The time is approaching when we will have the new science framework – OK it now looks as though it will be published in early April along with all other curriculum areas – but it will be here soon.

The past two weeks have provided an opportunity for me to seriously consider ‘what then’. I know that some colleagues are still reluctant to accept that there will be no significant detail provided nationally beyond the released Experiences and Outcomes. Yes, there will be additional guidance exemplifying concept development, and exemplification of teaching approaches for some outcomes. The indications are that this will be welcomed but will, I suspect, fall far short of what many were hoping for.

From conversations it is apparent that some Secondary colleagues feel that action is not possible until there is clarity regarding curriculum structures and the new qualifications. That clarity will not be with us until Spring 2012 and cannot be allowed to paralyse the junior Secondary curriculum. Primary colleagues have eight curriculum areas to juggle and many are looking for further guidance with science sooner rather than later.

During the past year there have been numerous occassions where I have been grateful to see and read draft papers from many individuals where they shared their early thinking. This willingness to share is a boon to all whether or not you agree with the detail within. It is in that spirit of exploring and sharing that I post the papers below. I welcome any reaction to inform this iterative process.

This is an early draft paper in which I try to summarise where we are and future options.
Download the draft paper.
These are a first and incomplete attempt to test the feasibility of some of the proposals in the above paper.
Download a first stab at Electricity.
Download a first stab at Energy.
I used some resources from the American Association for the Advancement of Science to explore whether a broader acknowledgement of science skills we value (beyond the fair test) was feasible – jury still out although I like the idea.
Science skills.