How science works

The new programme of study for Key Stage 3 (2007) has the importance of science statement at its heart. This statement is expanded through the sections on key concepts, key processes and curriculum opportunities. The renewed Framework for science has combined all these aspects into the strand of How science works so that teachers can more easily see the progression through to the Key Stage 4 programme of study (2004).

How science works is more than just scientific enquiry. It provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to develop as critical and creative thinkers and to become flexible problem-solvers. This strand has been split into two significant areas of skills development:

• Explanations, argument and decisions
• Practical and enquiry skills.

Developing ideas and theories to explain the world is at the heart of science. How science works focuses on the critical analysis and linking of evidence to support or refute ideas and theories. Effective enquiry work involves exploring questions and finding answers through the gathering and evaluation of evidence. Pupils need to understand how evidence comes from the collection and critical interpretation of both primary and secondary data and how evidence may be influenced by contexts such as culture, politics or ethics.

Explanations, argument and decisions

This substrand is an exciting innovation that includes three main areas:

• Scientific thinking
  • developing explanations using ideas and models
  • challenge and collaboration in the development of explanations
  • developing argument
• Applications, implications and cultural understanding
• Communication for audience and with purpose.

Pupils ought to understand 'how the world works' and how they can influence ideas and decisions. To do this effectively they need to develop the necessary skills which are underpinned by this substrand.

Practical and enquiry skills

This substrand consists of six areas:

• Using investigative approaches: planning an approach
• Using investigative approaches: selecting and managing variables
• Using investigative approaches: assessing risk and working safely
• Using investigative approaches: obtaining and presenting primary evidence
• Working critically with primary evidence
• Working critically with secondary evidence.

This substrand relates to scientific enquiry from the previous Key Stage 3 programme of study. However, there is a greater focus on the critical interpretation and evaluation of secondary evidence, as well as providing reliable evidence for the development of explanations in the other substrand.