Sciences

Dr Angus Carmichael Head of Dept

From Grades 6 to 10, science is taught as an integrated subject where themes in chemistry, biology and physics are entwined. The MYP science course also allows us to integrate with other curriculum areas (for example in our World Food Project in grade 8) and promote personal, social and health education throughout the grades. Using our curriculum, students are able to explore science through the MYP areas of interaction.

In our IBDP program we offer Biology, Physics and Chemistry at both Higher Level and Standard Level. The school now also offers Design Technology as a Group 4 course. Students have to take one science subject, but many take two, to study at greater depth for the two years of the program. Cross curricular links within the sciences are encouraged through the Group 4 Project and IB1 field trip.

The courses have a large practical component and we foster the students understanding of science through demonstration and investigation, with a focus on developing problem solving skills.

Science Faculty Philosophy

We believe that:

Science has played a leading role in the development of our modern World and it is important that science education allows students to be equipped with the necessary scientific understanding that will serve their needs, the needs of our society and contribute to the care of our World.

The speed of technological development and the growth of scientific knowledge mean that students need to have an understanding of key scientific concepts and have strategies that allow them to acquire, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate new information.

Authentic learning requires students to construct their understanding of science through active, hands on experiences with the integration of other subjects, the local environment and the community.

True understanding of science concepts occurs when students identify, acknowledge and replace their misconceptions in science with valid scientific explanations.

Scientific learning and assessment should value and incorporate a diversity of abilities, cultures and learning styles that enable all students to be successful.

Scientific understanding is becoming more and more important in our technologically developing world. As a result Science is a compulsory subject for all our students at IST.

Aims and Objectives.

The students will:

• Develop and apply the scientific skills and attitudes necessary to become independent and collaborative enquirers.
• Foster curiosity, creativity, responsibility, interest and enjoyment of science and its methods of inquiry.
• Understand the inter-related nature of science and technology and the economic, moral and ethical impacts on society.
• Develop an appreciation of the environment and acknowledge their role and responsibility in caring for it.
• Develop an awareness of how science is subject to cultural differences although the scientific methodology is universal.
• Gain an understanding of the interrelated nature of the sciences and build connections between them, other curriculum areas and personal experiences.
• Apply their understanding of fundamental scientific concepts/principles, have knowledge of relevant scientific facts & appreciate the need to access further information.
• Appreciate that there are misconceptions in science and them.
• Appreciate the intellectual achievements of science and understand how these achievements have been obtained.
• Raise awareness on the moral, ethical social economic and environmental implications of using science and technology.
• Develop effective scientific communication skills.
• Design and use scientific apparatus appropriately and safely
• Recognize the usefulness and limitations of a scientific approach and to appreciate its applicability to other disciplines and to everyday life.
• Develop an awareness of the conditions which threaten or enhance health.
• Develop an awareness of the influences and limitations imposed on science by social, economic, technological, political, ethical and cultural factors.
• Develop and apply their information technology skills in the study of science.
• Develop an awareness of the importance and limitations of information technology on science.