Natural science (NAT01‑05)
Competence aims and assessment

Not in force for 8. trinn–10. trinn until 1.8.2026

This version of the curriculum is not in force for 8. trinn–10. trinn until 1.8.2026. Until 1.8.2026 the previous curriculum version is in force.

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
  • analyse and use collected data to make explanations, discuss the explanations in the light of relevant theory and assess the quality of one’s own and others’ explorations
  • use and make models to predict or describe natural-science processes and systems and explain 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
  • explore, understand and make technological systems that have a transmitter and receiver
  • use programming to explore natural-science phenomena
  • explore chemical reactions, explain mass conservation and explain the importance of some combustion reactions
  • use atomic models and the periodic table to explain the properties of the elements and chemical compounds
  • describe the greenhouse effect and explain factors that can cause global climate changes
  • explain energy conservation and energy quality and explore different ways to convert, transport and store energy
  • explain how energy production and energy use can affect the environment locally and globally
  • describe how researchers have arrived at evolution theory and use it to explain the development of biological diversity
  • compare cells in various organisms and describe the connections between structure and function
  • explore connections between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem and discuss how energy and matter are converted in cycles
  • give examples of and 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
  • explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration produce energy for all living organisms throughout the carbon cycle
  • use plate tectonic theory to explain the development of Earth over time and give examples of observations that support this theory
  • discuss questions relating to sexual and reproductive health
  • compare the nervous system and hormone system and describe how drugs, medicines, environmental toxins and doping affect the cell signalling systems
  • describe the body’s immune system and how vaccines work and explain 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.