ABSTRACT
School science practical work can be used to help students achieve a number of learning outcomes, including getting a feel for natural phenomena; developing conceptual understanding and skills; and giving students a sense of the nature of science, and the excitement of inquiry and discovery. Science inquiry also helps students develop a sense of the nature of science, which is an important component of the Science as a Human Endeavour strand of the Australian Curriculum. A population-health scientist may use predictive health modelling to determine the expected prevalence of childhood obesity in Australia in the future. Ms Henson started a science inquiry-based after-school program on astronomy at Barton High School because she wanted to improve students’ understanding of and attitude towards science. The importance of scientific literacy is another argument that supports the use of a science inquiry approach in schools.
