PSC501
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 3 SEPT 2025
, PSC1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Demonstrate your understanding of the “big ideas of science” by:
1.1 The “Big Ideas of Science”
Pedagogy they are linked to
The “big ideas of science” are linked to inquiry-based science education (IBSE). This
teaching method focuses on learners discovering and constructing knowledge by asking
questions, carrying out investigations, and reflecting on evidence, rather than only
memorising facts (PSC1501 Study Guide, 2025:5).
The “big ideas of science” are key scientific concepts that give learners a deep and
connected understanding of natural phenomena, instead of fragmented facts. They are
broad ideas that allow learners to explain and make sense of the world (Harlen, 2010, in
PSC1501 Study Guide, 2025:17).
Where do they come from?
The big ideas of science come from the thinking and experimenting of scientists over many
centuries. Scientists observed nature, developed theories, tested them, and built knowledge
step by step. Also, learners develop their own “bricks of knowledge” in school, which
gradually build towards understanding the big ideas (UNISA, 2025:19).
Six examples of the Big Ideas of Science (Harlen, 2010, in UNISA, 2025:17–18)
All matter in the universe is made of very small particles.
Objects can affect other objects at a distance.
Changing the movement of an object requires a net force.
Energy in the universe is constant but can be transferred between stores.
The Earth’s structure, atmosphere, and processes shape its surface and climate.
Organisms are made of cells and have a finite lifespan.
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 3 SEPT 2025
, PSC1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Demonstrate your understanding of the “big ideas of science” by:
1.1 The “Big Ideas of Science”
Pedagogy they are linked to
The “big ideas of science” are linked to inquiry-based science education (IBSE). This
teaching method focuses on learners discovering and constructing knowledge by asking
questions, carrying out investigations, and reflecting on evidence, rather than only
memorising facts (PSC1501 Study Guide, 2025:5).
The “big ideas of science” are key scientific concepts that give learners a deep and
connected understanding of natural phenomena, instead of fragmented facts. They are
broad ideas that allow learners to explain and make sense of the world (Harlen, 2010, in
PSC1501 Study Guide, 2025:17).
Where do they come from?
The big ideas of science come from the thinking and experimenting of scientists over many
centuries. Scientists observed nature, developed theories, tested them, and built knowledge
step by step. Also, learners develop their own “bricks of knowledge” in school, which
gradually build towards understanding the big ideas (UNISA, 2025:19).
Six examples of the Big Ideas of Science (Harlen, 2010, in UNISA, 2025:17–18)
All matter in the universe is made of very small particles.
Objects can affect other objects at a distance.
Changing the movement of an object requires a net force.
Energy in the universe is constant but can be transferred between stores.
The Earth’s structure, atmosphere, and processes shape its surface and climate.
Organisms are made of cells and have a finite lifespan.
