The document provides background information on a Year 6 science class that will be studying energy and matter. It describes the 24 students in the class and their interest in science. It outlines the intended learning outcomes for the unit, which will have the students explore energy as it relates to physical and chemical changes, different energy sources and transfers, and sustainability. The unit aims to develop the students' science inquiry skills through hands-on experiments using the 5E instructional model.

1. The Context of Science Teaching
The topic of learning in this report is tailored for a small primary school in a high socio-
economic area, which generally attracts students of parents in professional fields. The Year 6
class has 24 children, consisting of 14 boys and 10 girls, aged between 11-12 years old. There
are 3 ESL (English Second Language) students in the class.
The majority of students display positive student affect towards Science, and several engage
in organising lunch-time Science Club activities for younger children at the school. Many of
these activities focus around exciting, observable physical and chemical changes in matter
(e.g. jumping sultanas, erupting volcanoes); implicit in these changes is the concept of energy.
“Matter and Energy” has been identified in The Australian Curriculum as one of the
overarching ideas, bridging knowledge and understanding across the Physical, Biological,
08
Chemical and Earth and Space Sciences disciplines. The topic is therefore useful in assisting
Fall
children make connections between these areas and view science as “an integrated whole,
rather than, a great mass of unconnected pieces of knowledge.” (Wenham, 2010, pg 168 CD).
Students are continuously exposed to different forms of energy in their daily lives (e.g. using
sporting equipment/toys, using appliances at home, playing musical instruments, heating and
cooling). The topic allows students to explore science club experiments and everyday
occurrences from an energy perspective, directly contributing to their scientific literacy
(Skamp, 2012) by extending their interest in and understanding of the world around them,
and allowing them to connect the scientific process of inquiry (i.e. questioning and predicting,
planning and conducting investigations, analysing data and information, evaluating and
communicating evidence-based results) with real life.
Cross-curriculum priorities include “Sustainability” (ACARA, 2011, pg 12), involving the
design, construction and management of physical environments to shape more sustainable
futures. This is particularly relevant as 2012 is the United Nations International Year of
Sustainable Energy for All (UNF, 2012). In this unit students are given opportunities to
become familiar with renewable and non-renewable fuel types, observe and understand
energy transfers and transformations, and gradually build awareness of how scientific
understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to inform decisions and solve problems,
facilitating their understanding of science as a human endeavour.
The topic integrates the three strands of the Australian Curriculum: Science as Understanding,
Human Endeavour and Inquiry Skills, which are each critical to producing scientifically
literate people. It provides concrete learning experiences using the 5E and Guided Inquiry
models (Trotter, 2011) to encourage the development of students’ scientific processes in
response to both the search for knowledge and the need to apply it to solve problems.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes
The intended Science Learning Outcomes for the Year 6 class, as related to the Australian National
Curriculum (ACARA, 2010) are listed below:
Science Understanding:
Students shall be able to:
1. Explain that changes to materials can be reversible i.e. melting, freezing, evaporating, or
irreversible i.e. burning (ACSSU095).
2. Describe ‘Energy’ as a scientific concept associated with physical and chemical changes, which
is a vital part of our lives.
3. Identify several different sources of energy, including fuels, and classify these as Renewable or
Non-Renewable.
4. Generate examples from everyday life of how energy is transferred and transformed within
systems.
5. List several forms of energy (e.g. chemical, mechanical, electrical, sound, light) and state that
they can be classified into two types: Kinetic and Potential Energy.
6. Give examples of how energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity
(ACSSU219).
7. Explain the need to ‘conserve energy’ or the requirement to move towards renewable sources.
Science as a Human Endeavour:
Nature and Development of Science:
8. Predict an outcome and test their prediction by gathering accurate data and using evidence to
explain it (ACSHE098).
Use and Influence of Science:
9. Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to solve problems that directly
affect people’s lives (ACSHE100).
10. Give examples of how scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community
decisions (ACSHE220).
Science Inquiry Skills:
Questioning and Predicting:
11.With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation,
and predict what the findings of an investigation might be (ACSIS232).
Planning and Conducting:
12. Decide which variable should be changed and measured in fair tests and accurately observe,
measure and record data, using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS104).
13. Select appropriate methods to answer questions or solve problems, with guidance (ACSIS103).
14. Use equipment and materials safely (ACSIS105).
Processing and Analysing Data and Information:
15. Construct and use a range of representations to represent and describe observations, patterns
or relationships in data (ACSIS107).
16. Decide which variable should be changed and measured in fair tests, accurately observing,
measuring and recording data (ACSIS104).
Evaluate:
17. Suggest improvements to the methods used to investigate a question or solve a problem
(ACSIS108).
Communicating:
18. Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of ways, including multi-modal
2

