Western Australia

Junior Science
Curriculum Links

Investigating Scientifically

Students investigate to answer questions about the natural and technological world using reflection and analysis to prepare a plan; to collect, process and interpret data; to communicate conclusions; and to evaluate their plan, procedure and findings.

IS 4 Plans and conducts different types of investigations, taking account of the main variables; collects data using repeat trials or replicates; explains patterns in data or information prepared in different formats; and makes general suggestions for improving the investigation

IS 4.1 Identifies the variables to be changed, the variable to be measured and at least one variable to be controlled or, in a descriptive study, plans for the types of observations that need to be made.

IS 4.2 Takes care with data collection so that data are accurate; uses repeated trials or replicates; and uses independent variables that are usually continuous.

IS 4.3 Calculates averages from repeated trials or replicates; plots data as line graphs where appropriate; and makes conclusions which summarise and explain patterns in the data.

IS 4.4 Makes general suggestions for improving the investigation.

IS 5 Interprets a situation to formulate a plausible relationship to investigate using experimental techniques, including the control of several variable s and the use of preliminary trials or various information sources; develops scientific explanations that are consistent with the data; and makes specific suggestions for improving the investigation.

IS 5.1 Analyses problems, formulates a question or hypothesis for testing, and plans an experiment in which several variables are controlled.

IS 5.2 Uses equipment that is appropriate for the task; and uses preliminary trials of the investigative procedure to improve the procedure or measurement techniques.

IS 5.3 Makes conclusions which are consistent with the data and explains patterns in the data in terms of scientific knowledge.

IS 5.4 Suggests specific changes that would improve the techniques used or the design of the investigation.

IS 6 Uses scientific knowledge to analyse a problem, identify variables and formulate questions for investigation; develops methods that provide specific, accurate, consistent information which can be used to evaluate the question; recognises inconsistencies with the data; and suggests ways of reducing error.

IS 6.1 Analyses a problem, formulates a question or hypothesis for testing, uses scientific knowledge to identify main variables to be considered and make predictions, and plans for accurate measurements.

IS 6.2 Decides what is needed and requests equipment and instruments that enhance the safety and accuracy of measurements and observations.

IS 6.3 Selects the type of graph and scales that display data effectively; and draws conclusions which are consistent with the data, explained in terms of scientific knowledge and related to the question, hypothesis or prediction.

IS 6.4 Recognises inconsistencies in the data, identifies the main sources of error and suggest improvements that would reduce the source of error.

Communicating Scientifically

Students access and communicate scientific understanding with different audiences for a range of purposes.

CS 4 …

 

CS 5 …

 

CS 6 …

 

Science in Daily Life

Students select and apply scientific knowledge, skills and understandings across a range of contexts in daily life.

SDL 4 …

 

SDL 5 …

 

SDL 6 …

 

Acting Responsibly

Students make decisions that include ethical considerations of the impact of the processes and likely products of science on people and the environment.

AR 4 …

 

AR 5 …

 

AR 6 …

 

Science in Society

Students understand the nature of science as a human activity

SS 4 …

 

SS 5 …

 

SS 6 …

 

Life and Living

Students understand their own biology and that of other living things, and recognise the interdependence of life.

LL 4 Understands that systems can interact and that such interactions can lead to change

  • Describe processes that connect living things in an ecosystem;
  • Describe the interaction between different systems with particular functions;
  • Identify a process of change to show that groups of living things may have changed over time.

LL 5 Understands the models and concepts and principles used to explain the effects of change on systems of living things.

  • Use concepts and models to explain processes that maintain balance in an ecosystem;
  • Use concepts and models to explain the interaction between systems and the external environment;
  • Explain interactions between living things and the external environment that occur over time.

LL 6 Understands the concepts and principles used to explain the effects of change on systems of living things.

  • Apply principles to explain the effects of environmental change on living things and ecosystems;
  • Quantify relationships between systems, living things and the environment;
  • Use concepts to explain how continuity and change occur from generation to generation.