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Section Two: Recommendations-Program Structure Issues

2.4 Connections across discipline areas

Looking at science from an interdisciplinary perspective gives students a broader understanding of science and enhances the real-life application of the science curriculum. However, the rigour of science must not be compromised in this process. The Comprehensive Results show how the interdisciplinary approach can be applied to science. The inquiry methods associated with scientific learning are based on critical and creative thinking, and this naturally involves both written and oral communication. Data can be gathered and shared through the use of information systems and technology. Students become increasingly aware of their global responsibility when they study the roles of individuals and the impact of individual actions and social networks on the environment.

Teachers in disciplines that overlap science need to share information. For example, a comprehensive list of the mathematics skills needed for each science course and level should be shared, with mathematics curriculum developers.

New partnerships should be encouraged among subject disciplines. New interdisciplinary courses, which contribute credits towards both disciplines involved should be developed. For example, a course in biotechnology, taught collaboratively by teachers of both biology and technology, could result in credits in both subjects.

As good writing is part of good science, It is important for science teachers to work with their colleagues in the English department. For example, although the focus of essay writing for the science teacher is science, students can be encouraged to be creative, humorous, questioning, and infomiative in their science writing. Furthermore, teachers of English should be made aware of students' needs for business, technical, and science communication skills. English teachers could challenge and motivate students to read and write about scientists as well as about scientific discoveries, theories, and philosophies.

All students in Grades 11 and 12 should be expected to complete an independent study unit (ISU) in science, which could involve other subject disciplines. For example, a chemistry ISU might have links with language, mathematics, technology, and geography. Such an interdisciplinary ISU would need clearly defined guidelines and would require teachers from different disciplines to work in a collaborative manner.