The science as a human endeavour strand highlights science as a way of knowing and doing, and explores the use and influence of science in society.
By exploring science as a human endeavour, students develop and apply their understanding of the complex ways in which science interacts with society, and investigate the dynamic nature of biological science. They explore how biologists develop new understanding and insights, and produce innovative solutions to everyday and complex problems and challenges in local, national, and global contexts. In this way, students are encouraged to think scientifically and make connections between the work of others and their own learning. This enables them to explore their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges.
Students understand that the development of science concepts, models, and theories is a dynamic process that involves analysis of evidence and sometimes produces ambiguity and uncertainty. They consider how and why science concepts, models, and theories are continually reviewed and reassessed as new evidence is obtained and as emerging technologies enable new avenues of investigation. They understand that scientific advancement involves a diverse range of individual scientists and teams of scientists working within an increasingly global community of practice.
Students explore how scientific progress and discoveries are influenced and shaped by a wide range of social, economic, ethical, and cultural factors. They investigate ways in which the application of science may provide great benefits to individuals, the community, and the environment, but may also pose risks and have unexpected outcomes. They understand how decision-making about socio-scientific issues often involves consideration of multiple lines of evidence and a range of needs and values. As critical thinkers, they appreciate science as an ever-evolving body of knowledge that frequently informs public debate, but is not always able to provide definitive answers.
The key concepts of science as a human endeavour underpin the contexts, approaches, and activities in this subject, and must be integrated into all teaching and learning programs.
The key concepts of science as a human endeavour in the study of Biology are:
(image design: S Burzacott-Gorman © 2018)
