Science / Year 1 / Science as a human endeavour / Use and influence of science

Curriculum content descriptions

describe how people use science in their daily lives, including using patterns to make scientific predictions (AC9S1H01)

Elaborations
  • learning from farmers, bush care volunteers, gardeners or nursery owners about how they observe the needs of plants, and how they have designed or managed habitats to meet those needs
  • identifying ways that science knowledge is used in the care of the local environment and suggesting ways local gardens or parks could better meet the needs of native animals
  • investigating how First Nations Australians use science to meet their needs, such as food and water supply and shelter
  • recognising how First Nations Australians use changes in the landscape and the sky to answer questions about when to gather certain resources
  • learning from local ecologists or wildlife carers about native animals’ needs and how they observe animal behaviour to design supports for them to meet those needs, such as building frog and insect hotels and nesting boxes or recycling materials to provide habitat
  • sharing examples of how they have used science knowledge at home, such as by listening to or viewing weather forecasts or observing weather patterns when planning family events or outings, or wearing appropriate clothing for the season
  • identifying how we use pushes and pulls when preparing meals, and the tools that help us push or pull objects
  • exploring how engineers use knowledge of forces to create new playground equipment or toys
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Literacy Literacy
ScOT terms

Scientific inquiry,  Predictions (Science),  Lifestyles,  Patterns

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Survive and thrive

In this sequence of 8 lessons, students learn about the basic needs of plants and animals including humans. They apply this knowledge to design and build a physical or digital diorama of a plant or animal habitat. Professional learning for teachers is integrated throughout the sequence.

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Growing food

This module focuses on the environmental conditions that affect the growth of plants. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, materials lists, design process guides and printable student resource sheets. The resource also provides an editable module template, is supported by online professional ...

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Past, present and future on the farm

In this resource, students learn about technologies that have changed over time and how these changes have helped farmers. Students will have the opportunity to consider how their own school-based technology might solve a problem. This lesson is part of a sequence of lessons that can be used with this age-group of students. ...

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People on the farm

In this resource, students learn about some important people who work with farmers, their roles, how they use science and what tools they use to perform their jobs. This lesson is part of a sequence of lessons that can be used with this age-group of students. Topics include Seasons and jobs on the farm; Who lives on the ...

Downloadable

Wonder of water

The unit has been written to develop students' understanding of the importance of water as a resource and to promote its wise usage. If possible, organise to implement this unit in a term in which you are likely to receive rain.

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Primary Connections: Any day outdoors

In this sequence of 7 lessons, students identify daily and seasonal changes and describe ways these changes affect their everyday life. They explore this concept through the context of planning for a picnic or school-related event. They learn to identify patterns, make predictions and plan for activities in their daily ...

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The Sugarbag: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book The Sugarbag. The book explores themes of Aboriginal culture and customs, adventure and the activities of native bees and their ‘sugarbag’ honey. Some Wiradjuri language words are included. This unit includes practical ideas for using this book in your classroom.

Downloadable

How much rain?

In this lesson sequence, students participate in a puzzle hunt in the school grounds to find letter clues that lead to the location of a special gift (a rain gauge) related to water. Students then make rain gauges and record rainfall in the school grounds with both the hand-made and commercial rain gauges.

Downloadable

Water challenges

In this culminating activity, students use their understanding about how people use and manage water to respond to hypothetical scenarios about water shortages. In this activity, students discuss 'what if' scenarios: possible reasons for the shortages, possible consequences and ways to manage the situation.

Online

Education - Return to 1616 Ecological Restoration Project

This is a comprehensive education package based on of the world's most exciting ecological restoration projects that is happening right now in Western Australia! It features interactive virtual tours, 3D skulls, videos, real-action inquiry projects, research projects, native animal educational card games and activities, ...

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

How does your garden grow?

This Stage 2 resource grew from a conversation between young students questioning why they could still buy grapes if they were out of season. This wondering led to a discussion around when we grow certain fruit and vegetables. The original stimulus was extended to cover planting for the seasons and factors that influence ...

Online

Cats, Dogs and Us: Lesson plans (years 1-2)

This teacher resource is an International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) resource designed to encourage students to examine the physical characteristics and natural behaviours of cats and dogs, and discuss the various ways we live with and care for cats and dogs around the world. It consists of five lesson plans, three ...

Video

For the Juniors: How do you make bread?

Have you ever made bread? This clip shows a girl learning to make bread at home with her mother. You will also see how different types of bread are made.

Video

For the Juniors: Fish from the ocean to table

Have you ever eaten fish for dinner? This clip tells the story of how fish come from the sea to your plate. See how fish are caught, bought and sold. Watch a fish being cut into fillets and find out what happens to the bits we don't eat.

Online

Bushfire education: types of fires - good and bad

This is a teacher resource containing a lesson plan that provides guidelines for class discussion about why some fires are helpful while others cause problems, and includes suggestions for activities and games that will encourage awareness of fire safety. High-quality photographs that can be used to assist the discussion ...

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; ...

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 ...

Online

Making a small wicking bed

Making and planting a small wicking bed is a fulfilling activity. It upcycles materials, building awareness of waste and reuse. The completed wicking bed can suit small spaces – such as a balcony – demonstrating that even small spaces can be used to produce food. Its small size allows children to take ownership of its maintenance. ...

Downloadable

The Manual: Butterfly Gardening in South Australia

This Manual assists teachers and students establish butterfly gardens in their schoolgrounds. It provides information about butterfly lifecycles, habitats, adaptations, and requirements to live. The manual also provides local Indigenous perspectives of butterflies, along with useful links to websites. The manual accompanies ...