Examining Scientific Research Methods or Delving into Scientific Inquiry Approaches
Engage in the thrill of science exploration as we dive into the world of scientific investigations! In the realm of understanding the nature of science, New Zealand's curriculum includes three other substrands that enrich and ground this subject. One of these, called 'Investigating in Science,' is a crucial part of the curriculum.
Investigating in science is all about conducting investigations using various methods, such as classifying and identifying, pattern seeking, exploring, investigating models, fair testing, making things, or developing systems. For students in levels 3-4, the focus is on building on prior experiences, working together, and asking questions to find evidence and carry out simple investigations to develop explanations. As students advance to levels 5-6, they not only perform more complex investigations but also become aware of the complexity of working scientifically, and evaluate the suitability of their chosen methods.
The 'Investigating in science' substrand serves to embed and deepen nature of science understanding by providing students with first-hand experiences of a myriad of investigative processes. By engaging in a diverse range of investigative processes, students are exposed to the misconception that there is one universally followed "scientific method." In reality, science is an open-ended process guided by curiosity, scepticism, and creativity, as exemplified by Dr. Jesse Conklin in his field research into migratory birds.
This strand emphasizes the importance of students witnessing scientists like Dr. Conklin carry out various investigative approaches, as well as seeing themselves as scientists through the Science Learning Hub's videos and resources. The Hub offers an extensive collection of resources, including observing with the naked eye or with technology, exploring, classifying, gathering and interpreting data, pattern seeking, investigating models, and developing systems.
It's essential to make explicit the importance of understanding the scientific process while engaging in investigations. Encapsulating the words of noted historian of science Thomas S. Kuhn, we can say that the development of science is a halting stagger, rather than a straightforward progression, and its destination is often unknown. Embrace the messiness and complexity of the scientific process, and let your curiosity lead the way!
For more in-depth insights into teaching scientific investigations using the latest methods and resources, explore the related content provided by the Science Learning Hub. Happy investigating!
- Carry out science investigations using a variety of approaches: classifying and identifying, pattern seeking, exploring, investigating models, fair testing, making things, or developing systems.
Levels 3-4 achievement objectives
- Build on prior experiences, working together to share and examine their own and others' knowledge.
- Ask questions, find evidence, explore simple models, and carry out appropriate investigations to develop simple explanations.
Levels 5-6 achievement objectives
- Develop and carry out more complex investigations, including using models.
- Show an increasing awareness of the complexity of working scientifically, including recognition of multiple variables.
- Begin to evaluate the suitability of the investigative methods chosen.
- The 'Investigating in science' substrand encourages students to engage in the scientific process by carrying out investigations using a variety of approaches such as classifying and identifying, pattern seeking, exploring, investigating models, fair testing, making things, or developing systems, which aligns with the nature of science learning and self-development.
- As students advance through levels 3-4 and 5-6, they focus on learning the complexities of conducting scientific investigations, including building on prior experiences, asking questions, evaluating their methods, and using models – essential components of education-and-self-development.
