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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

Periodic table and atomic structure

Working scientifically

In this focus area, students develop skills in processing and analysing data and information. Additional Working scientifically outcomes and skills may be integrated with this content.

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Classification of matter
  • Identify some common elements in everyday objects

  • Conduct a series of investigations to identify and compare the physical properties of metals, non-metals and metalloids

  • Explain how the properties of some common elements, compounds and alloys relate to their use(s)

Atomic structure
  • Identify the atom as the smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element

  • Identify protons, neutrons and electrons as subatomic particles

  • Describe the location, relative charge and mass of protons, neutrons and electrons using the planetary atomic model

  • Outline how models of atomic structure have changed over time

  • Explain how observations made possible by new technologies have led to a more detailed understanding of atomic structure

Periodic table
  • Outline patterns and relationships found in the periodic table, including reactivity

  • Predict the properties of elements based on their position and location on the periodic table

  • Identify the unique symbol of a range of elements

  • Use the periodic table to identify the elements in some common compounds

  • Investigate some tests that could be used to identify metal and non-metal elements

  • Model the atomic structure of the first 18 elements to identify that atomic structure changes with increasing atomic number

  • Describe how the historical development of the periodic table demonstrated understanding of the chemical and physical properties of elements

Periodic table and atomic structure in context
  • Investigate how the properties and availability of materials, including metals, alloys and compounds, influence their uses

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