Science and Technology in Primary School



Image result for children science and technology
Science, technology, mathematics and engineering are the bedrock for innovation in business and industry and the Welsh Government will continue to push forward links between these and education – helping young people get a real grasp of the real world of work. (Carwyn Jones, First Minister, March, 2012).

Science is a systematic way of acquiring knowledge about a particular field of study. Science helps us to gain knowledge, through an organized system of observation and experimentation. This system is used to describe different natural phenomena. The description is that of pure science, and biology, chemistry, physics and Earth science are the basic fields of pure science. Science is used in everyday life in the forms of things we use every day such as transportation, modified foods, and medications for example.

Technology can be defined as the products, tools and processes used to accomplish tasks in daily life. Technology is the application of science to solve a problem. Technology involves the application of engineering and applied sciences to solve the practical problems of human lives.

Science and technology has a massive impact on todays world, and the transformation has been immense. It has changed the way we communicate and learn. Although these progressions in recent years have had many positive outcomes, there has also been some negatives consequences on society. Some of these include cyber-crimes, such as fraud, cyber bullying, using social media, and some people may argue that it has changed society and human interaction and there is less face to face communication due to mobile phone and computers, and that they are also causing dependence and addictive behaviours.

In Wales, Professor Donaldson has created a new curriculum with Six Areas of Learning and Experience, this includes Science and Technology Module. Donaldson states that they are used for the following reasons:

·         Science involves acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation

·         Technology applies scientific knowledge in practical ways

This Area of Learning and Experience capitalises on children and young people’s curiosity about our natural, physical world and universe though investigating, understanding, and explaining. They learn to generate and test ideas, gather evidence, make observations, carry out practical investigations, and communicate with others. They also learn how through computer science, the horizons of what is possible can be extended beyond our current imagination (Donaldson, 2015, p. 50). The four purposes of the new curriculum can relate to the science and technology area of experience and learning. Ambitious, capable learners can gain a range of knowledge and understanding of key concepts in science; developing skills in observation, research, and critical thinking; becoming skilled in the creative use of technologies. Healthy, confident individuals will learn to use scientific data to assess risk and take informed decisions; using digital technologies safely and with respect for others. Ethical, informed citizens will be evaluating the impact of scientific and technological developments; taking informed personal stances on ethical issues associated with scientific and technological innovation. Enterprising, creative contributors will use the designing processes and creating digital products and objects; working with others to develop novel solutions and to create products for the marketplace. (Donaldson, 2015).

In Wales, STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been introduced throughout the education system, before most primary and secondary schools mainly taught science and mathematics giving little attention to technology and engineering. These four subjects were normally taught separately but STEM places more of an emphasis on the connection between them. Children need to be inspired and given the opportunity for hands on learning experiences. There are many ways in which teachers can introduce STEM to the classroom, these include design and creating things and testing and evaluating them, coding, green screen technology, and learning through discovery to name a few. Outside school class trips to museums and science centres and after school clubs can help spark the children’s interest. STEM brings together a range of skills and knowledge that is vitally important in our modern technological world. These include, analytical and evaluation skills, problem-solving skills, mathematical and computer skills, technical skills and know how, and communication and presentation skills. STEM skills are now and in the future of the utmost importance in todays world. The Welsh Government in 2016-2017 invested over £1.6 Million to support STEM subjects and a shift in focus from the science BTEC to science GCSEs in schools and the network will build on these measures. Also in January 2017, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has announced that the new network will target the improvement of teachers' skills in science and technology and improve pupils' experience of the subjects while they are at school. The Welsh Government is also focusing on nine key sectors which are, or have the potential to be, key to the economy of Wales. The aim is to nurture businesses in these sectors to maximise their prospects for market success. The nine key sectors are:

 • Advanced materials and manufacturing

• Construction

• Creative industries

 • Energy and environment

• Financial and professional services

• Food and farming • Information and communication technology (ICT)

 • Life sciences

• Tourism.

By 2030 the U.K. will have over 7 million jobs needing STEM skills and it has been recognised that science can help broaden young people’s life choices and opportunities in terms of keeping their future options open, especially among low socioeconomic groups, as it can help social mobility (OECD, 2012).





References

Gov.wales. (2018). Welsh Government|New school curriculum. [online] Available at: http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/schoolshome/curriculuminwales/curriculum-for-wales-curriculum-for-life/?lang=en.

OECD. (2012). PISA - Against the Odds: Disadvantaged Students Who Succeed in School.



http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/allsectorpolicies/stem-delivery-plan/?lang=en.

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