DIscovery SCiENCE !

In science there are three categories of strands all of which support learners in understanding and investigating natural phenomena and providing a foundation for developing future scientific skills, knowledge and attitudes:

1. A skill strand – Thinking and Working Scientifically

2. Content strands – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space

3. A context strand – Science in Context

xxxxx

bbbbbbbb

Thinking and Working Scientifically

This strand relates to the development of scientific skills and covers three core scientific approaches:

• Models and representations: Scientists use models and representations to represent objects, systems and processes. They help scientists explain and think about scientific ideas that are not visible or are abstract. Scientists can then use their models and representations to make predictions or to explain observations.

Cambridge Primary Science includes learning objectives about models and representations because they are central to learners’ understanding of science. They also prepare learners for the science they will encounter later in their education.

• Scientific enquiry: Learners need to develop scientific enquiry skills around the purpose and planning of experiments and investigations, evidence collection, analysis, making evaluations and conclusions. These skills enable learners to investigate the world around them and relate their scientific knowledge to observable and testable phenomena.

• Practical work: Learners require good skills of observation, measurement and equipment handling. These skills enable learners to collect accurate and reliable data within investigation work. The development of practical work and the skills associated with it supports the collection of data.

The content strands

Biology is the study of living things and how they interact with each other. Learners develop understanding about life processes including how the structure and development of living things allows them to maintain these processes.

Chemistry is the study of matter. Matter takes the form of materials that are made up of substances. Learners develop understanding of materials and substances, their properties and their physical and chemical changes.

Physics is the study of the interaction of matter and energy. Learners develop understanding about how heat and electrical current is transferred through matter, how light and sound behave, how magnets interact and how forces affect objects.

Earth and Space covers the study of the planet Earth, the wider Solar System and beyond. Learners develop understanding about the connections between the land, oceans, atmosphere and life of our planet. They investigate how the key cycles that shape our planet Earth are inextricably linked with the Solar System. Learners will also explore the Earth’s formation, geology and climate.

Science in Context

This strand provides a framework of statements to help learners study and understand the learning objectives

within the other five science strands in a context relevant to them. Learners recognise how the science curriculum

relates to the real world by linking concepts and processes learned in the classroom to scientists and their work,

science phenomena, and ideas and events relevant to their age and experience. In Stages 1 to 3, science activities

should focus on learners’ experiences and surroundings. In Stages 4 to 6, the science activities should draw on

broader local contexts or elsewhere in the country and region.