Natural science (NAT01‑04)
Relevance and central values

Natural science is an important subject for describing and understanding the structure of our physical world. The subject shall help to give the pupils experiences of nature and the know-how for protecting natural resources, preserving biological diversity and contributing to sustainability. Natural science shall also contribute to the pupils’ development of competence to take care of their own and others’ health. When the pupils use natural-science terminology and natural-science methods, practices and approaches for working on topics in the subject, they will acquire the foundation for understanding how natural-science knowledge is used and developed. Knowledge about the interaction between nature, individuals, technology and society can promote the pupils’ ability to think critically and help them make conscious decisions in their daily lives. Natural science shall prepare the pupils for a working and societal life that will require an exploratory approach and technological competence.

All subjects shall help the pupils to understand and apply the value system for learning. Natural science shall contribute to the pupils’ sense of wonder, curiosity, inventiveness, engagement and innovation by opening for them to work in the subject in a practical and exploratory manner. The pupils shall gain insight into how people’s way of life and actions affect life on Earth. Nature has inherent value that is independent of human use and influence, and natural-science knowledge can contribute to well-reasoned nature management. Nature is also an important part of Sami culture and identity. Knowledge about the Sami’s experience-based and traditional approach to nature can therefore contribute to sustainable use of resources and preservation of diversity in nature.