Science PEP Practice

Science is a way of knowing about the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and investigation. Through the use of the National Standards Curriculum (NSC), the study of Science should enable students at the primary level to: 

• develop crucial skills and knowledge that equip them to understand the world around them
• make informed decisions
• build positive life-long learning habits, behaviours and attitudes
• communicate ideas
• collaborate on issues thereby building interpersonal skills
• create meaningful solutions to problems with real world applications 
• exercise critical thinking skills which have implications for personal growth and development. 

The Role of Science in the Curriculum

The study of Science should enable students to become:

• willing to embrace the rapidly changing worlds of knowledge and technology and be capable of managing information with understanding and confidence to meet the personal, social and vocational needs and challenges
• adept in participating in decision making processes and be competent in their role of contributing to social and economic development, while being mindful of sensitive moral and ethical concerns that impact ecologically sustainable environment
• proud citizen of Jamaica by embracing values that impact increased productivity and economic prosperity, and promote equity and social justice for all

How do I know if my Child/children/students are proficient in Science?

There are Science Practices that describe a variety of expertise that Science educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students.  Engaging in the practices of Science helps students understand how scientific knowledge develops; such direct involvement gives them an appreciation of the wide range of approaches that are used to investigate, model, and explain the world. The practices intentionally overlap and interconnect. There are eight (8) Science practices that teachers are expected to expose their students as they teach the Science concepts.

Science Practices

Key: ScP = Science Practice

ScP 1. Asking questions and defining problems

ScP 2. Developing and using models

ScP 3. Planning and carrying out investigations

ScP 4. Analyzing and interpreting data

ScP 5. Using   Mathematics, Information and Communication Technology Computational Thinking 

ScP 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions 

ScP 7. Engaging in argument from evidence

ScP 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Here are some practice test that will help you get ready for your Science PEP exams: