We do things a bit differently here at Rangeview Intermediate School. To provide a more connected learning experience for our students.  We have integrated Science, Technology, Mahi-a-Toi and Visual Arts. To incorporate these curriculum areas, 4 x 10 week rotations operate throughout the year.  Within each rotation, students attend 3 x 65 minute lessons each week.

The aim of this system is to improve integration and coherence between these closely related curriculum areas.  We believe it also helps students recognise that their knowledge and skills are transferable from one rotation, and discipline, to the next.  

Science

Science is a way of investigating, understanding and explaining the natural, physical world. In order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding and explanation, students generate and test ideas, make observations, carry out investigations and construct models.

Our learning activities provide our students with opportunities to strengthen their skills and knowledge around the 5 capabilities of science: –

• Gather and interpret data
  • Students make careful observations and differentiate between observation and inference.
• Use evidence
  • Students support their ideas with evidence and look for evidence supporting others’ explanations.
• Critique evidence
  • Not all questions can be answered by science.
• Interpret presentations
  • Scientists represent their ideas in a variety of ways, including models, graphs, charts, diagrams and written texts.
• Engage with science
  • This capability requires students to use the other capabilities to engage in science in “real life” contexts.