NST2601 EXAM ANSWERS
List and explain 3 specific aims of natural science and technology
Specific Aim 1: ‘Doing Science and Technology’ Learners should be able to complete investigations,
analyse problems and use practical processes and skills in designing and evaluating solutions.
This means that learners plan and do simple investigations and solve problems that need some practical
ability. There are attitudes and values that underpin this ability. Respect for living things is an example of
this – learners.
Specific Aim 2: ‘Understanding and connecting ideas’ Learners should have a grasp of scientific,
technological and environmental knowledge and be able to apply it in new contexts.
The main task of teaching is to build a framework of knowledge for learners and to help them make
connections between the ideas and concepts in their minds – this is different to learners just knowing a
lot of facts. When learners do an activity, just answering the set questions is not enough. Discussion
must relate to previously acquired knowledge and experience and connections must be made.
Specific Aim 3: ‘Science, Technology and Society’ Learners should understand the practical uses of
Natural Sciences and Technology in society and the environment and have values that make them caring
and creative citizens.
Science and Technology learnt at school should produce learners who understand that school science
can be relevant to their lives outside of school. Issues such as improving water quality, growing food
without damaging the land, and building energy-efficient houses are examples of everyday applications.
Similarly, Science and Technology can lead learners to a range of career and job possibilities. An
appreciation of the history of scientific discoveries and technological solutions, and their relationship to
indigenous knowledge and different world views, enriches our understanding of the connections
between Science, Technology and Society.
List and explain 3 specific aims of natural science and technology
Specific Aim 1: ‘Doing Science and Technology’ Learners should be able to complete investigations,
analyse problems and use practical processes and skills in designing and evaluating solutions.
This means that learners plan and do simple investigations and solve problems that need some practical
ability. There are attitudes and values that underpin this ability. Respect for living things is an example of
this – learners.
Specific Aim 2: ‘Understanding and connecting ideas’ Learners should have a grasp of scientific,
technological and environmental knowledge and be able to apply it in new contexts.
The main task of teaching is to build a framework of knowledge for learners and to help them make
connections between the ideas and concepts in their minds – this is different to learners just knowing a
lot of facts. When learners do an activity, just answering the set questions is not enough. Discussion
must relate to previously acquired knowledge and experience and connections must be made.
Specific Aim 3: ‘Science, Technology and Society’ Learners should understand the practical uses of
Natural Sciences and Technology in society and the environment and have values that make them caring
and creative citizens.
Science and Technology learnt at school should produce learners who understand that school science
can be relevant to their lives outside of school. Issues such as improving water quality, growing food
without damaging the land, and building energy-efficient houses are examples of everyday applications.
Similarly, Science and Technology can lead learners to a range of career and job possibilities. An
appreciation of the history of scientific discoveries and technological solutions, and their relationship to
indigenous knowledge and different world views, enriches our understanding of the connections
between Science, Technology and Society.
