The Science curriculum has two interrelated strands: Science Understanding and Science Inquiry Skills. Together, the two strands of the science curriculum provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world.
Aims The Science curriculum aims to ensure that students develop:
an interest in science as a means of expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and speculate on the changing world in which they live
an understanding of the vision that science provides of the nature of living things, of the Earth and its place in the cosmos, and of the physical and chemical processes that explain the behaviour of all material things
an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry methods, including questioning, planning and conducting experiments and investigations based on ethical principles, collecting and analysing data, evaluating results, and drawing critical, evidence-based conclusions
an ability to communicate scientific understanding and findings to a range of audiences, to justify ideas on the basis of evidence, and to evaluate and debate scientific arguments and claims
an ability to solve problems and make informed, evidence-based decisions about current and future applications of science while taking into account ethical and social implications of decisions
an understanding of historical and cultural contributions to science as well as contemporary science issues and activities and an understanding of the diversity of careers related to science
a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, chemical, physical, Earth and space sciences, including being able to select and integrate the scientific knowledge and methods needed to explain and predict phenomena, to apply that understanding to new situations and events, and to appreciate the dynamic nature of science knowledge.
Science at Cape Clear is a very important and developing subject area. It develops and extends Literacy, Maths, Engineering and problem solving skills, as well as complementing learning in other subject areas. We have been fortunate to develop links with outside agencies such as Earth Ed and Ecolinc who have helped us to develop and investigate new and exciting programs. Parental involvement in Science has and continues to be welcomed and developed. We are developing a strong environmental theme in our school which incorporates other aspects of the Science program as outlined in the Victorian Curriculum.
Environmental Area We have been developing and exciting and innovative garden area for practical, hands on experiences for our students.
Indigenous Garden This has been developed with our link and support with Ecolinc. It is a work in progress but has certainly made a difference to our school grounds and community engagement. We intend to extend this and develop a dedicated ‘bush tucker’ garden bed, providing research and practical gardening opportunities for our students. Our aim is to also work with another local school who share our vision.
Vegetable Garden We now have a dedicated environmental garden area developed with a permaculture focus. Students are involved in plant selection, planting, feeding, watering and maintaining our vegetable garden and enjoying an eating the produce.
Aquaponics With the help of a very capable and knowledgeable parent, we have an established aquaponics system where our students can learn about an alternative food growing system and help care for it. Students can make observations, comparisons and recommendations between the two systems. Controversial subjects such as fertilising and disease and pest control are discussed, investigated, and monitored. Scientific concepts such as changing variables are also included. Problem solving strategies are ongoing and with discussion and collaboration are addressed.
Hydroponics This is another area of plant growth we are developing at Cape Clear. Again, it involves monitoring, assessment and a valuable comparison of our other growing systems. A very early introduction to systems analysis for our students.
Composting and Worm Farm We are continuing to develop our permaculture theme as we experiment and develop these two important aspects of our Environmental Area.
Hens This year we have developed our Hen House and our hens have become the most recent addition to our Environmental area. Students have become responsible for their care feeding and management and are an important part of our permaculture program.
Frog Pond Our frog pond is another ecosystem in our Environmental area and students have been able to see and hear our amphibian friends, who sometimes visit and live under the growing plants in our nearby aquaponics system!
Future Plans We are hoping to erect a small greenhouse in the near future where students can learn to propagate and care for growing plants. We are very proud of our Environmental Area and the learning opportunities it provides for our students.
Community Support Much of what we have been able to achieve in our Environmental Area has been due to the valuable community support and developing relationships we have within and beyond our school community including Ecolinc and Bunnings. We are very grateful to Bunnings and all others who have assisted and inspired us to develop and continue to develop this important part of our school.
