Science

More able learners in Science may display a selection of the following characteristics:
• Aware of how the context influences the interpretation of science content
• Recognise patterns and relationships in science data
• Can hypothesise/predict based on valid evidence and draw conclusions
• Decide quickly how to investigate fairly and manipulate variables
• Enjoy researching obscure facts and applying scientific theories, ideas and models when explaining a range of phenomena
• Recognise and process reliable, valid and accurate data; can explain why data is unreliable, invalid or inaccurate
• Inquisitive about how things work and why things happen
• Good observational skills
• Enjoy talking with the teacher about new information or ideas
• Think flexibly, generalise ideas and adapt problem-solving approaches
• Ask many questions
• Enjoy logical reasoning
• May be able to miss out steps when reasoning
• Strive for maximum accuracy in measurements of all sorts
• Use advanced and extensive vocabulary, including the use of appropriate language from other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics
• Put forward objective arguments, using combinations of evidence and creative ideas, and question other people’s conclusions
• Extremely interested in finding out more about things around them
• Read widely on science or science fiction
• Have scientific hobbies and/or members of scientific clubs and societies
• Able to sustain their interest and concentration and go beyond an obvious answer with greater depth
• Able to evaluate findings and think critically; can be self-critical
• Easily bored by over-repetition of basic ideas; may approach undemanding work casually and carelessly

NB: Learners who are more able in science can show intense interest in one particular area of science, sometimes to the exclusion of other topics