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A Scientific Approach is fundamental at Blue Gum because:

It fosters a sense of wonder…
Knowledge and understanding begin with a sense of wonder, an intense curiosity about why and how.  Instead of a traditional schooling focus on memorising facts and figures, i.e. the who, what and where of the world around us, a Scientific Approach values questioning, deep thinking and searching/researching for meaning – it encourages learners to wonder about the why and how.

It encourages observation…
Knowledge and understanding emerge from a keen awareness of one’s surroundings and the ability to view new or puzzling challenges through fresh eyes.  Scientific knowledge is reliant on empirical data – data carefully gathered through experience and observation.  A Scientific Approach invites learners to explore diverse opportunities/environments, while drawing on all their senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell, whenever appropriate – and documenting their observations, qualitatively and quantitatively.

It challenges us to analyse…
Knowledge and understanding develop further through deep investigation and research, and analysis of findings. The learning process is slowed down, so that learners have time to revisit their observations, hypotheses and theories, and appreciate the importance of playing/tinkering with ideas/materials, and of making mistakes.  A Scientific Approach compels learners to move beyond superficial interpretations and instead discover rich complexity and interconnections as they search for patterns.

It provokes communication…
Knowledge and understanding flourish, with a ripple effect, when people have the freedom to discuss and debate ideas openly. Learning is consolidated, reinforced and maximised when students have opportunities to transfer and express their understandings in new contexts, and then invite constructive feedback and questioning from interested others.   A Scientific Approach brings educators and students together as co-learners and co-researchers in powerful exchanges of ideas and the articulation of new discoveries.