Science

The intent of the Hassenbrook Science Dept is to develop students understanding of science through the aspects of Learn, Value and Respect.

LEARN. Students acquire knowledge and develop an interest in the science they study to enable them to appreciate learning as an important lifelong skill.

VALUE. Learners will value the role of science in society and their lives. They will learn that any contribution, regardless of ability is possible and it has the potential to have wide impact in the future.

RESPECT. Learners will build respectful relationships of trust, kindness, safety, and support with each other to promote the love of science.

Developing our ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test our ideas, solve problems, and apply what we learn. Provide a powerful platform for building confidence, developing communication skills, and making sense of the world around us—a world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.

Students will see themselves as scientists and engineers instead of passively observing other people doing the work of science.

Learners will be passionate about how science contributes to ensuring a longer and healthier life, monitors our health, provides medicine to cure our diseases, alleviates aches and pains, helps us to provide water for our basic needs – including our food, provides energy and makes life more fun, including sports, music, entertainment and the latest communication technology. Learners will no longer think or comment ‘Why are we learning this’.

Literacy Focus – DISCIPLINARY LANGUAGE

What do we mean by ‘disciplinary language’?

The term ‘disciplinary language’ refers to the way in which we read, write and talk in a subject. This covers vocabulary specific to a subject, as every subject has its own language.

Within the subject of science, we need to teach students the skills of writing, talking and reading like a scientist. (‘Teachers should develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject’ – National curriculum 2014).

Giving students the opportunities to develop these skills in science lessons, through all the Key Stages, will:

• support their understanding of science

• help them develop their scientific literacy

• help them to think like scientists

• encourage them to question and explore the wonders of science.

In assessments, students will need to bring these skills together in order to understand what the question is asking them to do and then to write a precise, logical and well-structured answer

Diversity in Science

Scientists often speak of three levels of diversity: species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity. In fact, these levels cannot be separated. Each is important, interacting with and influencing others. Changes at one level can cause changes at other levels.

This can be learned in units:

Ecology

Genetics and inheritance

History of the Periodic Table

Evolution of the atom.