Queensland

Science and Society

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6

Students understand that people of many cultures have contributed to the development of scientific knowledge. They understand what makes a fair test. They appreciate that the uses of science have implications for the community.

Students understand that scientific ideas have changed and will continue to change as new evidence is collected. They recognise the importance of believable evidence. They understand that applications of science have been influenced by changes in social attitudes.

Students understand that ethical, cultural, economic and political considerations influence scientific endeavours. They understand the role of scientific investigation in the development of scientific knowledge. They understand that the applications of science have immediate and long-term consequences for society.

Core Learning Outcomes

Historical and cultural factors influence the nature and direction of science which, in turn, affects the development of society.

4.1 Students outline some contributions to the development of scientific ideas made by people from different cultural and historical backgrounds.

5.1 Students consider how and why scientific ideas have changed over time.

6.1 Students evaluate contributions to the development of scientific ideas made by individuals and groups in the past and present, and consider factors which have assisted or hindered them.

Science as a ‘way of knowing’ is shaped by the ways that humans construct their understandings.

4.2 Students use the elements of a fair test when considering the design of their investigations.

5.2 Students refine investigations after evaluating variations and inconsistencies in experimental findings.

6.2 Students design and perform controlled investigations to produce believable evidence.

Decisions about the ways that science is applied have short- and long-term implications for the environment, communities and individuals.

4.3 Students present analyses of the short- and long-term effects of some of the ways in which science is used.

5.3 Students analyse the relationship between social attitudes and decisions about the applications of science.

6.3 Students use scientific concepts to evaluate the costs and benefits of applications of science (including agricultural and industrial practices).

Discretionary Learning Outcomes

D4.4 Students examine and evaluate situations where their observations or conclusions are influenced by previous experience.

D4.5 Students examine and evaluate the potential applications of scientific ideas and inventions.

D5.4 Students explore the influence of religious beliefs on scientific endeavour.

D5.5 Students present data in a variety of ways to support different interpretations

D6.4 Students make presentations supporting the different sides in debates about controversial applications of science.

D6.5 Students discuss changes in attitudes towards particular applications of science this century.