3. texts (ACSIS110) - improve expository writing skill.
3

4. Science Lesson Plan 1 (Lesson 2): Energy is Associated with Changes
Day: Date: Time: 1 hour 30 mins Class: Year 6
Subject: Science Topic: Energy
Students’ Prior Knowledge and Experience:
In previous years students have studied various forms of energy, including heat, light and sound, and they have been
exposed to investigating and representing familiar contexts scientifically and making predictions based on prior
knowledge. Typical misconceptions likely to exist in the class include: describing energy as a substance, or a force,
thinking it is only associated with living things, and confusing energy forms with energy sources.
Learning Purposes: Student Evaluation:
1. Identify energy as associated with physical On-going observation checklist of unit outcomes to be
changes. i.e. solid to liquid, liquid to gas, gas to completed during class discussions and co-operative
liquid and liquid to solid. learning group discussions (i.e. including responses to
questioning during investigations).
2. Define the terms melting, evaporation,
condensation and freezing. Review of written work (Science Notebooks) for
planning and recording of observations and evidence.
3. State some considerations in planning a fair
test i.e. change 1 variable at a time. Written response to Evaporation/Boiling assessment
question.
4. Select appropriate ways to present evidence
and communicate results.
Preparation and Resources:
Introduction: metal spoons, soft fabric, blu-tack, twig, plastic spoon, water and empty container to
demonstrate pouring, thick custard, soft drink, juice from an orange, maple syrup, detergent, empty balloon
to inflate, helium balloon to demonstrate voice change/diff. gas, aerosol deodorant, whiteboard, whiteboard
markers, egg poacher, butter, chocolate buttons, bowls, ice, clear perspex, large poster paper, textas.
Main Activity: Science Notebooks, ice blocks, shallow dishes, mixing bowls, spoons, chocolate buttons,
measuring cups, egg poachers, window sills, milk and dark chocolate blocks, copha, butter, glasses of cold
water, detergent, milk, cordial, glass kettle.
Timing: Learning Experiences:
15mins Introduction: (Whole Class)
(5mins) 1. Provide the students with real examples of solids, liquids and gases, with varying properties
and discuss man-made and naturally occurring substances (i.e. solids: metal spoon, soft
fabric, blu-tack, twig, plastic spoon; liquids: water and empty container to demonstrate
pouring, thick custard, soft drink, juice from an orange, maple syrup, detergent), gas: empty
balloon to inflate, helium balloon to demonstrate voice change/diff. gas, aerosol deodorant,
cup of hot water and clear perspex surface. Ask students to write the key properties of each
state in a table: compare and discuss differences.
2. Divide the class into four groups of 6 and seat them in a large circle.
(5mins) 3. Ask Group 1 to physically model (using their bodies) their idea of a solid changing into a
liquid to the rest of the class, Group 2: a liquid changing into a gas, Group 3 a gas changing
into a liquid, and Group 4: a liquid changing into a solid.
Safety: be aware of physical contact with other students and avoid collisions.
4. Ask each group to describe which state they felt like they had more energy in.
(5mins) 5. Place laminated cards “Melting”, “Evaporating”, “Condensing” and “Freezing” inside the
circle and ask students to select the correct term for the change of state they modelled.
Body: (Whole Class, Groups of 3)
55 mins 6. What are some things that can change from a solid, to a liquid, to a gas? Ask students for
examples they have seen in everyday life.

