4 to 6

General learning outcomes

By the end of grade 6

STSE

It is expected that students will...

Nature of science and technology

104

demonstrate that science and technology use specific processes
to investigate the natural and constructed world or to seek solutions to practical problems

105

demonstrate that science and technology develop over time

Relationships between science and technology

106

describe ways that science and technology work together in investigating questions and problems and in meeting specific needs

Social and environmental contexts of science and technology

107

describe applications of science and technology that have developed in response to human and environmental needs

108

describe positive and negative effects that result from applications of science and technology in their own lives, the lives of others, and the environment

Skills

It is expected that students will...

Initiating and planning

204

ask questions about objects and events in the local environment and develop plans to investigate those questions

Performing and recording

205

observe and investigate their environment and record the results

Analysing and interpreting

206

interpret findings from investigations using appropriate methods

Communication and teamwork

207

work collaboratively to carry out science-related activities and communicate ideas, procedures, and results

Knowledge

It is expected that students will...

300

describe and compare characteristics and properties of living things, objects, and materials

301

describe and predict causes, effects, and patterns related to change in living and non-living things

302

describe interactions within natural systems and the elements required to maintain these systems

303

describe forces, motion, and energy and relate them to phenomena in their observable environment

From grade 4 through grade 6

ATTITUDES

It is expected that students will be encouraged to...

Appreciation of science

409

appreciate the role and contribution of science and technology in their understanding of the world

410

realize that the applications of science and technology can have both intended and unintended effects

411

recognize that women and men of any cultural background can contribute equally to science

Evident when students, for example:

­ recognize that scientific ideas help explain how and why things happen

­ recognize that science cannot answer all questions

­ use science inquiry and problem-solving strategies when given a question to answer or a problem to solve

­ plan their actions to take into account or limit possible negative and unintended effects

­ are sensitive to the impact their behaviour has on others and the environment when taking part in activities

­ show respect for people working in science, regardless of their gender, their physical and cultural characteristics, or their views of the world

­ encourage their peers to pursue science-related activities and interests

Interest in science

412

show interest and curiosity about objects and events within different environments

413

willingly observe, question, explore, and investigate

414

show interest in the activities of individuals working in scientific and technological fields

Evident when students, for example:

­ attempt to answer their own questions through trial and careful observation

­ express enjoyment in sharing and discussing with classmates science-related information gathered from books, magazines, newspapers, videos, digital discs, the Internet, or personal discussions with family members, teachers, classmates, and experts

­ ask questions about what scientists in specific fields do

­ express enjoyment from reading science books and magazines

­ willingly express their personal way of viewing the world

­ demonstrate confidence in their ability to do science

­ pursue a science-related hobby

­ involve themselves as amateur scientists in exploration and scientific inquiry, arriving at their own conclusions rather than those of others

Scientific inquiry

415

consider their own observations and ideas as well as those of others during investigations and before drawing conclusions

416

appreciate the importance of accuracy and honesty

417

demonstrate perseverance and a desire to understand

Evident when students, for example:

­ ask questions to ensure they understand

­ respond positively to the questions posed by other students

­ listen attentively to the ideas of other students and consider trying out suggestions other than their own

­ listen to, recognize, and consider differing opinions

­ open-mindedly consider nontraditional approaches to science

­ seek additional information before making a decision

­ base conclusions on evidence rather than preconceived ideas or hunches

­ report and record what is observed, not what they think ought to be or what they believe the teacher expects

­ willingly consider changing actions and opinions when presented with new information or evidence

­ record accurately what has been seen or measured when collecting evidence

­ take the time to repeat a measurement or observation for greater precision

­ ask questions about what would happen in an experiment if one variable were changed

­ complete tasks undertaken or all steps of an investigation

Collaboration

418

work collaboratively while exploring and investigating

Evident when students, for example:

­ complete group activities or projects

­ willingly participate in cooperative problem solving

­ stay with members of the group during the entire work period

­ willingly contribute to the group activity or project

­ willingly work with others, regardless of their age, their gender or their physical or cultural characteristics

­ willingly consider other people's views of the world

Stewardship

419

be sensitive to and develop a sense of responsibility for the welfare of other people, other living things, and the environment

Evident when students, for example:

­ choose to have a positive effect on other people and the world around them

­ frequently and thoughtfully review the effects and consequences of their actions

­ demonstrate willingness to change behaviour to protect the environment

­ respect alternative views of the world

­ consider cause and effect relationships that exist in environmental issues

­ recognize that responding to our wants and needs may negatively affect the environment

­ choose to contribute to the sustainability of their community through individual positive actions

­ look beyond the immediate effects of an activity and identify its effects on others and the environment

Safety

420

show concern for their safety and that of others in planning and carrying out activities and in choosing and using materials

421

become aware of potential dangers

Evident when students, for example:

­ look for labels on materials and seek help to interpret them

­ ensure that all steps of a procedure or all instructions given are followed

­ repeatedly use safe techniques when transporting materials

­ seek counsel of the teacher before disposing of any materials

­ willingly wear proper safety attire, when necessary

­ recognize their responsibility for problems caused by inadequate attention to safety procedures

­ stay at their own work area during an activity, to minimize distractions and accidents

­ immediately advise the teacher of spills, breaks, or unusual occurrences

­ share in cleaning duties after an activity

­ seek assistance immediately for any first aid concerns like cuts, burns, and unusual reactions

­ keep the work station uncluttered, with only appropriate materials present

Framework table of contents or Learning outcomes presented by grade or Next section or Title page