Science

Science at St Joseph’s

Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations. NZCp28

Students will use science to solve problems and make decisions throughout their lives, and identify that many challenges and opportunities need to be approached from a scientific perspective, identifying social and ethical considerations, and in St Joseph’s School our Catholic perspective.

Nature of Science is the core strand in Science, and should be identified within all Science learning contexts. Through it, students learn what Science is and how scientists work, they develop the skills, attitudes, and values to build a foundation for understanding the world, and recognise the development of scientific investigations and how they affect people and communities. They learn how Science is linked to everyday decisions and actions.

The other four strands of Science are knowledge based.

Living World is about living things and how they interact with each other and the environment, particularly within a New Zealand perspective. Through the Living World, students will begin to understand the diversity of life and life processes, ecology, and how people affect this. Students will become more informed in their decision making about significant biological issues.

Planet Earth and Beyond is about the interconnecting systems and processes of the Earth, other parts of the solar system, and the universe beyond. Students learn that Earth’s subsystems of geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (life) are all important, and how people’s interaction with these make a difference. Students will develop an understanding of Earth’s resources and issues facing our planet, and make informed decisions about their sustainability.

Physical World develops for students explanations for a wide range of physical phenomena, including light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, forces, and motion… Knowing about physics enables people to understand a wide range of contemporary issues and challenges and potential technological solutions.

Material World involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. In chemistry, students develop an understanding of the composition and properties of matter, the changes it undergoes, and the energy involved. This helps them make sense of the world around them. Using this knowledge, students are better able to understand science-related challenges, such as environmental sustainability and the development of new materials, pharmaceuticals, and sources of energy.