The Material World

Jan Taylor Head of Science Recently the Years 4 to 8 boys have been working on chemistry related topics. The phrase we use in school circles for chemistry is ‘the material world’. It goes without saying that the New Zealand Curriculum provides a framework for teachers to plan activities and cover important learning areas. All of our science teaching at Medbury has an emphasis on the nature of science. What does this mean? Importance is placed on the following attributes; the ability to understand scientific ideas, learning how to investigate, learning how to communicate ideas and how to engage in positive ways to contribute and participate in science.

Looking at the range of photos in this article, we can see boys eagerly engaged in practical investigations. It is activities like these that contribute towards a student’s appreciation of what the nature of science is about. Using the material world context, an important focus over the past term has been the development of investigation skills. Setting walnuts on fire, dropping Universal indicator into an acid solution, placing magnesium ribbon into hydrochloric acid, were part of our recent investigations where boys were engaged in the following; • Building on prior experience. • Working together to share ideas and combine knowledge. • Asking or answering questions and finding evidence. • Using an investigation to develop explanations. They are learning how to use a range of scientific methods such as changing single variables, measuring variables, repeating experiments, observing and recording. All of these activities provide wonderful opportunities to record data on spreadsheets so that they can analyse graphs and communicate findings. In all of our activities we are aiming to develop the so called Science Capabilities. These include the ability to gather data, use or critique evidence and interpret findings. The final attribute included in the list of capabilities, and harder to measure, is how learning in science has led to changes in thinking or action in everyday life.