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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

7–10Science 7–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Stage 4

Data science 1

Working scientifically

In this focus area, students develop skills in analysing data and information, as well as identifying problem-solving strategies and proposing solutions to problems. Additional Working scientifically outcomes and skills may be integrated with this content.

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Data science context

The Data science focus area can be taught alongside other focus areas, or aligned to students’ interests, local context or school environment.

Data
  • Examine a range of sources of data and their applications

  • Examine the digital footprint created by different online activities to recognise the importance of engaging safely with digital systems

  • Recognise that data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses statistics, scientific methods and processes, algorithms and systems to develop knowledge by extracting or extrapolating insights from data

Scientific models
  • Compare and contrast scientific inquiries of natural phenomena with nonscientific approaches

  • Identify that a scientific model is a representation based on data and observations of real-world phenomena

  • Identify examples of the types of models used by scientists

  • Analyse a model to identify data and trends, and generate predictions

  • Identify that computer-based models enable phenomena to be simulated, and variables can be easily changed to investigate their effect

Applications of models
  • Identify data and observations used by scientists for the development of a model

  • Outline how scientists develop workable theories from models

Collecting, using and analysing datasets
  • Formulate and investigate scientific questions that can be addressed with data

  • Conduct repeated experimental trials to calculate and compare the mean and range of data collected by different groups to discuss the accuracy and reliability of experimental data

  • Analyse data collected from a range of student investigations to look for patterns and test whether data is consistent with an initial prediction

Data science 1 in context
  • Create a model that can be used to explain an observable phenomenon

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