Session 1: Rationale

God made the world and everything in it. The study of Science, at its heart is the search for understanding God’s world. Historically Science has been embraced by Christians, not trying to disprove God but rather trying to understand the complex nature of everything He created.

The world around us is complex and changing. Science and technology provide us with the tools and understanding to wonder, question, analyse and understand what we see. More than that we can use the knowledge and understanding to solve problems and look at the world through more complex lenses. The student of science has a role in not only understanding what has been discovered already but also in pushing on to uncover new understanding.

As we teach science, we need to foster understanding and inquisitiveness. It pairs with technology as the means or tool by which problem solving through creative thinking can be promoted. Creating solutions for themselves and others.

We want to encourage students to be Scientists who observe the created world, strive to understand it and reach for solutions to problems posed in the world around them. Students need to use scientific skills including observation, questioning, hypothesis and prediction (Osbourne, 2003, p713), testing, analysis and interpretation. These skills need to partner with a use of technology that serves scientific purpose an provokes further understanding and a desire to explore different solutions.

All of this critical and evaluative thinking needs to be in the light of the fact that God, may not choose to fully explain his world but by us trying to understand more about the world.

Working Scientifically and Working Technologically are integral parts of the curriculum.