The goal of science education is more than just providing students with a knowledge of facts. Mastery of the subject can no longer be evaluated solely in terms of students’ ability to recall specialized terminology, memorize isolated facts, or repeat a theory. Rather, students must be given opportunities to learn through investigation. In doing so, they can practise and become proficient in various scientific investigation skills. These skills not only develop critical thinking and allow students to extend their understanding of science; they are also useful in students’ everyday lives and will help them in pursuing their postsecondary goals, whether in science or some other area of endeavour.
As students advance from grade to grade, they practise these skills more fully and independently and in increasingly demanding contexts. Initially, students become aware of and familiar with each new skill. With emerging understanding, students reflect on and practise aspects of these skills when conducting investigations. As their knowledge and confidence grow, students begin to implement the skills more fully. Through repeated use, they are able to increase and refine their understanding of and proficiency in each skill. Finally, once they become proficient, they can extend skills, incorporating them into other areas of study as well as everyday activities.