Natural science (NAT01‑04)
Competence aims and assessment

Examples of connections

Explanation

Competence aims after Year 10

The pupil is expected to be able to

  • ask questions and formulate hypotheses about natural-science phenomena, identify dependent and independent variables and collect data to find answers

  • To analyse means to investigate an issue, an object or a concept to determine a viewpoint or meaning. To analyse can also mean making a thorough or systematic study of individual elements and comparing the relationship between them. The analysis can also apply to a work process.

     and

    To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     collected data to make explanations,

    To discuss means to consider different ideas and opinions related to sides of an issue, and to argue for and against. A discussion can be ended with a conclusion. We can discuss independently and in dialogue with others. A debate among several persons on a subject can mean the same as to discuss.

     the explanations in the light of relevant theory and

    To assess means to consider different aspects of an issue or point of view. It may also include judging the quality of a product or process. An assessment often results in a decision, a judgement or a conclusion.

     the quality of one’s own and others’ explorations

  • To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     and make models to predict or

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     natural-science processes and systems and

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     the strengths and limitations of the models
  • participate in risk assessments in relation to experiments and comply with safety measures
  • give examples of current research and explain how new knowledge is generated through collaboration and a critical approach to existing knowledge

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

    ,

    To understand means to perceive the meaning of something, realise what is communicated or how something is connected. Understanding can be demonstrated by explaining, discussing alternatives, comparing relevant methods or assessing quality.

     and make technological systems that have a transmitter and receiver

  • To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     programming to

    To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     natural-science phenomena

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     chemical reactions,

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     mass conservation and

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     the importance of some combustion reactions

  • To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     atomic models and the periodic table to

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     the properties of the elements and chemical compounds

  • To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     the greenhouse effect and

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     factors that can cause global climate changes

  • To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     energy conservation and energy quality and

    To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     different ways to convert, transport and store energy
  • explain how energy production and energy use can affect the environment locally and globally

  • To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     how researchers have arrived at evolution theory and

    To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     it to explain the development of biological diversity

  • To compare means to examine the character or qualities to discover resemblances or differences between two or more issues.

     cells in various organisms and

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     the connections between structure and function

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     connections between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem and discuss how energy and matter are converted in cycles
  • give examples of and

    To discuss means to consider different ideas and opinions related to sides of an issue, and to argue for and against. A discussion can be ended with a conclusion. We can discuss independently and in dialogue with others. A debate among several persons on a subject can mean the same as to discuss.

     current dilemmas related to exploitation of natural resources and the loss of biological diversity
  • give examples of traditional Sami knowledge about nature and discuss how this knowledge can contribute to sustainable nature management

  • To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     how photosynthesis and cellular respiration produce energy for all living organisms throughout the carbon cycle

  • To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     plate tectonic theory to explain the development of Earth over time and give examples of observations that support this theory

  • To discuss means to consider different ideas and opinions related to sides of an issue, and to argue for and against. A discussion can be ended with a conclusion. We can discuss independently and in dialogue with others. A debate among several persons on a subject can mean the same as to discuss.

     questions relating to sexual and reproductive health

  • To compare means to examine the character or qualities to discover resemblances or differences between two or more issues.

     the nervous system and hormone system and

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     how drugs, medicines, environmental toxins and doping affect the cell signalling systems

  • To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     the body’s immune system and how vaccines work and

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     the importance of vaccines for public health

Formative assessment

Formative assessment shall help to promote learning and develop competence in the subject. The pupils demonstrate and develop competence in natural science in Years 8, 9 and 10 when they use relevant subject-related terminology, theories and models to describe, explain and discuss natural-science phenomena. They also demonstrate and develop competence when they explore, argue, analyse and reflect on natural-science topics and the interconnections between them, and assess their findings and results. They also demonstrate and develop competence when they apply the practices of the subject, and when they reflect on how natural-science knowledge is developed. The pupils also demonstrate competence when they use programming and explore technology.

The teacher shall facilitate for pupil participation and stimulate their desire to learn by facilitating for varied, practical and exploratory ways of working. The teacher and pupils shall engage in dialogue about their development in natural science. The pupils shall be given the opportunity to explore and experiment. With the competence the pupils have demonstrated as the starting point, they shall have the opportunity to express what they believe they have achieved, and reflect on their development in the subject. The teacher shall provide guidance on further learning and adapt the teaching to enable the pupils to use the guidance to develop their competence in natural science.

Assessment of coursework

The grade awarded for coursework shall reflect the overall competence of the pupil in natural science after completing Year 10. The teacher shall plan and facilitate for the pupils to demonstrate their competence in different ways, including through understanding, reflection and deliberation, and in various contexts. The teacher shall award a grade in natural science based on the competence demonstrated by the pupil when the pupil has communicated knowledge about and understanding of the content and interconnections in the subject. The grade shall also be based on the competence demonstrated by the pupil when working in a practical and exploratory manner.