Science

Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural and physical world, and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, and gathering evidence by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, communicating and debating with others.

These things allow scientists to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and from creative insight, built on a foundation of respect for evidence and the contributions of earlier scientists and their work.

Science is able to inform problem solving and decision making in many areas of life. Many of the major challenges and opportunities that confront our world need to be informed by using the scientific method of investigation.

By studying science at Kaikorai Valley College, teachers with their students aim to:

• develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific ideas
• learn that science involves particular processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve.
• use their current scientific knowledge and skills for problem solving and developing further knowledge.
• use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment.

GIS in Schools - Case Study.  The video is of a presentation that Dr Simon McMillan gave at the New Zealand Esri User Conference (NZEUC) this August in Auckland. NZEUC is the biggest gathering of geospatial / GIS professionals annually in New Zealand.