Practical work to deliver ‘How science works’ SAPS (Science and Plants for Schools)

Changes to KS4 There is an emphasis on scientific literacy Pupils should get better at distinguishing between opinion based on scientific evidence and opinion based on non scientific ideas – they should be increasingly able to question the reports they see in the media.. They should learn about the applications of scientific knowledge and how these have changed over time and they should develop a greater understanding of the social, economic and ethical implications of certain decisions

Slight worry.. Many of the texts and resource materials being published for the new specifications do not emphasise practical work Lots of good activities and exercises but many rely only on secondary data or analysing articles from the media And yet if we look at the statements in the ‘how science works’ section……

Data, evidence, theories and explanations 1a. How scientific data can be collected and analysed. 1b. How interpretation of data, using creative thought, provides evidence to test ideas and develop theories. 1c. How explanations of many phenomena can be developed using scientific theories, models and ideas. 1d. That there are some questions that science cannot currently answer, and some that science cannot address.

Practical and enquiry skills 2a. Plan to test a scientific idea, answer a scientific question or solve a scientific problem. 2b. Collect data from primary or secondary sources, including using ICT sources and tools. 2c. Work accurately and safely, individually and with others, when collecting first hand data. 2d. Evaluate methods of collection of data and consider their validity and reliability as evidence.

Communication skills 3a. Recall, analyse, interpret, apply and question scientific information or ideas. 3b. Use both qualitative and quantitative approaches 3c. Present information, develop and argument and draw a conclusion, using scientific, technical and mathematical language, conventions and symbols and ICT tools.

Applications and implications of science 4a. About the use of contemporary scientific and technological developments and their benefits, drawbacks and risks. 4b. To consider how and why decisions about science and technology are made, including those that raise ethical issues, and about the social, economic and environmental effects of such decisions. 4c. How uncertainties in scientific knowledge and scientific ideas change over time and about the role of the scientific community in validating these changes.

Our view is.. The best way to encourage this is to do real investigative science To help students to become genuinely curious by… setting investigatory work in a context and providing stimulus material to get them to generate their own questions