| |
Foundation Statements
Nelson Science & Technology 7/8 was developed based on the following
principles:
- Students enter grades 7/8 science with prior knowledge and skills,
but they may also have misconceptions based on earlier experience
and observations about the world around them. In Nelson Science
& Technology 7/8, concepts are developed in meaningful contexts
from which students can understand concepts and alter any misconceptions
they may have. These contexts relate science, technology, society
and the environment so that students are able to develop an understanding
of the concepts as they relate to real-world situations.
- Students need opportunities to reflect on their learning individually
and with others. In Nelson Science & Technology 7/8, students
are provided with many opportunities to share and affirm knowledge
and ideas individually and with others, allowing them to construct
new knowledge or modify what they already know.
- Students require opportunities for active engagement with learning.
In Nelson Science & Technology 7/8, students are actively engaged
in developing skills for inquiry, design, research and decision-making.
Varied situations are provided for exploration and to extend knowledge.
As well, students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, confront
moral and ethical questions and develop critical thinking skills.
- Students need to develop attitudes as they relate to working collaboratively,
demonstrating "habits of mind" such as accuracy and honesty in reporting
results from experiments, stewardship toward maintaining a sustainable
environment, and demonstrating safe work practices. Nelson Science
& Technology 7/8 supports development of these attitudes.
- Students should be given equal opportunity to learn the basic concepts
and skills of science and technology. All students are capable of
learning and Nelson Science & Technology 7/8 is designed to
suit a variety of learning styles.
- Students should understand that science and technology are two separate
disciplines. Nelson Science & Technology 7/8 distinguishes
between science and technology by focusing on science through inquiry
and asking questions, and by focusing on technology through design
and solving problems based on specific criteria.
- Students need to develop scientific and technological literacy to
be able to understand the interrelationships of science and technology
to each other, and to society and the environment, in order to make
meaningful decisions and personal choices. Nelson Science & Technology
7/8 that it is important for students to understand the constructed
environment in which they live as well as the natural and physical
environment which is the domain of science.
|
|
|
