Science is a way of investigating, understanding and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence — including making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others — in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and from creative insight, built on the foundation of respect for evidence. Different cultures and periods of history have contributed to the development of science.

Why study science?

Science is able to inform problem solving and decision making in many areas of life. Many of the major challenges and opportunities that confront our world need to be approached from a scientific perspective, taking into account social and ethical considerations.

By studying science, students:

• Develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories;
• Learn that science involves particular processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve;
• Use their current scientific knowledge and skills for developing further knowledge;
• Use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment.

Students who choose not to do science at school, limit their career opportunities by more than 50%, since more than 50% of jobs require some knowledge of science.

Where do the sciences lead?

The sciences lead to a large variety of opportunities, a small proportion of which are mentioned here: fire fighters, nurses, beauticians, outdoor recreation instructors, food technologists, dieticians, midwives, PE teachers, science teachers, pilots, electricians, navy, technicians in almost every field, engineers, hairdressing, brewery worker, photographers, opticians, doctors, vets, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, environmentalists, pathologists, pharmacist, vulcanologists, weather forecaster, winemaker, ecologist, and so the list goes on.