the environment and living organisms. They use scientific information to evaluate the claims and actions of others and to inform ethical decisions about a range of social, environmental and personal issues and applications of science.
Intercultural understanding is fundamental to understanding aspects of Science as a Human Endeavour, as students appreciate the contributions of diverse cultures to developing science understanding and the challenges of working in culturally diverse collaborations. They develop awareness that raising some debates within culturally diverse groups requires cultural sensitivity, and they demonstrate open-mindedness to the positions of others. Students also develop an understanding that cultural factors affect the ways in which science influences and is influenced by society.
Representation of Cross-curriculum Priorities
While the significance of the cross-curriculum priorities for Biology varies, there are opportunities for teachers to select contexts that incorporate the key concepts from each priority.
Through an investigation of contexts that draw on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures students could investigate the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ knowledge in developing a richer understanding of the Australian environment. Students could develop an appreciation of the unique Australian biota and its interactions, the impacts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on their environments and the ways in which the Australian landscape has changed over tens of thousands of years. They could examine the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge of ecosystems has developed over time and the spiritual significance of Country/Place.
Contexts that draw on Asian scientific research and development and collaborative endeavours in the Asia Pacific region provide an opportunity for students to investigate Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Students could explore the diverse environments of the Asia region and develop an appreciation that interaction between human activity and these environments continues to influence the region, including Australia, and has significance for the rest of the world. By examining developments in biological science, students could appreciate that the Asia region plays an important role in scientific research and development, including through collaboration with Australian scientists, in such areas as medicine, natural resource management, biosecurity and food security.
The Sustainability cross-curriculum priority is explicitly addressed in the Biology curriculum. Biology provides authentic contexts for exploring, investigating and understanding the function and interactions of biotic and abiotic systems across a range of spatial and temporal scales. By investigating the relationships between biological systems and system components, and how systems respond to change, students develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the biosphere. Students appreciate that biological science provides the basis for decision making in many areas of society and that these decisions can impact the Earth system. They understand the importance of using science to predict possible effects of human and other activity, and to develop management plans or alternative technologies that minimise these effects and provide for a more sustainable future.
Safety
Science learning experiences may involve the use of potentially hazardous substances and/or hazardous equipment. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that duty of care is exercised in relation to the health and safety of all students and that school practices meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, in addition to relevant state or territory health and safety guidelines.
When state and territory curriculum authorities integrate the Australian Curriculum into local courses, they will include more specific advice on safety.
For further information about relevant guidelines, contact your state or territory curriculum authority.
Animal ethics
Through a consideration of research ethics as part of Science Inquiry Skills, students will examine their own ethical position, draw on ethical perspectives when designing investigation methods, and ensure that any activities that impact on living organisms comply with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th edition (2004) (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/ea16).
Any teaching activities that involve the care and use of, or interaction with, animals must comply with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th edition, in addition to relevant state or territory guidelines.
When state and territory curriculum authorities integrate the Australian Curriculum into local courses, they will include more specific advice on the care and use of, or interaction with, animals.
For further information about relevant guidelines or to access your local Animal Ethics Committee, contact your state or territory curriculum authority.