Natural science subject curriculum (NAT1-02)

Main subject areas

The subject has been structured into main areas for which competence aims have been formulated. These main subject areas supplement each other and must be considered together.

This subject is a common core subject for all the upper secondary education programmes. Learning in this subject shall therefore be made as relevant as possible for pupils by adapting each subject to its education programme as much as possible.

Natural science has competence aims after the second, fourth, seventh and tenth years in primary and lower secondary education, after Vg1 (the first year) in programmes for general studies and vocational education programmes in upper secondary education, and after Vg3 supplementary studies qualifying for higher education.

Overview of main subject areas:

Year	Main subject areas
1–10	The budding researcher	Diversity in nature	Body and health	The universe	Phenomena and substances/elements	Technology and design
Vg1 programmes for general studies	The budding researcher	Sustainable development	Nutrition and health	Radiation and radio-activity	Energy for the future	Bio-technology
Vg1 vocational education programmes	The budding researcher	Sustainable development	Nutrition and health		Energy for the future
Vg3 supplementary studies qualifying for higher education	The budding researcher	Sustainable development		Radiation and radio-activity	Energy for the future	Bio-technology

The budding researcher

There are two sides to the teaching of natural science: it is a product showing the knowledge we currently have, and it is a process consisting of natural science methodologies for developing knowledge. This involves the formulation of hypotheses, experimentation, systematic observations, openness, discussions, critical assessment, argumentation, grounds for conclusion and presentation. The budding researcher shall work with these dimensions of education.

Diversity in nature

A central element of this main subject area is development of knowledge on and respect for the diversity of nature. To discuss this diversity it is necessary to know the names of some species of plants and animals and of the elements that are part of the interplay in an ecosystem. This main subject area also focuses on the requirements for sustainable development, the place of man in nature, and how human activities have changed and continue to change the natural environment locally and globally. Fieldwork ensures a good basis for knowledge on and attitudes in this area.

In Vg1 this main subject area is called sustainable development, which expresses its focus.

Body and health

The main subject area Body and health focuses on the structure of our bodies and how the body is affected and changed over time. Respect and care for others are also key elements in this area. Body, health, lifestyle and nutrition are frequently mentioned in the media. Knowledge and critical assessment of information in this area are important to enable pupils to assume responsibility for their body and physical and mental health.

In Vg1 this main subject area is called body and health, which expresses its focus.

The universe

This main subject area focuses on our own solar system, the location of the earth and outer space. Research and technological innovations are giving us more and more knowledge about the universe. The media frequently provide information about this knowledge. The topic lends itself to discussing perspectives on the future and thus opens for curiosity, a sense of wonder and fascination.

In Vg1 this main subject area is called radiation and radioactivity, which expresses its focus.

Phenomena and substances/elements

This main subject area focuses on key areas from physics and chemistry, and deals with the structure of substances, how substances react with each other and important phenomena such as sound, light, electricity and magnetism, energy and energy sources.

This area also focuses on the relationship between phenomena, and how mankind has learned to exploit various phenomena and substances.

In Vg1 this main subject area is called energy for the future, which expresses its focus.

Technology and design

The main subject area technology and design covers several subjects, including natural science, mathematics and arts and crafts. Technology and design focuses on planning, developing and making products that are useful in our day-to-day lives. The interaction between natural science and technology is a key part of this main subject area. Natural science principles constitute the basis for understanding technological activities.

In Vg1 this main subject area is called biotechnology, which expresses its focus.