Curriculum context

The Science learning area assessments were administered in Term 3 of 2024.  In 2024, the New Zealand Curriculum (2007) remained in place for science. As such, it provided the basis for the Curriculum Insights science learning area study.

Purpose of the Insight

This insight demonstrates how understanding accessible key science concepts can support more complex thinking and communicating in science.

It also highlights the value of using different modes of communication when assessing students’ understanding – in this case, their ideas about the Earth-Sun relationship. In the study, students were more successful constructing a scientific explanation of how we have day and night when given the opportunity to talk through their ideas using models. Their full understanding was not revealed when they interpreted diagrams or answered written questions. This highlights the value of using a range of approaches to teach and assess understanding of scientific concepts.

Insight

It is important to keep coming back to key concepts and building on these throughout the primary years. They form a crucial foundation for later learning in science. How the Sun and Earth interact in space is one of these fundamental concepts.

More information is available on the website of the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study.