Science Process Skills

BASIC SKILLS

Observing

Using the 5 senses (see, hear, touch, smell, taste) to find out about objects and events, their characteristics, properties, differences, similarities, and changes
Observations are recorded.

Classifying

Grouping or ordering objects or events according to similarities or differences in properties
Lists, tables, or charts are generated.

Measuring

Comparing an unknown quantity with a known (metric units, time, student- generated frames of reference) - Observations are quantified using proper measuring devices and techniques
Measurements are to be recorded in an orderly and systematic fashion with labeled units of measure. Charts, graphs, or tables can be generated manually or with computer software.

Inferring

Interpreting or explaining observation
More than one inference may be presented to explain an observation.

Predicting

Forming an idea of an expected result - not a guess - but a belief of what will occur based upon present knowledge and understandings, observations and inferences
A prediction should be followed by a written or oral explanation to clarify ideas and reveal any misconceptions or missing information.

Communicating

Using the written and spoken work, graphs, demonstrations, drawings, diagrams, or tables to transmit information and ideas to others
To reflect the true nature of science, ideas must be shared.

Using Number Relationships

Applying numbers and their mathematical relationships to make decisions
Numbers are basic to science - mathematical knowledge is applied.

INTEGRATED SKILLS

Making Models

Constructing mental, verbal, or physical representations of ideas, objects, or events to clarify explanations or demonstrate relationships.
Constructing models helps clarify ideas.

Defining Operationally

Creating a definition by describing what is done and observed
It is in the language of the students.

Definitions are in context of students’ experiences - not from the glossary, not to be memorized.

Collecting Data

Gathering and recording information about observations and measurements in a systematic way

Interpreting Data

Organizing, analyzing, and synthesizing data using tables, graphs, and diagrams to locate patterns that lead to the construction of inferences, predictions, or hypotheses.

Identifying and Controlling Variables

Manipulating one factor to investigate the outcome of an event while other factors are held constant.
Young children become confused with multiple variables.

Students need practice in identifying variables that affect outcomes.

Formulating Hypotheses (Hypothesizing)

Making educated guesses based on evidence that can be tested through experimentation.

Experimenting

Designing one’s own experiment to test a hypothesis using procedures to obtain reliable data
All basic and integrated skills to formulate a problem, collect data, and pose a solution are used.

Doing a teacher-orchestrated science activity is NOT experimenting.

Student demonstrates understanding and application of scientific method though inquiry, research and self-design of experiment to test a hypothesis.

Source: The American Association for the Advancement of Science

Wawasan 2020

Wawasan 2020 or Vision 2020 is a Malaysian ideal introduced by the former prime minister of Malaysia,Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad during the tabling of the Sixth Malaysia Plan in 1991. The vision calls for a self-sufficient industrial, Malay-centric developed nation, complete with an economy, in 2020 that will be eightfold stronger than the economy of the early 1990s.

Challenges in the vision

In several of Mahathir’s speeches, he outline nine challenges that Malaysia must overcome to achieve Vision 2020.

Challenge 1: To form a nation that stands as one.
Challenge 2: To produce a Malaysian community that has freedom, strength, and full of self confidence.
Challenge 3: To develop a mature democratic community.
Challenge 4: To form a community that has high morale, ethics and religious strength.
Challenge 5: To cultivate a community that is matured and tolerant.
Challenge 6: To form a progressive science community.
Challenge 7: To cultivate a community rich in values and loving culture.
Challenge 8: To ensure the formation of a community with a fair economy.
Challenge 9: To cultivate a prosperous community.

Song lyrics

Wawasan 2020 is also a patriotic song on the same idea sung in Malay. The song was composed by Akbar Nawab.

Original lyrics

Bendera berkibar di angkasa
Lambang negara jaya
Rakyat sepakat sehati sejiwa
Tekad berbakti dengan megah

Hadapi cabaran masa muka
Penuh tenaga murni
Bakti dicurah searah-sehala
Dengan wawasan yang suci

Wawasan meningkat kemajuan
Tiada lagi kepincangan
Kemewahan rata dirasai
Bersama kita nikmati

Wawasan 2020
Satu pandangan jauh
Bukan impian malah kenyataan
Bersama kita jayakan

English translation

Flag waving in the sky
Symbol of a great country
People united in one mind
Contributing in pride

Facing the challenges in the future
Full of energy
Contribution given for one purpose
With a pure vision

The vision boosts development
No more defects
Luxury is felt
Let us all enjoy it

Vision 2020
A far view
Not a dream but reality
Let us all achieve it

Falsafah Pendidikan Negara

Pendidikan di Malaysia adalah satu usaha berterusan ke arah memperkembangankan lagi potensi individu secara menyeluruh dan bersepadu untuk mewujudkan insan yang seimbang dan harmonis dari segi intelek, rohani, emosi, dan jasmani berdasarkan kepada kepercayaan dan kepatuhan kepada Tuhan. Usaha ini adalah bagi melahirkan rakyat Malaysia yang berilmu, bertanggungjawab dan berkeupayaan mencapai kesejahteraan diri serta memberi sumbangan terhadap keharmonian dan kemakmuran masyarakat dan negara.

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