In the case of science, there is an integrated natural science in grades 1 – 4 and separate
physics & chemistry and biology & geography in grades 5 – 6 in Finnish primary school.
Science subjects are taught by primary school teachers and there are on average 2.5 lesson
hours per week. In lower secondary school (grades 7 – 9) science is divided into the
separate subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and health education. These are all taught
by highly specialised secondary teachers.. According to content analysis of the goals for
physics & chemistry and biology & geography, described in the National Core Curriculum,
they are relatively similar with the competencies described in the PISA 2006 framework
(Lavonen, 2007). The Finnish science curriculum emphasises activities where the students
can identify, recognise or observe scientific issues within their activities and explain or
interpret data or scientific phenomena, and draw conclusions based on the evidence. In
Finland, practical work and demonstrations have long been accepted as an integral part of
teaching and learning science subjects.