Science is a valued learning area at Burrendah Primary School. Students from Year PP/1 to Year 6 participate in science lessons in a purpose-built building with a specialist science teacher. K and PP are taught science by class teachers.
The aims of the Burrendah Science program are consistent with those of the Western Australian Curriculum, ensuring that students develop:
- An interest in science as a means of expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and speculate on the changing world in which they live.
- An understanding of the vision that science provides of the nature of living things, of the Earth and its place in the cosmos, and of the physical and chemical processes that explain the behaviour of all material things.
- An understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry methods, including questioning; planning and conducting experiments and investigations based on ethical principles; collecting and analysing data; evaluating results; and drawing critical, evidence-based conclusions.
- An ability to communicate scientific understanding and findings to a range of audiences, to justify ideas on the basis of evidence, and to evaluate and debate scientific arguments and claims.
- An ability to solve problems and make informed, evidence-based decisions about current and future applications of science, while taking into account ethical and social implications of decisions.
- An understanding of historical and cultural contributions to science, as well as contemporary science issues and activities, and an understanding of the diversity of careers related to science.
- A solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, chemical, physical, earth and space sciences, including being able to select and integrate the scientific knowledge and methods needed to explain and predict phenomena, to apply that understanding to new situations and events, and to appreciate the dynamic nature of science knowledge.
Sustainability is a cross curricular priority in all learning areas but is especially so in science. As part of our endeavours to educate our students to develop the knowledge, skills and values that help them contribute to a more sustainable future we:
- are a Waterwise school
- are an AuSSI School (Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative)
- encourage Wastewise practices such as “Trash Free Tuesday” and “Wastewise Wednesday”
- conduct energy monitoring, with senior students running energy conservation programs
- set up a school garden growing vegetables and fruit trees which are maintained by the garden club and interested classes.
- have established worm farms and compost bins to encourage recycling of food waste
- encourage recycling – paper, cardboard, batteries and re-using materials in STEM projects.
Partnerships with the wider community are encouraged to make students aware of the importance of science and possible future careers in science. Some of these partnerships include:
- Involvement with the Scientists in Schools program is ongoing and we have a close working relationship with our current scientist partner
- Visiting experts – both from parents at the school and the wider community
- Working with students from Curtin University and Willetton Senior High School students that act as student mentors.
- Encouraging students to be involved in Science events outside school, such as the Synergy Solar Car and FIRST Lego competition.
The science lab at Burrendah is always busy and students are actively involved in their learning experiences. Student curiosity is nurtured and questioning of the world around them is encouraged. Students can experience the joy of scientific discovery. In doing this, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific methods. Science at Burrendah is always a learning experience that is motivating, challenging and most of all fun.
