Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to our economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society. Education should add impetus to the long tradition of scientific discovery, of innovation in the application of scientific discovery, and of the application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment.

In Middle School through learning in the sciences, children and young people develop their interest in, and understanding of, the living, material and physical world. They engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising adults in a world where the skills and knowledge of the sciences are needed across all sectors of the economy.

In Middle School children and young people participating in the experiences and outcomes in the sciences will:

• Develop a curiosity and understanding of their environment and their place in the living, material and physical world

• Demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of the sciences

• Develop skills for learning, life and work

• Develop skills of scientific inquiry and investigation using practical techniques

• Develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language, formulae and equations

• Recognise the role of creativity and inventiveness in the development of the sciences

• Apply safety measures and take necessary actions to control risk and hazards

• Recognise the impact the sciences make on their lives, the lives of others, the environment and on society

• Develop an understanding of the Earth’s resources and the need for responsible use of them

• Express opinions and make decisions on social, moral, ethical, economic and environmental issues based upon sound understanding

• Develop as scientifically literate citizens with a lifelong interest in the sciences

• Establish the foundation for more advanced learning and, for some, future careers in the sciences and the technologies.

The Curriculum identifies key concepts by using five organisers:

• Planet Earth

• Forces, electricity and waves

• Biological systems

• Materials

• Topical science.

Effective learning and teaching approaches extend experiential learning from the early years into primary , Middle school and beyond.
In the sciences, effective learning and teaching is practised by the skilful use of varied approaches, including:

• Active learning and planned, purposeful play

• Development of problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills

• Development of scientific practical investigation and inquiry

• Use of relevant contexts, familiar to young people’s experiences

• Appropriate and effective use of technology, real materials and living things

• Collaborative learning and independent thinking

• Emphasis on children explaining their understanding of concepts, informed discussion and communication.

Through involvement in a wide range of open-ended experiences, challenges and investigations, including those related to the applications of science in areas such as engineering, medicine and forensics, children and young people develop skills of critical thinking and appreciate the key role of the scientific process both in generating new knowledge and in applying this to addressing the needs of society.

In Middle School the experiences and outcomes in science provide opportunities for children and young people to develop and practise a range of inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking skills, and develop attitudes and attributes of a scientifically literate citizen; they also support the development of a range of skills for life and skills for work, including literacy, numeracy and skills in information and communications technology (ICT).

In Middle School children take part in a range of scientific investigations and inquiries which develop their understanding of the underlying scientific concepts appropriate for middle school level. They develop a growing awareness of themselves and the world around them through observation, collecting specimens and carrying out experiments. They develop their ability to formulate questions or predictions based on observations or information that can be answered through experimentation, inquiry and research. As they answer these questions, they show an increasing awareness of the factors that could be changed and can plan a ‘fair test’ that involves keeping all the factors the same except one.

While conducting experiments, children are able to safely use simple tools, equipment, apparatus and procedures. They make observations, collect information and make measurements accurately using relevant devices and standard units and ICT where appropriate. They can select, with assistance, appropriate methods to record their findings.

Learners at this level use simple charts and diagrams to present, analyse and interpret their findings, identifying simple relationships, making links to their original questions or predictions and drawing conclusions consistent with findings. They can present their findings in writing, orally or visually using a variety of media.