Sciences

Through studying the subjects of the group 4, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes these subjects.
The aims enable students, through the overarching theme of the Nature of science, to:
1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities
2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information
5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities
6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies
7. develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science
8. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology
9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology
10. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge.

The assessment objectives for biology, chemistry and physics reflect those parts of the aims that will be formally assessed either internally or externally. These assessments will centre upon the nature of science.

It is the intention of these courses that students are able to fulfill the following assessment objectives:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
a. facts, concepts and terminology
b. methodologies and techniques
c. communicating scientific information.
2. Apply:
a. facts, concepts and terminology
b. methodologies and techniques
c. methods of communicating scientific information.
3. Formulate, analyse and evaluate:
a. hypotheses, research questions and predictions
b. methodologies and techniques
c. primary and secondary data
d. scientific explanations.
4. Demonstrate the appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary to carry out insightful and ethical investigations.

Also, students develop experiment skills as one vital parts of this group.
The experimentation is Integral to the experience of students in any of the group 4 courses is their experience in the classroom, laboratory or in the field. Practical activities allow students to interact directly with natural phenomena and secondary data sources. These experiences provide the students with the opportunity to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings. 
Experiments can be used to introduce a topic, investigate a phenomenon or allow students to consider and examine questions and curiosities. By providing students with the opportunity for hands-on experimentation, they are carrying out some of the same processes that scientists undertake. Experimentation allows students to experience the nature of scientific thought and investigation. All scientific theories and laws begin with observations.

Some basic requirements are needed to take a subject in science and these include mathematical requirements with different level of depth depending on the subject as well as the use of information communication technology (ICT) is encouraged throughout all aspects of the courses in relation to both the practical programme and day-to-day classroom activities.

Assessment:

As part of the Diploma Programme, Sciences assessment primarily focuses on summative assessment designed to record student achievement at, or towards the end of, the course of study. However, many of the assessment instruments can also be used formatively during the course of teaching and learning, and teachers are encouraged to do this.
Students are assessed internally by presenting a research that requires 10 hours and a written report following 5 different criteria.
External assessment includes three papers. The first one suing a multiple choice questions and pares two and three use both, short and extended answers.

(www.ibo.org)

CAIS offers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science at both Standard and High Level.

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