Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science is central to our economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society.
Children and young people are fascinated by new discoveries and technologies and become increasingly aware of, and passionate about, the impact of science on their own health and wellbeing, the health of society and the health of the environment.
Through learning in the sciences, children and young people develop their interest in, and understanding of, the living, material and physical world. They engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising adults in a world where the skills and knowledge of the sciences are needed across all sectors of the economy.
Science includes experiences and outcomes in biological, chemical, physical and environmental contexts.
The most important goal for science education is to stimulate, nurture and sustain the curiosity, wonder and questioning of children and young people.
Learning through the sciences enables children and young people to:
- investigate their environment by observing, exploring, investigating and recording
- demonstrate a secure understanding of the big ideas and concepts of science
- make sense of evidence collected and presented in a scientific manner
- recognise the impact science makes on their lives, on the lives of others, on the environment and on culture
- express opinions and make decisions on social, moral, ethical, economic and environmental issues informed by their knowledge and understanding of science
- establish the foundation where appropriate, for more advanced learning and future careers in the sciences and technologies.
