Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world. Through science, we explore the unknown, investigate universal phenomena, make predictions and solve problems. Science gives us an empirical way of answering curious and important questions about the changing world we live in. Science knowledge is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises and has proven to be a reliable basis for action in our personal, social and economic lives.
The Australian Curriculum: Science enables students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its uses in our lives. It supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills needed to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues, and to succeed in science-related careers.
Also, learning science is a valuable pursuit in its own right. Students can experience the joy of scientific discovery. They can nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them.
In developing scientific literacy, students use critical and creative thinking skills, and challenge themselves to ask questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific knowledge and practices. The wider benefits of scientific literacy include enabling students to engage meaningfully with contemporary issues, evaluate different points of view and make informed decisions.
Learning science is important for a diverse and capable science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Transdisciplinary STEM learning can enhance students’ scientific and mathematical literacy, design and computational thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Developing STEM competencies enables students to develop, model, analyse and improve solutions to real-world problems, and supports students to access further study and a variety of careers and jobs within or outside of STEM fields.