7–10Science 7–10 Syllabus

Select and use equipment correctly, including digital technologies, to make observations to increase the accuracy of measurements appropriate to the task

Make a series of observations with precision

Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically

Predict outcomes based on observations and scientific knowledge

Describe the purpose of an investigation

Explain the use of variables and experimental controls in a valid scientific investigation

Assess the types of data that need to be collected in a range of investigation types

Select and explain investigation methods, including fieldwork and laboratory experimentation, to collect reliable data

Identify risks, consider ethical issues and select suitable materials and technologies for a range of investigations

Modify an investigation in response to new evidence

Implement safe work practices and manage risks

Assemble, construct and manipulate identified equipment to perform the investigation

Follow the planned procedure and identify and respond to errors if they occur

Systematically and accurately collect and record data, information, evidence and findings

Extract information from a wide range of reliable secondary sources and acknowledge these sources using an accepted referencing style

Select and use a range of representations to organise data and information, including graphs, keys, models, diagrams, tables and spreadsheets

Select and extract information from texts, diagrams, flow charts, tables, databases, graphs and multimedia resources

Calculate a range of descriptive statistics using SI units

Identify data which supports or refutes questions, hypotheses and proposed solutions to problems

Describe specific ways to improve the quality of data collected in an investigation

Describe patterns and trends, including inconsistencies in data and information

Describe relationships between variables

Assess the validity and reliability of first-hand data

Use graphed data from investigations to extrapolate or interpolate information to make predictions

Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence

Synthesise data and information to develop evidence-based arguments

Evaluate conclusions and evidence, including identifying sources of uncertainty and possible alternative explanations

Analyse the validity of information from secondary sources

Select suitable strategies and implement them to solve an identified problem

Develop evaluation criteria relevant to identified problems

Assess the solutions proposed based on the relevant evaluation criteria

Use cause-and-effect relationships and models to explain ideas and make predictions

Evaluate different approaches used to solve problems

Evaluate claims using scientific knowledge and findings from investigations

Present scientific arguments using evidence, correct scientific language and terminology, as appropriate to audience and purpose

Create written texts to communicate scientific investigations, explain scientific theories and principles, structure a scientific argument, and evaluate findings in light of scientific knowledge

Recognise that scientific texts develop arguments by encouraging the reader to adopt a specific perspective and positioning them to accept the authority of a text