Curriculum

Program of Inquiry - Update!

Our school's rich Program of Inquiry has been updated to provide a greater emphasis on Science across the school. From next term, the updated Program of Inquiry will feature new units of inquiry exploring the four strands of Science (biological, chemical, physical, earth and space). These units sequentially build deep conceptual understandings about the world and develop transferable skills and mindsets (habits of mind) that can be adapted to a range of rapidly changing contexts. 

We're looking forward to raising the profile of Science at our school next term, which will begin with an exciting incursion from Professor Bunsen and continue with Science Week celebrations and an open Science afternoon in Week 5. 

For now, read on to find out more about your child's inquiry focus for next term.

Foundation

Unit Title: Weather and Seasons (Earth and Space Science)

Essential Questions

• How does the weather change?
• How can we prepare for different kinds of weather?
• What seasonal changes can observe in the natural world?
• How does seasonal changes impact our lives?
• How do animals keep warm in the winter?

Year 1

Unit Title: Material that Change Shape (Chemical Science 

Essential Questions

• How do materials change and how can we describe these actions?
• How can we follow instructions to change materials?
• What predictions can we make about how materials will change?

Year 2

Unit Title: Uses of Earth's Resources (Earth and Space Science)

Essential Questions

• How is water used in our school?
• How is water treated so it safe to drink?
• How can we save water?
• How can we conserve energy?
• Why is soil important?

Year 3

Unit Title: Solids and liquids (Chemical Science)

Essential Questions

• What are some examples of solids and liquids?
• What causes the change between liquid and solid?
• What are some examples of melting and freezing?
• What is an example of a material that can be recycled using the process of melting or freezing?

Year 4

Unit Title: Types of Forces (Physical Science)

Essential Questions

• What are some examples of forces?
• How can we harness the power of the wind?
• What is friction and how is it used in everyday objects?
• How does elasticity impact a ball's ability to bounce?
• What is magnetism and how is it used it everyday objects?

Year 5

Unit Title: Earth and the Solar System (Earth and Space Science)

Essential Questions

• What energy does the Earth get from the Sun?
• What are planets in the Solar System and how are they classified?
• What are other types of objects that can be found in the Solar System?
• What is the scale of the planets in the Solar System

Year 6

Unit Title: Electricity and Electrical Circuits (Physical Science)

Essential Questions

• How is energy from different sources converted into electricity?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using different energy sources?
• How do circuits work?
• Which materials and objects are conductors and insulators of electricity?
• What do electricians do?

Thanks to Ms. Herrmann for her continued leadership and energy to drive this important work. 

Timothy Bernau

Assistant Principal.