Digital Technologies / Year 5 and 6 / Knowledge and understanding / Digital systems

Curriculum content descriptions

investigate the main internal components of common digital systems and their function (AC9TDI6K01)

Elaborations
  • explaining how digital systems are made up of parts that perform specific functions, for example the processor controls the tablet, performs calculations and manipulates data
  • exploring how the central processing unit (CPU), memory and input/output components work together to perform a simple calculation
  • investigating the main components in a video conferencing system and their functions, for example a telehealth system used to access ultrasound and other imagery services by communities in areas classified as remote such as those of some First Nations Australians
General capabilities
ScOT terms

Systems thinking

Online

Collaborative project

This is a unit for Year 6 from the Scope and sequence resources from the DT Hub. The topic of collaboration and protocols is organised into four key elements. Use this flow of activities to plan and assess students against the relevant achievement standards. Using a relevant context such as disaster management, students ...

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How 'binary information' is communicated via the internet

Ever wondered how your photos, emails and messages get sent between devices? Watch as software engineer Tess Winlock explains what binary information is, and how it gets from one place to another. Can you explain what 'bits' are? How about 'bytes'? In the past, binary information was sent using physical systems like semaphore ...

Online

Connecting digital components

This is a unit for Year 6 from the Scope and sequence resources from the DT Hub. The topic of digital systems is organised into four key elements. Use this flow of activities to plan and assess students against the relevant achievement standards. Students learn about input and output devices and then use Makey Makey boards ...

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Animal adaptations

Students explore aspects of animal adaptation prior to applying their knowledge to construct their own digital creature using littleBits electronic sets.

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ACARA sample assessment task: years 5-6: Representing data

This resource provides strategies for assessing aspects of the Digital Technologies subject in the Australian Curriculum that relate to the representation of data in binary code. The resource includes an assessment planner and rubric, as well as links to curriculum and learning resources.

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Planning an action research project to facilitate implementation of Digital Technologies

This PowerPoint presentation includes ideas for planning and developing action research projects to facilitate implementation of digital technologies.

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Digital Technologies in the Australian Curriculum: sequence of content

This PDF provides a sequence of content for the Digital Technologies subject in the Australian Curriculum

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Planning an action research project to facilitate implementation of Digital Technologies

This document includes ideas for planning and developing action research projects to facilitate implementation of digital technologies.

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Literature reviews: what, why and how

This PowerPoint explains the benefits and techniques of literature reviews.

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Supporting the Implementation of Digital Technologies in Disadvantaged Schools: Case study of impact, outcomes and sustainability (2020)

This PDF is an extensive report on the success of the Digital Technologies in Focus (DTiF) project, with a focus on supporting the Implementation of Digital Technologies in disadvantaged schools. The evaluation gathered qualitative data to create rich case study accounts of six schools' engagement in the project and its ...

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Newsletter – July 2019

This newsletter from the Digital Technologies in Focus project includes information about an On Country staff development day with Leonara District High School, cybersecurity, the Australian Curriculum, and useful resources.

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Mossman State School – Project proposal

This PDF outlines Mossman State School's proposal to participate in the Digital Technologies in Focus project.

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St James Catholic College – Project proposal

This PDF outlines St James Catholic College's proposal to participate in the Digital Technologies in Focus project.

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Bethany Christian School – Progress report 1

This video explains the progress that Bethany Christian School has made in the Digital Technologies in Focus project. It is the first in a series of four.

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Bethany Christian School – Timeline

This document presents the milestones in Bethany Christian School's participation in the Digital Technologies in Focus project.

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Green Hill Public School – Progress report 3

This video explains the progress that Bethany Christian School has made in the Digital Technologies in Focus project. It is the last in a series of three.

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Classroom ideas F-10: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections to Digital Technologies

This resource provides examples of ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures can be integrated into Digital Technologies. Examples include 'classification and sorting data' and 'designing solutions'.

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Digital Technologies resource types and resource mapping template

This three-page document gives suggestions for selecting and organising Digital Technologies resources, including physical equipment, unplugged activities and online links. It includes a simple template that may be helpful in documenting these.

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Kim review: Systems thinking

This article explores the types of systems in our world, their characteristics and how our behaviour can initiate and respond to changes in their performance. The author differentiates between systems thinking and a system and elaborates on those factors that contribute to systemic behaviour.

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Archived newsletters

This webpage features archived newsletters from the Digital Technologies in Focus project. The newsletters include information about schools' projects, assessment tasks, the Australian Curriculum and resources.