7–10Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)
The new Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) is to be implemented from 2026 and will replace the Science 7–10 Syllabus (2018).
2025 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2026 – Start teaching the new syllabus
School sectors are responsible for implementing syllabuses and are best placed to provide schools with specific guidance and information on implementation given their understanding of their individual contexts. Schools may choose to implement the new syllabus during the planning and preparation phase.
Content
Stage 5
Working scientifically
In this focus area, students develop skills in planning investigations, problem-solving and communication skills. Additional Working scientifically outcomes and skills may be integrated with this content.
LoadingIdentify the finite nature of the minerals and resources extracted in Australia
Investigate the products produced from Australian minerals and resources
Explain how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples used minerals and resources for a wide range of purposes
Evaluate the environmental impact of extracting and using a named resource and document findings in a written scientific report
Use valency to describe the number of electrons an atom needs to gain, lose or share to achieve a stable electron configuration
Explain noble gas configuration and identify that it occurs during chemical bonding
Describe types of chemical bonds, including ionic, covalent and metallic bonds
Use models to describe the formation of cations and anions
Recognise that some elements exist as diatomic molecules
Construct chemical formulas of some common ionic compounds and covalent molecules
Conduct an investigation to observe and compare the physical and chemical properties of ionic, covalent and metallic substances, and explain how these relate to their uses
Distinguish between organic and inorganic compounds
Describe how hydrocarbons can be separated from crude oil and identify the uses of these products
Use International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature to name simple organic compounds
Identify and reproduce the structure of simple alkanes C1–C8
Describe the differences between complete and incomplete combustion reactions of hydrocarbons, and use examples from everyday applications to compare the products of the chemical reaction and amount of energy released
Research the uses of hydrocarbon compounds and how this has changed over time
Identify the raw materials used to make polymers
Investigate and describe the properties of a range of polymers
Determine the quantity and types of polymers found in the environment by undertaking a physical survey of the local area
Conduct an investigation to determine the biodegradability of different packaging materials
Investigate case studies to explain the effect of bioaccumulation of microplastics in the environment
Assess the environmental impacts of materials that are used as alternatives to those derived from crude oil