduct for the Care and Use of Animals in School Programmes, Department of Education, Wellington, 1988.

 

 

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