7–10Science 7–10 Syllabus

Discuss that the purpose of science is to build knowledge and understanding of the world and the Universe through observation, experimentation and analysis

Recognise how scientific knowledge can be represented in branches of biology, chemistry, physics and geology, and consider how modern scientific knowledge is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary

Explore why scientific research is usually collaborative and builds on the work of others

Identify that scientific theories and laws are based on repeated experiments and observations that describe or predict a range of natural phenomena

Identify that the practice of science involves using the Working scientifically processes

Use a variety of analog and digital measuring devices in scientific investigations to compare the range, sensitivity and accuracy of observations provided by those instruments

Compare and contrast the accuracy and reliability of observations made using the senses with those obtained using measuring equipment

Explain how observations of natural phenomena can be used to make inferences and testable predictions

Explore the different approaches scientists use in scientific research, including systematic observations and controlled experiments

Follow a sequence of instructions to safely conduct an investigation, and use scientific tools and instruments to observe how changing the independent variable of the investigation can cause a change in its dependent variable

Conduct an investigation using scientific tools and instruments to make a series of observations over time

Tabulate and graph data from an investigation to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions

Compare historical and current solar system models to show how models are modified or rejected due to new scientific evidence

Explain that predictable and observable phenomena on the Earth are caused by the relative positions of the Sun, the Earth and the Moon

Use physical models or virtual simulations to explain the cyclic patterns of lunar phases and eclipses of the Sun and Moon

Investigate the similarities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander accounts and mainstream scientific explanations about the phases of the Moon and how the phases affect tides

Explain how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use stars to identify specific weather phenomena

Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples predicted seasonal phenomena based on their observations of the stars and phases of the Moon to predict animal behaviour, plant cycles and tidal changes

Investigate how a recent advancement in science has increased knowledge of the world and the Universe