A science curriculum without science!

Radio NZ reports:

Science teachers are shocked that an advance version of the draft school science curriculum contains no mention of physics, chemistry or biology.

Just think about the near insanity of this paragraph – the Government is producing a science curriculum that excludes physics, chemistry and biology!

The so-called “fast draft” said science would be taught through five contexts – the Earth system, biodiversity, food, energy and water, infectious diseases and “at the cutting edge”.

It was sent to just a few teachers for their feedback ahead of its release for consultation next month, but some were so worried by the content they leaked it to their peers.

Teachers who had seen the document told RNZ they had grave concerns about it. It was embarrassing, and would lead to “appalling” declines in student achievement, they said.

One said the focus on four specific topics was likely to leave pupils bored with science by the time they reached secondary school.

My six year old loves science. He already does chemistry experiments. Loves astronomy. The proposed curriculum will indeed drive kids away from science.

Association of Science Educators president Doug Walker said he was shocked when he saw a copy.

“Certainly in its current state I would be extremely concerned with that being our guiding document as educators in Aotearoa. The lack of physics, chemistry, Earth and space science, I was very surprised by that,” he said.

Again it defies belief they could have drafted a science curriculum that excludes physics, chemistry and space.