SHS1 General Science · Semester 1 Week 3: Science and Materials in Nature

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.3 - Apply the characteristics of science where appropriate.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify the characteristics of science (empirical, systematic, replicable, tentative, and evidence-based) when presented with real-life scenarios from their school and home environments.
Apply at least three characteristics of science to analyse a given everyday situation, explaining how each characteristic is demonstrated.
Evaluate a scenario presented by the teacher and determine which characteristics of science are appropriately applied and which are missing or misapplied.
Work collaboratively in mixed-ability groups to present one concrete example from their local community where scientific characteristics are applied, justifying their choices with reasons.
Reflect on how applying the characteristics of science can promote national core values such as patience, open-mindedness, and hard work in their own behaviour.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Exploring Materials (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Science and Materials in Nature (1.1)
Content standard: 1.1.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of science and show how they are applied in everyday life. 1.1.1.LO.1 Evaluate the characteristics of science. -
Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.3 - Apply the characteristics of science where appropriate.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 3 (Week 3 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 27

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Learners work in mixed-ability groups, supervised by the teacher to ensure all learners participate in exploring instances from their immediate environment and the internet (where possible) of the application of characteristics of science.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Internet resources such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- Projectors
- Poster pictures showing scenarios in which the characteristics of science are displayed. (E.g. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/nature-of-science/characteristics-of-science/and https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/list )
Assessment (1.1.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.