Sciences

MYP Sciences encourages the development of a scientific way of knowing that enables students to investigate, understand and explain the world in which they live. This scientific way of knowing encompasses two types of understanding: conceptual understanding and procedural understanding. Conceptual understanding is concerned with the development of scientific knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the main scientific ideas and concepts of science. Procedural understanding is concerned with the skills and processes that students need to develop to understand how science and scientists work and to evaluate scientific evidence.

Conceptual understanding and procedural understanding cannot be developed independently. Students' understanding of the skills and processes used in Science enables them to construct their understanding of scientific concepts, and this insight provides the driving force for the development of further scientific inquiries.

MYP Science aims to help students develop personal attitudes. Students should be aware of wider world issues and have a sense of their responsibilities as individuals, towards others and towards the natural and man-made environment. (MYP Sciences Guide Jan 2005)

The courses aim to enable students to:

• develop and stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the subjects
• develop skills in decision making, communication and modeling
• acquire understanding and knowledge of concepts, principles and applications of science
• become confident and responsible citizens
• recognize the usefulness and limitations of the scientific method
• appreciate its applicability in other disciplines

These aims are met directly and by promoting the areas of interactions of Homo Faber, Community and Service, Health and Social Education, Approaches to Learning and Environment. An investigative, laboratory-based teaching approach is used, so students can experience and apply scientific methodology effectively.

Years 7 and 8 - Integrated Science 
In Years 7 and 8 students learn basic skills for the application of Science to life on planet earth. The course enables students to acquire a core knowledge, skills and attitudes that will equip them to study the separate science subjects in later courses. Topics covered include: safety and measurement, changes and matter, separating mixtures, energy and fuels, forces, reproduction, variation and classification, reactions and mixtures, magnetism, light, food and digestion, micro-organisms and disease.

Year 9 - Biology, Chemistry and Physics 
Year 9 students are introduced to the specialist nature of the individual disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. By acquiring an insight into these specialist fields, it is hoped that students can make informed choices for their courses in Years 10, 11 and beyond. Biology topics include: photosynthesis, conservation of species, variety of life Chemistry topics include: atomic structure, air, acids, bases and salts, water Physics topics include:electromagnetism, energy, work and power, electricity.

Years 10 to 13 - Biology, Chemistry and Physics 

There are three subjects offered at the ISH: Biology, Chemistry and Physics in y10-13.

The Biology courses aim to :

• develop a better understanding and appreciation towards Biology, leading to a greater understanding of the world around us
• enable students to understand the main concepts and ideas of Biology, and communicate them using the appropriate scientific language
• develop scientific enquiry skills to design and carry out scientific investigations
• develop practical skills to a level which allows you to investigate problems safely and in collaboration with others, using the scientific method with minimal guidance 

The Chemistry courses aim to:

• appreciate and understand the value of Chemistry, within science, and its relevance to a greater understanding of the world around us
• develop theoretical understanding and problem solving skills for both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios
• demonstrate an ability to communicate key scientific ideas and principles using appropriate language
• develop practical skills to a level which allows you to investigate problems using the scientific method with minimal guidance

 The Physics courses aim to 

• develop a better understanding and appreciation towards Physics and its relevance to a greater understanding of the world around us
• enable students to understand the main concepts and ideas of Physics, and communicate them using the appropriate scientific language
• develop scientific enquiry skills to design and carry out scientific investigations
• develop practical skills to a level which allows you to investigate problems safely and in collaboration with others, using the scientific method with minimal guidance