Waste and materials – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

Primary KLAs:
Human Society and its Environment, Mathematics, Science and Technology
Educational levels:
Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6

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Monitors assist students to choose the correct bin for waste disposal.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education.

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on waste and materials using the five-step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and reflect on their success and their learning.

NSW syllabus outcomes

(GE2-2) describes the ways people, places and environments interact

(GE2-3) examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments

(GE2-4) acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry

(GE3-2) explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments

(GE3-3) compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments

(GE3-4) acquires, processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry

(ST2-1WS-S) questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations

(ST2-2DP-T) selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity

(ST2-7MW-T) investigates the suitability of natural and processed materials for a range of purposes

(ST3-1WS-S) plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions

(ST3-2DP-T) plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity

(ST3-7MW-T) explains how the properties of materials determines their use for a range of purposes

(MA2-1WM) uses appropriate terminology to describe, and symbols to represent, mathematical ideas

(MA2-2WM) selects and uses appropriate mental or written strategies, or technology, to solve problems

(MA2-3WM) checks the accuracy of a statement and explains the reasoning used

(MA2-18SP ) selects appropriate methods to collect data, and constructs, compares, interprets and evaluates data displays, including tables, picture graphs and column graphs

(MA3-1WM) describes and represents mathematical situations in a variety of ways using mathematical terminology and some conventions

(MA3-2WM) selects and applies appropriate problem-solving strategies, including the use of digital technologies, in undertaking investigations

(MA3-3WM) gives a valid reason for supporting one possible solution over another

(MA3-18SP ) uses appropriate methods to collect data and constructs, interprets and evaluates data displays, including dot plots, line graphs and two-way tables

Australian curriculum content descriptions

(ACHASSI053) Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations

(ACHASSI054) Record, sort and represent data and the location of places and their characteristics in different formats, including simple graphs, tables and maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions

(ACHASSI056) Examine information to identify different points of view and distinguish facts from opinions

(ACHASSI057) Interpret data and information displayed in different formats, to identify and describe distributions and simple patterns

(ACHASSI058) Draw simple conclusions based on analysis of information and data

(ACHASSI059) Interact with others with respect to share points of view

(ACHASSI060) Reflect on learning to propose actions in response to an issue or challenge and consider possible effects of proposed actions

(ACHASSI061) Present ideas, findings and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms

(ACHASSK090) The use and management of natural resources and waste, and the different views on how to do this sustainably

(ACHASSI074) Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations

(ACHASSI075) Record, sort and represent data and the location of places and their characteristics in different formats, including simple graphs, tables and maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions

(ACHASSI077) Examine information to identify different points of view and distinguish facts from opinions

(ACHASSI078) Interpret data and information displayed in different formats, to identify and describe distributions and simple patterns

(ACHASSI079) Draw simple conclusions based on analysis of information and data

(ACHASSI080) Interact with others with respect to share points of view

(ACHASSI081) Reflect on learning to propose actions in response to an issue or challenge and consider possible effects of proposed actions

(ACHASSI082) Present ideas, findings and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms

(ACHASSK113) The environmental and human influences on the location and characteristics of a place and the management of spaces within them

(ACHASSI095) Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary sources and secondary sources

(ACHASSI096) Organise and represent data in a range of formats including tables, graphs and large- and small-scale maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions

(ACHASSI099) Examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present

(ACHASSI100) Interpret data and information displayed in a range of formats to identify, describe and compare distributions, patterns and trends, and to infer relationships

(ACHASSI101) Evaluate evidence to draw conclusions

(ACHASSI102) Work in groups to generate responses to issues and challenges

(ACHASSI103) Use criteria to make decisions and judgements and consider advantages and disadvantages of preferring one decision over others

(ACHASSI104) Reflect on learning to propose personal and/or collective action in response to an issue or challenge, and predict the probable effects

(ACHASSI105) Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions

(ACHASSI123) Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary sources and secondary sources

(ACHASSI124) Organise and represent data in a range of formats including tables, graphs and large- and small-scale maps, using discipline-appropriate conventions

(ACHASSI127) Examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present

(ACHASSI128) Interpret data and information displayed in a range of formats to identify, describe and compare distributions, patterns and trends, and to infer relationships

(ACHASSI129) Evaluate evidence to draw conclusions

(ACHASSI130) Work in groups to generate responses to issues and challenges

(ACHASSI131) Use criteria to make decisions and judgements and consider advantages and disadvantages of preferring one decision over others

(ACHASSI132) Reflect on learning to propose personal and/or collective action in response to an issue or challenge, and predict the probable effects

(ACHASSI133) Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions

(ACSHE051) Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions

(ACSIS054) With guidance, plan and conduct scientific investigations to find answers to questions, considering the safe use of appropriate materials and equipment

(ACSIS055) Consider the elements of fair tests and use formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate, to make and record observations accurately

(ACSIS057) Use a range of methods including tables and simple column graphs to represent data and to identify patterns and trends

(ACSIS060) Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations

(ACSHE062) Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions

(ACSIS065) With guidance, plan and conduct scientific investigations to find answers to questions, considering the safe use of appropriate materials and equipment

(ACSIS066) Consider the elements of fair tests and use formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate, to make and record observations accurately

(ACSIS068) Use a range of methods including tables and simple column graphs to represent data and to identify patterns and trends

(ACSIS071) Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations

(ACSHE083) Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions

(ACSIS086) Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks

(ACSIS090) Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data using digital technologies as appropriate

(ACSIS093) Communicate ideas, explanations and processes using scientific representations in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts

(ACSHE100) Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions

(ACSIS103) Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks

(ACSIS107) Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data using digital technologies as appropriate

(ACSIS110) Communicate ideas, explanations and processes using scientific representations in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts

(ACTDEP014) Critique needs or opportunities for designing and explore and test a variety of materials, components, tools and equipment and the techniques needed to produce designed solutions

(ACTDEP015) Generate, develop, and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques

(ACTDEP016) Select and use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and use safe work practices to make designed solutions

(ACTDEP017) Evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions based on criteria for success developed with guidance and including care for the environment

(ACTDEP018) Plan a sequence of production steps when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively

(ACTDEP024) Critique needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to achieve intended designed solutions

(ACTDEP025) Generate, develop and communicate design ideas and processes for audiences using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques

(ACTDEP026) Select appropriate materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and apply safe procedures to make designed solutions

(ACTDEP027) Negotiate criteria for success that include sustainability to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions

(ACTDEP028) Develop project plans that include consideration of resources when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively

More information

Resource type:
Interactive Resource
Audience:
learner, teacher
ScOT topics:
Waste management, Recycling, Environmental sustainability, Sustainable development, Environmental impact
Activities:
Brainstorming, Communication activity, Critical thinking activity, Data manipulation and interpretation, Practical activity, Problem solving
Language/s:
en-AU
Author:
State of NSW, Department of Education
Publisher:
State of NSW, Department of Education
Date created:
Thursday, 21 November 2019

Resource ID: c860398f-225a-47ae-97ee-61860f08d04c