The future development of Solomon Islands depends on the sustainable management and use of our natural resources. Agriculture, forestry, fishery, mining and manufacturing, to name a few, are sectors that are still developing, and these sectors require special skills to fully utilized and managed. A scientifically literate population, both rural and urban, is necessary to make both commercially viable and environmentally friendly decisions.
Science education should develop knowledge, understanding and skills to explain and make sense of the natural world, enabling people to make informed choices and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community. Science is important to our society and doing the appropriate science is critical to Solomon Islands. Scientific methods or the systematic enquiry are effective ways to explain natural phenomena and predict future events or develop new products.
Modern science education is seen as one that helps connect learners making senses of the natural world, their culture, society and work, and most of all with themselves. Learning basic science is essential to build knowledge [facts] to be used in practical science. Science practices evolve through repeated experimentation, patterns, making hypothesis and predictions. Ultimately, year 7-9 science focuses on all Learners developing scientific literacy in theses main areas, life and living, materials, earth and beyond, energy forms and technology so that they become better-informed adults and aware of developments in these areas.
Indigenous science [IS] inherited from past generations provides us with a wealth of knowledge and skills about the way we live and interact with the environment. It [IS] show many skills that people use every day to solve problems, creativity, critical thinking, group work, effective use of technology and it value lifelong learning as well as being sensitive to ethical and cultural issues. The teaching and learning of other subjects like Agriculture, Home Economics, Technology, Health and Physical Education are very much dependent on a good foundation of basic science knowledge taught in Year 7-9 at Secondary school level.
Basic secondary science education in year 7-9 is a continuation from primary science where Learners learn to evaluate issues and challenges, identify questions for inquiry, draw evidence-based conclusions from information available and communicate findings accurately and effectively. Preparing learners for the future, require that more emphasis are placed on developing specials skills to seek access to information and to organize information in ways that will be productive in resolving the changing issues of life and living. Achieving a better future for Solomon Islands will become a reality through improved scientific literacy levels of everyone. The secondary science education year 7-9 provides learners with a science foundation for better living, further education and formal work.