Natural science (NAT01‑04)
Competence aims and assessment
Competence aims after vg3 supplementary programme for general university and college admissions certification
The pupil is expected to be able to
- explain how the development of natural-science hypotheses, models and theories helps us to understandand explain the world
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.
- assessand make programs that model natural-science phenomena
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.
- describethe Big Bang theory, and the origin and development of the universe, and explain
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.
observations that support this theoryTo explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.
- exploreand describe
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.
electromagnetic and ionising radiation and assessTo 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.
information on radiation and the health effects of various types of radiationTo 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.
- exploreand describe
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.
some central wave phenomenaTo 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.
- explain the main principles of wireless communication and give examples of applications of this technology
- describeDNA and how characteristics are inherited and explain
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 heredity is a precondition for evolutionTo explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.
- explainhow climate changes affect evolution, the prevalence of species and biological diversity
To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.
- give examples of the use of biotechnology and discussethical questions related to biotechnology
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.
- explainhow some environmental toxins can accumulate in food chains and assess
To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.
measures to protect health and the environmentTo 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.
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 the vg3 supplementary programme for general university and college admissions certification when they use relevant subject-related terminology, theories and models to explore, describe, explain and discuss relationships in and between natural-science phenomena. They also demonstrate and develop competence when they argue for the choice of methods, undertake ethical and safety assessments, reflect on findings and critically assess sources and information relating to their explorations and experiments. They also demonstrate and develop competence when they apply and reflect on natural-science practices and approaches and natural-science 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 have 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 vg1 in the supplementary programme for general university and college admissions certification. 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 of the subject and has seen interconnections. The grade shall also be based on the competence demonstrated by the pupil when working in a practical and exploratory manner.