Sciences
Curriculum Guide

Description

The sciences and their methods of investigation offer a way of learning through inquiry that can contribute to the development of an analytical and critical way of thinking. MYP sciences emphasizes the role of inquiry and encourages the development of not only scientific inquiry skills but also transferable thinking skills.
MYP sciences aspires to develop scientifically informed, caring and responsible individuals who can think critically and make informed choices about themselves, the environment and society.

(IB MYP Sciences Guide 2006)

Sciences aims

Aims
The aims of the teaching and study of sciences are to encourage and enable students to:
• develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world
• acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific and other contexts
• develop skills of scientific inquiry to design and carry out scientific investigations and evaluate scientific evidence to draw conclusions
• communicate scientific ideas, arguments and practical experiences accurately in a variety of ways
• think analytically, critically and creatively to solve problems, judge arguments and make decisions in scientific and other contexts
• appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological developments
• understand the international nature of science and the interdependence of science, technology and society, including the benefits, limitations and implications imposed by social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical factors
• demonstrate attitudes and develop values of honesty and respect for themselves, others, and their shared environment.

Sciences assessment

Periodically during the year, students are awarded a level of achievement for each criterion. For each assessment criterion a number of band descriptors are defined, which indicate the progress of the student. Students and parents will be made aware of all the band descriptors during the year.

Criterion	Level	Band descriptor for the highest level possible
A One world	0-6	Level 5-6 The student explains how science is applied to addressing a specific local or global issue. The student explains some of the benefits and limitations of science in solving the issue. The student discusses how science and its applications interact with some of the following factors: social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical.
B Communication in science	0-6	Level 5-6 The student communicates scientific information effectively using scientific language correctly. The student presents all the information appropriately using symbolic and/or visual representation accurately according to the task. The student acknowledges sources of information appropriately.
C Knowledge and understanding of science	0-6	Level 5-6 The student explains scientific ideas and concepts and applies scientific understanding to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar situations. The student analyses and evaluates scientific information by making scientifically supported judgments about the information, the validity of the ideas or the quality of the work.
D Scientific inquiry	0-6	Level 5-6 The student defines the purpose of the investigation, formulates a testable hypothesis and explains the hypothesis using scientific reasoning. The student identifies the relevant variables and explains how to manipulate them. The student evaluates the method commenting on its reliability and/or validity.
E Processing Data	0-6	Level 5-6 The student organizes and transforms data into numerical and diagrammatic forms and presents it logically and clearly, using appropriate communication modes. The student explains trends, patterns or relationships in the data, comments on the reliability of the data, draws a clear conclusion based on the correct interpretation of the data, and explains it using scientific reasoning.
F Attitudes in Science	0-6	Level 5-6 The student works largely independently; uses equipment with precision and skill; pays close attention to safety and deals responsibly with the living and non-living environment. The student consistently works effectively as part of a team, collaborating with others and respecting their views.

Assessment criteria; rubrics