TKI - whatsnew2


		So What's New In Science?


		A New Structure

Science education has a number of features, all of which are important.

These are described as 'strands' which link together the teaching and learning in science programmes.

There are six 'strands'. The 'strands' are of two types:

THE INTEGRATING STRANDS
These two strands link across (or integrate) the contextual strands. They are:

THE CONTEXTUAL STRANDS
Four of the strands are the contexts for learning in science. Teachers will be linking learning experiences across these strands as well a within them.

The Integrating Strands

DEVELOPING SCIENTIFIC SKILLS AND ATTITUDES

This strand is about developing the skills and attitudes needed for scientific investigation, for example: asking questions

carrying out investigations
devising answers
evaluating the results
finding solutions to problems.

MAKING SENSE OF THE NATURE OF SCIENCE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO TECHNOLOGY

This strand includes scientific thinking, links with technology, and how the uses of scientific ideas impact on people, society, and the world.

The Contextual Strands
THE LIVING WORLD

The living world strand is about the study of living organisms and how they grow, reproduce, and change. It also includes the ways that all living things relate to each other and to their surroundings.

THE PLANET EARTH AND BEYOND

The planet earth and beyond strand is about the study of what makes up the earth, the processes which have shaped it and spaces beyond. It will help develop students' sense of responsibility for the earth's resources.

THE MATERIAL WORLD
The material world strand is about the study of the nature and properties of substances. It includes the study of chemical substances at home, and of how the material world relate to people, technology, and the environment.

THE PHYSICAL WORLD

The physical world strand is about the study of natural physical phenomena and events, including light, heat, sound, motion, electricity, magnetism, and energy.

return to the list