INTRODUCTION

Science involves people investigating the living, physical, material, and technological components of their environment and making sense of them in logical and creative ways. Using systematic and creative processes of investigation, scientists produce a constantly evolving body of knowledge and make an important contribution to the decisions which are shaping our world and the world of future generations.

Learning in science is fundamental to understanding the world in which we live and work. It helps people to clarify ideas, to ask questions, to test explanations through measurement and observation, and to use their findings to establish the worth of an idea.

The science curriculum needs to recognise that science is a universal discipline and to acknowledge the contribution that different cultural perspectives make to the development of understanding in science. In New Zealand, the inclusion of Māori knowledge about the natural and physical worlds will enrich the curriculum for all students.

Science and technology are major influences in many aspects of our daily lives, at work, at play, and at home. Our dependence on science and technology demands a high level of scientific literacy for all New Zealanders and requires a comprehensive science education for all students, as well as for those who will have careers in science and technology.

Accordingly, this curriculum provides a framework of learning in science for all students. To promote a contemporary and comprehensive science education this curriculum statement has been organised into six integrated learning strands. Four of the strands ' Making Sense of the Living World, Making Sense of the Physical World, Making Sense of the Material World, and Making Sense of Planet Earth and Beyond ' provide the broad learning contexts through which the other two integrating strands are developed. These other two are Making Sense of the Nature of Science and its Relationship to Technology and Developing Scientific Skills and Attitudes.

The curriculum in science is designed to encourage all students to continue their participation in science education beyond the years in which it is a required school subject. Many students with ability and interest in science will further their science education in the senior school. Some will continue to study science as an integrated subject, some will study specialist science subjects, and others may do both.