Mātauranga Māori constitutes concepts and principles that are richly detailed, complex, and fundamental to Māoridom. It is important to remember that the practice of these are wider and more varied than their use within the proposed NCEA Achievement Standards and supporting documentation.

We also recognise that the cultures, languages, and identities of the Pacific Islands are diverse, varied, and unique. Therefore the Pacific concepts, contexts, and principles that have been incorporated within NCEA Achievement Standards may have wide-ranging understandings and applications across and within the diversity of Pacific communities. It is not our intention to define what these concepts mean but rather offer some ways that they could be understood and applied within different subjects that kaiako and students alike can explore.

The intent of the Standard

The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to demonstrate their ability to identify and critique the use of science ideas in published information. Many publications present information as ‘science’ without verifying their sources. They can make claims based on partial information, misinformation, and disinformation. Ākonga will use their science literacy skills to examine data and the use of scientific vocabulary, graphics, and conventions in publications. Ākonga will also need to think critically about sources of information and the influences on authors in the way that they represent ideas in their writing.

Ākonga are exposed to a huge volume of information from different sources and over multiple platforms. Those who can recognise science ideas will be less likely to view disinformation as an authentic scientific claim.

This Standard aligns with the following items of Significant Learning:

• recognise that scientific ideas are developed through critical and creative thinking, regulated by evidence
• recognise that science ideas are communicated using a range of methods with discipline-specific practices
• use science understanding to critique claims or predictions made in communicated information.

Making reliable judgements

As part of the evidence provided, ākonga must show that they are able to identify, interpret, and critique the use of science information and conventions, and examine claims related to scientific ideas.

Ākonga will show that they understand how the intended purpose of a publication can influence the representation of data. At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will show that they understand how science language or conventions can be used to represent, or misrepresent, a science idea when a claim is being made.

Collecting evidence

Refer to the External Assessment Specifications for further information.

Possible contexts

Possible contexts could include science communications, or apparent science communications, that present data and information using science vocabulary and conventions.

The communicated information could be from any channel, source, or media such as transcribed conversations with people, radio shows, published research, advertising, and online content.

These communications could include:

• representation of data and graphs
• conflicts of interest
• claims about correlation and causation
• quotations
• sample sizes
• use of controls, blind testing, or peer review.

Literacy and Numeracy Requirements

This Achievement Standard has been approved for literacy in the transition period (2024-2027). 

Full information on the co-requisite during the transition period: Standards approved for NCEA Co-requisite during the transition period (2024-2027).