Nature of Science

The Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy runs intensive, for day professional development programmes that aim to build excellence in the teaching of science. Their vision is to create primary and intermediate teachers who celebrate science and inspire their students to explore and engage with the world through science. I was lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity to go this course.

As I stated above the course was a four day intensive course from 8.30-4.30 so to summarise that amount of information is a mammoth task, but I will try to briefly outline as to what I saw as being the key components.

1. Nature of Science (NOS) is the only compulsory year on year strand.

2. Understanding the scientific capabilities (Gather and interpret data, Use evidence, Critique evidence, Interpret representations, Engage with science) is understanding the NOS.

3. Be explicit in your teaching "We are making observations because that is what a good scientist does."

4. The question for investigation is the key to a good investigation. The why question is too big. Get the children to ask questions that they can answer through investigation. 

5. Engage at the start of the lesson with an activity don't use it as a carrot in the distance. If they are engaged the good questions for investigation will come naturally.

6. Topic content does not have to be the driver, it will find its place if the activity is correct.

New Zealand Sustainability

I was fortunate enough to go on a four day science P.D course in Tauranga, which was excellent, I will discuss that in my next blog. The course is named after Sir. Paul Callaghan a New Zealand physicist. Sir. Paul passed away a few years ago but the course started with a clip from him based on the idea of sustainability in New Zealand. I have linked the clip below as I felt it asked so many questions with regards priorities within New Zealand education.