A skills standard for budding scientists is an invaluable and practical hands-on guide for teaching students the vital skills needed at high school and early tertiary level for the successful completion of most tasks and assignments. It covers a wide range of skills from effective essay and report writing, to working with and evaluating different kinds of information and data, effective summarising and note-taking, as well as the skills required for more practical tasks such as conducting surveys, presenting orals, creating project displays, and so on. This book aims to offer practical skills education, whilst encouraging the vital practice of critical thinking, each step of the way. The book also aims to promote standardisation of skills within all schools and across all grades so that teachers and learners alike can start working from the 'same page'. Standardising skills helps eliminate the confusion arising out of conflicting skills instruction and helps learners know what should be presented in any task or assignment.