Question

At which stage does NCF 2005 recommend introducing science as separate disciplines?

• A. Primary School
• B. Middle School
• C. Lower Secondary
• D. Higher Secondary

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Higher Secondary

• NCF 2005 advocates for a shift in science education, moving away from rote learning towards understanding and application.

• Introduction of Separate Science Disciplines: The framework recommends introducing science as separate disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) at the Higher Secondary stage (Classes XI and XII).

• Rationale for Higher Secondary Introduction: This stage is considered appropriate because students at this level have developed sufficient cognitive abilities to grasp the abstract concepts and specialized methodologies of individual scientific fields. It allows for deeper exploration and specialization.

• Middle School (Classes VI-VIII) Approach: Prior to the Higher Secondary stage, NCF 2005 suggests teaching science as a unified subject. This integrated approach helps in building a foundational understanding of scientific principles across different branches without premature specialization.

• Primary School (Classes I-V) Focus: At the primary level, the emphasis is on observation, exploration, and developing a curiosity for the natural world through an environment-based approach, rather than formal scientific disciplines.

• NCF 2005's Overarching Goal: The framework aims to nurture scientific temper among students, encouraging them to question, analyze, and engage critically with scientific phenomena.