How Science Works

The specifications for the new Edexcel science subjects state that How Science Works (HSW) is a newly introduced section of the GCE Science criteria, that builds on from the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for science. The concept of HSW isn't quite new however, it's just that HSW now plays a major role in testing students' scientific knowledge.

I have found quite a nifty definition of what HSW means from this article. Here is the meaning:

So what does "how science works" actually mean? In addition to teaching the "facts" of science, teachers are now required to teach students things like "there are some questions that science cannot currently answer, and some that science cannot address", and that scientific and technological developments have their "benefits, drawbacks and risks".

I'd also like to add that many people seem to think that science is all about facts and figures. It is not. You don't wake up one day and suddenly hear about a major scientific breakthrough. You would have probably heard about scientific research, experiments and debates which led up to the breakthrough. So, science is a method and not a bundle of facts. As such, you will be doing more than just absorbing ideas about electrons and deoxyribonucleic acid (or DNA).

I suggest that you read the article I linked to above. The article (and subsequent user feedback) is quite thought-provoking.

HSW will be assessed in context of the various units you study during the course of your AS and A2 years. The learning outcomes of HSW are:

1. Use theories, models and ideas to develop and modify scientific explanations.

2. Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas.

The two points above have to do with applying scientific knowledge/facts to explain various observations and investigating the science behind unfamiliar situations. We know that temperature usually increases the rate of a reaction, but why? How can we explain this observation?

3. Use appropriate methodology, including ICT, to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems.

4. Carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts.

5. Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships.

6. Evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence.

The four points above have to do with practical related work. We have to use appropriate and reliable apparatus to measure and record data in experiments. How do we determine which instruments are best suited to measure the rate of a chemical reaction in the human body? How do we ensure that the procedures used are very safe and reliable. What does the data tell us? Did we manage to control all other variables? Are our conclusions based on conflicting evidence?

7. Appreciate the tentative nature of scientific knowledge.

We didn't always know about the structure of the atom. Early scientists thought that the atom had a structure similar to a plum pudding. Today, we can speak of electron orbitals and subshells. We thought that our parents' fluids were drawn from various parts of the body to the semen and passed on to the offspring. Today, we now under how genes work (so much so that we are working on making banana vaccines). Science is constantly evolving. Theories have been disproved and new ones have been formulated. You must be able appreciate this tentative side of science.

8. Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology.

This point isn't exactly 'new'. When you answer examination questions on particular topics, there will be terms that you will always have to use. When you talk about genetics you will find that you will frequently have to use terms like 'genes', 'monozygote', 'mutations' and 'chromosomes'. To communicate effectively, you will have to make sure you use appropriate words and ideas.

9. Consider applications and implications of science and appreciate their associated benefits and risks.

10. Consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment.

We're not just doing science to write exams and show off our knowledge in front our lawyer and entrepreneur friends. The knowledge and understanding we gain from science is applied to everyday situations. That's why we can benefit from medicine and technology. However, everything has drawbacks. We must be stewards and citizens of the environment. We have to avoid polluting our environment and at the same time, realise that the world does not belong to humans alone. Working in ways that are not harmful to other species on Earth is a necessity. When we use animals in experiments we have to consider all the implications involved. It is clear that with all this scientific knowledge there comes great responsibility.

11. Appreciate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity.

12. Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

We can't just do an experiment, make a conclusion and call it a day. Scientists have to present their work to other peers for review. The findings are also published in scientific journals and presented at scientific conferences. Specific steps must be taken to validate any conclusions or evidence obtained from experiments. The results we obtain from scientific investigations are used to make decisions which influence our everyday lives. However, we have to be careful with who is making the decisions. Scientific research may be in the best interest of humanity but the decisions made by the people in power are quite skewed. Scientists working for large oil companies may claim that global warming is not man-made. To satisfy non-scientist citizens, politicians may politicise the global warming debate whilst sidelining scientific methodology.

As you progress through the Biology and Chemistry specifications you will find many opportunities to develop the aforementioned skills. You don't have to exclusively study the HSW objectives, you have to integrate them in various topics of your syllabus.

This HSW message marks the end of my introductory posts. I plan to provide a bit of help with Physics and Mathematics but most of what I post from now on will be content relating the Edexcel Biology and Chemistry specifications. Note that I do not intend to post any coursework or essays on this blog. My only intention is to offer guidance with the specification. You are responsible for studies and examination performance.

Thank you and welcome aboard!