Science / Foundation / Science inquiry / Planning and conducting

Curriculum content descriptions

engage in investigations safely and make observations using their senses (AC9SFI02)

Elaborations
  • discussing ways to conduct investigations safely, such as by being sun safe, not running with equipment, not tasting objects or materials, and following teacher instructions
  • explaining safety considerations for using the senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing, and discussing why we do not use taste to make observations in science
  • using provided tools such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, digital photography or video to enhance their observations of plants and animals
  • recording observations using numbers, dots, drawings, voice recordings, digital photography or video
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
ScOT terms

Protective clothing,  Data collection,  Scientific inquiry,  Observations (Data)

Video

Why do we need bones?

Join Brianna and Professor Emma Duncan as they discuss why we need bones. Where are our smallest and hardest bones? Learn more about how the human body works with this animated video.

Video

Why do mosquito bites itch?

What sounds do mosquitoes makes, and can you find out why those irritating little mosquito bites itch so much? Why do we need mosquitoes? Where do they fit in an ecosystem?

Video

What is a cumulus cloud?

There are many different types of clouds, all with different names. Here, Brianna finds out what a cumulus cloud is. What are other types of clouds?

Online

Planting fruit and vegetables

In this sequence of lessons students grow a plant from seed, capturing each step and decision as an algorithmic process and recording data for future learning.

Online

What’s happening in the habitat?

We’re going to identify animals in their habitats by exploring either your backyard, schoolyard, a local park or some other natural place. Investigate your surroundings to see which animals are sharing the local habitat with you. Use the field guide to help you identify animals in your community.

Online

Propagating from fruit and vegetable scraps

We’re going to use fruit and vegetable scraps to propagate or grow new plants! Investigating plant growth engages young learners in a hands-on science project and helps illustrate plant features and life-cycles. Your plants can even be planted into the garden to produce a future crop. OUTCOMES for this learning activity ...

Online

Sow a seed, grow a feed

Engage young learners’ senses as they grow food from a seed. They can learn about caring for a living thing, experience the joy of watching something grow and harvesting healthy edible food. The activity provides opportunities for development of science, sustainability and maths concepts. OUTCOMES of this learning activity ...

Video

For the Juniors: Wet weather in cold and warm climates

Have you ever thought about how rainy weather feels in different places? This short clip talks about wet weather in a cold place and in a warm place. You will hear some children talking about how they feel when it's raining where they live.

Video

What is a meteor?

Brianna and Professor Jonti Horner look up into the night sky to find out more about shooting stars. What is a shooting star made of and why do they fall from the sky?

Video

Pet Superstars: The beagle: A nose that always knows

Meet Junior, a beagle who sniffs out all sorts of things, especially treats. Listen as Josie tells us about life with her pet dog. People say that beagles have the most amazing sense of smell. Does Junior? Find out.

Video

For the Juniors: A poem about taste

Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't taste anything. This rhyming poem will help you think about the importance of our sense of taste.

Online

Getting the buzz on bees and other beneficial insects

We’re going to investigate insects! Explore your outdoor surroundings to see if your habitat is home to bees and other beneficial insects. Use the field guide to help you get the buzz on bees and other local insects. OUTCOMES: For children to look closely for beneficial insects outdoors and identify those which are present; ...

Online

Exploring the story of water

Investigate the journey of water through the environment, from the mountains to the sea through an active demonstration. Discover and discuss changes to quality of the water on this journey through the environment? OUTCOMES of this learning activity are for students to: understand the journey of water from taps to the ocean; ...

Video

For the Juniors: Where does honey come from?

Discover where honey comes from. Learn how and why honey is made and how we get different types of honey. See what daily life is like in a bee colony.

Video

For the Juniors: Growing apples

Do you like eating apples? This clip shows where apples are grown. Learn how the apple farmer (orchardist) looks after the apple trees so they can grow lots of healthy fruit.

Video

Sam the Lamb: properties of wool

This short video, narrated by ‘Sam the Lamb’ and a group of young wool enthusiasts, explores the properties of one of nature’s most versatile fibres. Viewers will discover how wool can stretch and return to its natural shape when worn; why wool is safe to wear around campfires and in the sun, and how wool can manages moisture ...

Video

Sam the Lamb: what is wool?

This short video, narrated by Sam the Lamb and a group of young woolgrowers, explores where wool comes from, how it grows and how it protects sheep in all kinds of weather. Viewers will discover what wool looks it, how it feels and how woolgrowers harvest their sheep’s woolly fleece each year…and how it grows back again.

Video

For the Juniors: Using and storing water on a farm

Can you imagine a farm with no water? What might happen to the animals and crops? This clip explains how important a water supply is for farmers. You will see some ways that farmers store water, which is especially important when there is limited or no rain.

Video

Feathers, Fur and Fins: Observing a koala

Join Don Spencer as he talks about one of Australia's most popular animals. Observe koalas as they walk, climb and jump to find food in the bush. Discover why koalas rarely drink.

Interactive

Chicken farming in the living world: Stage 1

Chickens are fascinating animals and provide students with an interesting subject matter to discuss the many aspects of our living world. This interactive course for students explores the question 'How do humans use plants and animals?' and comprises a series of modules and supporting videos. Students will plan, design ...