The Science Capabilities

THE FIVE SCIENCE CAPABILITIES

Five basic capabilities in the science learning area have been identified from the Nature of Science (NOS) research.

1. Gather and interpret data

Learners make careful observations and differentiate between observation and inference

2. Use evidence

Learners support their ideas with evidence and look for evidence supporting others’ explanations

3. Critique evidence

Not all questions can be answered by science

4. Interpret representations

Scientists represent their ideas in a variety of ways, including models, graphs, charts, diagrams and written texts

5. Engage with Science

This capability requires students to use the other capabilities to engage with science in ‘real life’ contexts.

HOW THE CAPABILITIES RELATE TO THE NATURE OF SCIENCE STRAND OF NEW ZEALAND CURRICULUM

The Nature of Science (NOS) strand in the New Zealand Curriculum explores how science knowledge is created and used in the world. The five science capabilities are linked to the Nature of Science sub-strands thus:

The first three capabilities link to Understanding about science (the focus is on scientists’ investigations)

The first three capabilities link to Investigating in science (the focus is on students’ investigations)

The fourth capability links to Communicating in science

The fifth capability links to Participating and Contributing