NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)

For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the Science 7 -10 Curriculum site

Stage 4

A student:

• identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations SC4-WS-02
  – Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically
  – Make predictions based on scientific knowledge and observations
• describes the effects of forces in everyday contexts SC4-FOR-01
  – Conduct a practical investigation on the effects of a range of direct and indirect forces
• explains how energy causes geological and chemical change SC4-CHG-01
  -Describe the processes associated with the movement of tectonic plates
  – Identify the evidence used to develop the theory of plate tectonics
  – Identify that earthquakes and volcanoes are natural phenomena that provide evidence of geological changes in the Earth’s crust and surface
  Conduct investigations or simulations to compare the observable properties of different types of minerals and rocks
  – Use the rock cycle to explain the geological processes that lead to the formation and transformation of different types of rock
  – Model the formation of fossils and explain how fossils show evidence that different organisms existed at different times in the past
  – Recognise that the law of superposition allows scientists to determine the relative age of rock strata

Stage 5

• asks questions or makes predictions using observations SCLS-WS-02
  – Ask questions about familiar objects and events based on observations
  – Make predictions based on observations

NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our NSW incursions

VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0

For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the VIC Curriculum F-10 site.

Levels 7 and 8

• Earth is a dynamic planet as demonstrated by tectonic activity, including the formation of geological features at divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries; the theory of plate tectonics is supported by scientific evidence. VC2S8U10
• key processes of the rock cycle occur over different timescales; the properties of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks not only reflect their formation but also impact their usefulness and determine the methods used when mined. VC2S8U11
• investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be developed in guiding investigations to identify patterns, test relationships and analyse and evaluate scientific models. VC2S8I01
• scientific methods, conclusions and claims can be analysed to identify assumptions, possible sources of error, conflicting evidence and unanswered questions. VC2S8I06
• evidence-based arguments can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of ethical issues and protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information. VC2S8I07

Levels 9 and 10

• investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be used in guiding investigations to test and develop explanatory models and relationships. VC2S10I01
• the validity and reproducibility of investigation methods and the validity of conclusions and claims can be evaluated, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence, biases that may influence observations and conclusions, sources of error and areas of uncertainty. VC2S10I06
• arguments based on a variety of evidence can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information. VC2S10I07