Science / Year 4 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and development of science

Curriculum content descriptions

Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE061)

Elaborations
  • exploring ways in which scientists gather evidence for their ideas and develop explanations
  • considering how scientific practices such as sorting, classification and estimation are used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in everyday life
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Predictions (Science),  Patterns,  Causality

Interactive

Environmental and Zoo Education Centres – primary school resources

A collection of digital resources for primary school teachers and students to support teaching and learning from home, with a particular focus on geography, science and history. The resources were developed by Department of Education teachers from 25 Environmental and Zoo Education Centres in NSW and include Google Sites, ...

Interactive

Biodiversity – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This biodiversity learning resource guides students through an extended school based investigation. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and reflect on their success and their learning.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Red cabbage pH experiment

It might sound 'un-sciencey', and have a bad smell, but red cabbage is actually very useful for testing the pH of liquids. Added to well-known liquids like lemonade or vinegar, red cabbage juice changes to 'pretty colours'. In this clip, Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman explains the colour changes and how red cabbage juice ...

Downloadable

Unit for Year 3 to 4 Butterflies: Engaging with nature

This unit of work engages students in preparing butterfly gardens in their schoolgrounds. It explores scientific entomology, features of caterpillars and butterflies, the lifecycle of butterflies, survival requirements, and the characteristics of butterfly gardens. The unit includes worksheets, assessment ideas, pictures, ...

Interactive

Make it alive: spotted tree frogs

Investigate the stream habitat of the endangered spotted tree frog. Discover what these frogs eat in the developing stages of their life. Find enough food so the frogs develop from the tadpole stage through to adulthood. Help the tadpoles escape from predatory fish such as the introduced rainbow trout. Search for safe places ...

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Tell Me Why: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Tell Me Why. Author Sarah Jackson shares her journey of self-discovery as she connects with her Aboriginal heritage. The text incorporates the Stolen Generation in a way that is relatable to younger audiences. This unit includes practical ideas for using this book in ...

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Rivers and creeks: caring for living places

This lesson introduces rivers, creeks and other waterways as living places that support plants, animals, and people. The lesson includes a downloadable lesson plan, links to supporting websites, videos, and an assessment rubric.

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Our animal neighbours

This lesson invites students to learn about a local animal species, the places it lives and how this has changed over time. The lesson includes a downloadable lesson plan, links to supporting websites, videos, and an assessment rubric.

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Farming through history: Science and sustainability Years 3-4

This study guide looks at the historical context of cattle and sheep farming in Australia and how farming, environment and community interact in remote and urban Australia. Students will learn how cattle and sheep production has developed from the time of the early settlers to the 21st century. They will build an understanding ...

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Cussen Park: Hear and there soundwalk

This resource provides information and teaching and learning activities about Victorian wetlands environments. The resource is designed to accompany students on a visit to Cussen Park and to provide a guide to interacting with its interpretative Soundwalk and signage. The activities also provide general information on the ...

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Creating a worm farm

Food and gardening scraps thrown into household bins becomes landfill. When food waste breaks down in landfill, it emits greenhouse gases including methane gas which traps heat in our atmosphere. Diverting this organic waste from landfill and into a worm farm or composting system is great for your garden and for our planet. ...

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Gold nugget

This is a gold nugget (approximately 3.4 cm x 2.2 cm), which was probably found in about 1865 on a goldfield in Otago (in the southern South Island of New Zealand).

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Kids in the Garden, Ep 3: Discover flower power!

Can you imagine a world without flowers? Flowers add colour, scent and beauty to our world. But why do plants make them? Discover the real purpose of flowers and how they do their job.

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Can We Help?: Effects of g-force on the human body

Peter Rowsthorn visits the Australian International Air Show to answer the question, 'What effect does g-force have on the human body?' Join Pete in the cockpit of a light plane for some aerobatics with pilot David Pilkington. G-force expert Dr David Newman explains the science as Pete endures up to 6 g in the aircraft.

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For the Juniors: How do mangrove trees survive?

Imagine a plant that lives in mud and is soaked in sea water twice a day. Find out how mangroves thrive in conditions that would kill other plants. View the amazing adaptations that make mangroves such special plants.

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Experimentals: The secret chamber of the Anti-Bubble

Bubble-hunters Doctor Ruby and Bunsen Bernie have to solve just one more challenging bubble test before they can enter the Chamber of the Anti-Bubble. They have to make a cubic bubble! This is part two of a two-part episode.

Interactive

Botany of Kamay

This resource explores the plants of Kamay Botany Bay – their significance to the Aboriginal people of Kamay, and to the botanists on the Endeavour in 1770. This resource is one part of the 'Endeavour – eight days in Kamay' resource.

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Kids in the Garden, Ep 4: Plant leaves

Leaves come in many shapes, sizes, colours and textures. Watch this clip to discover how leaves make their own food and transport energy to the rest of the plant. See how they can even be useful after they've fallen to the ground. Presenter Nick Hardcastle and some young helpers will also show you a fun, creative activity ...

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Kids in the Garden, Ep 8: How plants survive in different places

Explore some amazing ways that plants can survive in their habitats. See plants that mimic stones. Discover how some plants use weapons to protect themselves. Meet plants that trap their victims to feed on them.

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Restoring a native creek habitat

Discover how a primary school is working with local environmental groups to clean up the local creek and promote the return of native animals. View this clip called 'A fishy story!', created by young reporters from Willunga Primary School, South Australia. The clip was developed as part of the ABC Splash Live 'Making the ...