SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
NOTE: Integrated science is taught through inquiry-based learning approaches with an emphasis on the 5Es: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation.
Integrated Science: What is integrated science?
Integrated Science is an interdisciplinary approach to science education that seeks to connect and integrate concepts and ideas from different branches of science, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
Components of Integrated science
The components of Integrated Science may vary depending on the curriculum and educational approach, but typically include:
- Basic scientific concepts: students learn about fundamental scientific principles and theories, such as the nature of matter and energy, the structure of the universe, and the process of evolution.
- Laboratory experiences: hands-on experiments and investigations provide students with opportunities to apply scientific concepts and methodologies.
- Problem solving and inquiry: students learn to use scientific reasoning and inquiry to design experiments, analyze data, and make informed conclusions.
- Scientific literacy: students learn to critically evaluate scientific information, understand the impact of science and technology on society, and appreciate the ethical considerations involved in scientific research.
- Integration of scientific concepts: the curriculum emphasizes connections between different branches of science and the interplay between science, technology, and society.
Pathways related to integrated Science
The provision of pathways at senior school is based on the aspiration that all learners can be successful in life. These pathways are contained in one-word STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Subjects in the STEM pathway include
- Pure Science
Students in this track shall be expected to join a university or other middle level college to pursue careers in area such as education, medicine, pharmacy, science (BSc), industrial science and actuarial science. Some will be able to join the world of work under experienced persons and later undergo further training and apprenticeships to advance their skills. - Applied Sciences
The Applied science track provides a specialization opportunity for learners who have demonstrated the interest, abilities and aptitude to pursue a career in applied sciences. The track builds on the competencies acquired at lower secondary in the areas of mathematics and integrated science. It equips learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for advanced careers in applied sciences offered in middle level colleges and universities
Students graduating from this track shall be expected to join middle level colleges or universities to pursue careers in areas such as agricultural engineering, computer engineering, foods science and technology, business and hospitality and home economics. They shall also be able to join the world of work where they shall work under the guidance of a specialist as they advance their skills on the job, through apprenticeships or further training.
The pure and applied sciences curriculum shall prepare learners to graduate with a senior school national certificate that will open the following career opportunities for them:- Enroll directly into a university for a degree in science related subjects.
- Enroll into middle level colleges for a diploma in science related fields.
- Join the world of work to work under skilled personnel
- Technical and Engineering
The schools shall prepare learners with foundational skills in applied sciences and modern
technology. Emphasis shall be on the understanding and practical application of basic principles of science and mathematics in various fields such as engineering, design, agriculture, business, computers and data processing, environmental and resource management and health.
Subjects in the STEM Pathway include:
- Pure Sciences
Core subjects- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Optional
The learner will select a minimum of three of the following subjects- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Applied Sciences
Core subjects- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Optional
The learner shall in addition select one of the following subjects:- Agriculture
- Computer science
- Foods and Nutrition
- Home Management
- Technical and Engineering
Core subjects- Community service learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Physics /Physical Sciences
- Chemistry / Biology / Biological sciences
Optional
The learner shall in addition select one of the following subjects:- Agricultural Technology
- Geosciences Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
- Aviation Technology
- Wood Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Metal Technology
- Power Mechanics
- Clothing Technology
- Construction Technology
- Media Technology
- Electronics Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechatronics
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Core Subjects- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Optional
The learner shall in addition select one of the following subjects:- Garment Making and Interior Design
- Leather Work
- Culinary Arts
- Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy
- Plumbing and Ceramics
- Welding and Fabrication
- Tourism and Travel
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Animal Keeping
- Exterior Design and Landscaping
- Building Construction
- Photography
- Graphic Designing and Animation
- Food and Beverage
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Fire Fighting
- Metalwork
- Electricity
- Land Surveying
- Science Laboratory Technology
- Electronics
- Printing Technology
- Crop Production
Career opportunities related to Integrated Science
- Environmental manager
- Forensic laboratory technician
- Health education specialist
- Laboratory technician
- Public health advisor/analyst
- Research assistant
- Scientific journalist
- Software Developer
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Forensic scientist
- Geneticist
- Lawyer
- Marine biologist
- Neuroscientist
- Nurse
- Nutritionist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Psychiatrist
- Urban planner
- Teacher/Professor
- Veterinarian
- Virologist
Importance of Integrated Science
Learning in the 21st century should have context, be linked to community life, be student centered and be collaborative.
Learning has context mean that the content of learning material must be associated with the real world. In this way, the material discussed in the school is close to the daily life of the students.
In learning process, students more involved actively to construct their competences. Construction of competencies in learning is done collaboratively. Hence, these four principles of learning are the essence of the 21st century learning.
- Integrated science learning is a good way to apply the essence of learning in the 21st century.
- In integrated science learning students are encouraged to connect the learning materials content to real-world contexts. Students are involved actively in exploring the real-world contexts which relevant to the learning material, conducting the collaborative investigation, and communicating the results of the investigation. Thus, the learning can be implemented holistically, authentically, meaningfully and actively.
- aims to improve students’ understanding on the environment
Importance of Scientific Knowledge
And that knowledge is useful for all sorts of things:
- designing bridges,
- slowing climate change, and
- prompting frequent hand washing during flu season.
- Scientific knowledge allows us to develop new technologies,
- solve practical problems, and
- make informed decisions — both individually and collectively.
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