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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2028
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Life Skills

Life Skills for Stage 6

Through collaborative curriculum planning, it may be decided that Life Skills outcomes and content are the most appropriate option for some students with intellectual disability.

Earth and Environmental Science in context

Teachers select relevant Working scientifically outcomes and content to integrate with this focus area based on the strengths and needs of individual students.

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Recycling and waste management
  • Identify waste associated with household products

  • Categorise waste products

  • Participate in a scientific investigation to describe what happens to waste products from everyday living

  • Demonstrate ways to minimise waste

  • Participate in a practical investigation to safely produce compost

  • Create alternative methods or products for storage not requiring use of plastics

  • Identify examples of reducing, reusing and recycling materials

  • Participate in recycling, upcycling, downcycling or repurposing

  • Participate in a scientific investigation to describe the treatment of wastewater

Resources
  • Participate in a scientific investigation to observe and compare rocks or soils from the local area

  • Explore how natural resources including minerals, ores and water are extracted from different parts of the Earth’s structure

  • Classify resources used in everyday living as renewable or non-renewable

  • Participate in a scientific investigation to identify ways individuals can conserve resources at home

  • Explore the importance of plants for the production of food and materials

  • Explore uses of timber products

  • Outline ways water is used in the home

  • Identify ways energy is used in daily living

  • Participate in sustainable practices in local contexts and everyday living

  • Participate in a scientific investigation to explore a local supply of safe drinking water

  • Participate in planting or caring for trees and plants in the local area

  • Compare the accessibility of safe drinking water in different locations in Australia

  • Explore the supply chain of food from growing or production to consumption

Living in a changing planet
  • Participate in a scientific investigation to observe and record changes to the Earth’s surface

  • Develop a safety and response plan for a hazard or weather event in a familiar context

  • Participate in local initiatives that respond to environmental changes

  • Describe individual and group responses to changes in the environment

Environmental sustainability
  • Demonstrate ways to reduce water use or energy use

  • Explore the effects of non-sustainable use of resources

  • Explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country and Place

  • Identify sustainable practices for agriculture, mining, forestry and water conservation

  • Use a device powered by a renewable energy source

  • Identify sources of electrical energy used by a remote community in Australia or another country

  • Design a home with features to minimise energy and water use

  • Explore the use of new technologies or resources to improve sustainability in the local area

Related files