Elective subject Natural Sciences

Students are introduced to the subject of Natural Sciences as early as Years 5 and 6 during regular class lessons. During this time, they gain their first experiences in conducting experiments and working with scientific equipment.

From Year 7 onwards, our school offers the elective subject Natural Sciences (WP NW). WP NW is taught for three lessons per week and is considered the fourth core subject alongside German, Mathematics, and English. Lessons cover interdisciplinary topics from the fields of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

The focus is on hands-on, activity-based learning that involves solving scientific problems. In this way, students become familiar with scientific methods and learn to solve problems through observation, measurement, calculation, and experimentation. Lessons mainly take place in specialized science classrooms, providing opportunities for practical work in all areas of study.

The topics covered in WP NW are designed to highlight the connections within the natural sciences and between science and other areas of life, helping students gain a better understanding of the world around them.

For example, in Year 7, students study the topic of soil. They learn about soil as a habitat for many animal and plant species and investigate different types of soil. Human impact and threats to soil are also discussed.

Another topic in Year 7 is color. Students explore how color impressions are created through light, as well as the composition of natural and artificial colorants. The perception of color by the human eye is also examined.

In Year 8, students deepen their knowledge about the skin. Skin changes and diseases are discussed, and various skin-care and protection products are examined more closely. In addition, during the unit on recycling, different material groups and their properties are investigated.

In Year 9, students focus on agriculture and food production. Agricultural products and their manufacturing processes are examined in detail. The second half of the school year is dedicated to human health and the immune system. Allergies are also discussed, and different medications are investigated.

In Year 10, the topic of clothing is explored. Students investigate both the composition of fibers and the production of textiles. Global topics such as the Earth’s atmosphere, the greenhouse effect, and the water cycle are also studied in relation to worldwide environmental connections.

Who Should Choose WP NW?

Students who …

• are interested in nature, its characteristics, and scientific relationships.
• are willing to invest effort and dedication into working like researchers and scientists.
• would like to participate knowledgeably in discussions about scientific issues, for example in the field of environmental protection, regardless of their future career choice.
• may already be considering a scientific focus in their educational pathway, possibly also with regard to a future career aspiration.