Science Education in British Columbia

The Forests 11 and 12 component of the Forests 11 and 12 curriculum reflects the common rationale for all science education in British Columbia. The science curriculum of British Columbia provides a foundation for the scientific literacy of citizens, for the development of a highly skilled and adaptable work force, and for the development of new technologies. It is a foundation on which teachers can build programs that provide students with a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills, and experiences related to science.

Learning experiences planned to develop students' scientific literacy include those that:

help students become flexible and adaptable rather than simply acquire specialized knowledge
develop the capacity to think critically
call for a wide variety of knowledge, methods, and approaches that enable students to analyse personal and societal issues critically
encourage students to examine the impact of scientific knowledge on society, their own lives, and the environment
develop a positive attitude toward science
cultivate students' appreciation of scientific endeavour and their potential to contribute to it

Revised: January 27, 1999

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