Inquiry

Question:

How should physical sciences inform safe and sustainable design practices?

Global Goal/s:

#7 Clean and affordable energy, #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

(Summary of Learning):

In Term 4, Level Four is inquiring into the question ‘How should physical sciences inform safe and sustainable design practices?’ Throughout this unit, learners will explore physical science around us and how it impacts our lives. They will investigate these concepts through hands-on experiments. From their explorations and investigations, learners will come away with an understanding of:

• What contact and non-contact forces are
• How forces can be exerted by one object to another
• How the STEAM process can be utilised to create a solution and create innovative solutions

Additionally, a key element of our inquiry will involve transferring our understanding and making connections to our three Global Goals and how our actions and decisions can impact our community. Learners will investigate a variety of designs, design processes and materials, through different industries, particularly the Transport and Automobile Industry. This will guide them in creating their own design that fits into the Transport Industry that is safe, sustainable, ethical and purposeful by following the STEAM process. 

Key Vocabulary:

• Contact forces 
• Non-contact forces 
• Sustainability
• Industry
• STEAM Process
• Design practices

How can you support your child’s Inquiry learning at home?  

• Discussing the materials and composition of objects within your home including what the materials are made of and how they produce and hold heat
• Discussing where physical science is present in your home and your environment
• Ask your learner about what stage of the STEAM process they are currently at throughout the term