Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world. Through science, we explore the unknown, investigate universal phenomena, make predictions and solve problems. Science gives us an empirical way of answering curious and important questions about the changing world we live in.
The Australian Curriculum: Science enables students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, science's contribution to our culture and society, and its uses in our lives. It supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills needed to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues, and to succeed in science-related careers.
Aims
The Australian Curriculum: Science aims to ensure that students develop:
- an interest in science as a way of expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and speculate on the changing world they live in
- a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, Earth and space, physical and chemical sciences, including being able to select and integrate scientific knowledge and practices to explain and predict phenomena and to apply understanding to new situations and events
- an understanding of scientific inquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry practices, including questioning; planning and conducting experiments and investigations based on ethical and interculturally aware principles; generating and analysing data; evaluating results; and drawing critical, evidence-based conclusions
- an ability to communicate scientific understanding and findings to a range of audiences, to justify claims with evidence, and to evaluate and debate scientific explanations and arguments
- an ability to solve problems and make informed decisions about current and future uses of science while taking into account ethical, environmental, social and economic implications of decisions
- an understanding of the dynamic nature of science knowledge including historical and global contributions, and an understanding of the relationship between science and society including the diversity of science careers.
Structure
The Australian Curriculum: Science is presented in year levels from Foundation to Year 10.
Content is organised under 3 interrelated strands:
- Science understanding
- Science as a human endeavour
- Science inquiry.
Together, the 3 strands provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world. Students are challenged to explore science, its concepts, nature and uses through clearly described inquiry practices.
Content under each strand is further organised into sub-strands as shown in the table below:
The learning area of Science is provided by a Specialist teacher to all students from Prep to Year 6.
Our Science specialist teacher is responsible for planning, teaching, assessing and reporting on AC V9 Science.
The Minimum Requirements for Providing the Australian Curriculum provides clarity around the time that teachers are required to spend implementing the Science Learning Area.