5. 7. What causes a change of state? (Use Think/Pair/Share, then group discussion to elicit
students’ ideas).
8. Clarify relevant topic vocabulary (e.g. melting, evaporation, condensation, boiling etc)
during discussion and add pre-made laminated words and meanings to the word wall.
9. Inform students they will have access to ice blocks, deep and shallow dishes, mixing bowls,
spoons, chocolate buttons, measuring cups, egg poachers, window sills, milk and dark
chocolate blocks, copha, butter, glasses of cold water, detergent, milk, cordial, glass kettle,
freezer.
10. Ask them to investigate how these substances change state.
- what factors affect changes from solid to a liquid, liquid to gas?
- what factors affect changes from gas to liquid, liquid to solid?
- are the changes reversible?
- predict (& record) what effect a heat source will have on state changes?
- design a fair test for the factors affecting a change of state (choose 1 example e.g.
evaporation). If necessary, provide students with template reminding them to change 1
independent variable at a time, identify the control variable and reduce error.)
- record observations and evidence in Science Notebooks, using various representations
(i.e. written comments, labelled drawings, diagrams, data tables, graphs, in preparation for
dedicated literacy session on expository writing linked to this topic i.e. Integrated Science-
Writing Approach (Fulwiler, 2007).
SAFETY - Ensure students are aware of the dangers involved:
Liquid spills - provide paper towels for immediate clean-up
Glass breakages - establish protocol: Stay still, advise teacher, assist with clean-up (do not
handle glass with hands, use a dustpan/vacuum cleaner.
Burns – immediately place under cold water for 20 mins.
Allergies – do not eat or drink any of the substances (anaphylactic shock).
Emphasise prevention – keep materials away from edges of bench, move slowly and carefully
and be aware of your classmates and surroundings, observe from a safe distance.
Conclusion:
20 mins 11. Invite 3-5 groups of students to share their investigations with the rest of the class,
(15mins) explaining their scientific process: i.e. state their objective, how they planned their
investigation, decided which variables to change, minimised their measurement error,
recorded their data and, if possible, analysed their data to arrive at an evidence-based
conclusion. Ask students to state whether the results of their investigation
agreed/disagreed with their predictions, and offer reasons why. Encourage use of correct
vocabulary.
Encourage peers to think critically and comment appropriately, suggesting
alternatives/improvements where necessary.
12. Give students a piece of paper (to be collected) and ask them to answer the question: “Are
(5 mins) evaporation and boiling the same thing?” using words, drawings to explain why/why not.
5

6. Science Lesson Plan 2 (Lesson 5): Energy is Associated with Changes
Day: Date: Time: 1 hour 30 mins Class: Year 6
Subject: Science Topic: Energy
Students’ Prior Knowledge and Experience:
Students have related the concept of energy to physical changes involving a change of state (i.e. melting, evaporation,
condensation and freezing), and discussed various sources of energy, including different fuel sources. Students have
engaged in questioning, planning and conducting investigations, carrying out a fair test and evaluating evidence to
extend their knowledge.
Learning Purposes: Student Evaluation:
1. Explain that mixing materials can result in Photo sort: reversible and irreversible changes.
changes, including the formation of new
On-going observation checklist of unit outcomes
materials in various forms.
(knowledge and process) to be completed during class
2. Identify burning as an example of an discussions and co-operative learning group discussions.
irreversible change involving energy
transformations.
Review of individual written work in science notebook,
3. Use knowledge to predict/hypothesise ability to use knowledge to hypothesise, and evidence to
possible outcomes. explain outcomes and responses to questions during
investigations.
4. Use evidence (in various representational
forms) to explain actual outcomes.
Review of comic strip explanation of candle burning.
Preparation and Resources:
Introduction: Bi-carbonate of soda, vinegar, plate, zip-lock bag, plastic bottles, balloons, water.
Main Activity: 2 Candles, 1 large glass jar, 1 small glass jar, insulated gloves, long matches, tongs, candle
snuffer, electronic scales, digital camera.
Conclusion: Photo of cake with candle, comic strip templates.
Timing: Learning Experiences:
20mins Introduction:
(5mins) 1. Divide the class into 4 co-operative learning groups of 6. Provide each group with bi-
carbonate of soda and vinegar, and a plate to mix them on. Ask each group to record
observations ready to present to the class.
2. Discuss the observations – what did you see happen when the materials mixed? Did
(5mins) you hear any sounds? Did you notice any smells? What happened to the original
substances? What do the bubbles signify? (Where else in your lives do you see
bubbles?) What do you think is happening? How do you think we could test this idea
(using the equipment we have) to get evidence that supports/disproves it?
3. If necessary, scaffold students to suggest using the balloons or zip-lock bags to collect
(5mins) the gas produced. Ask them to predict what will happen, then record their
observations and see if they verify their prediction.
(5 mins) 4. Discuss observations, their reliance on careful use of the senses, how noticing changes
leads to hypothesis and further investigation. Read the quote “Discovery consists of
seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.” (Smith,
2010, pg 5) by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (Hungarian Physiologist credited with discovering
vitimin C) and talk about how we can use what we know to help us see more, and
think further. Use Michael Faraday’s observation as an example (Literacy Link:
Biography).
Safety: Be aware of spills. Advise students to avoid touching the vinegar/bi-carb. and wash their
hands immediately if they come into contact with either substance.
6

7. 55 mins
Body:
(5 mins)
5. Show the class the photograph of a birthday cake with a burning candle, and ask them
to work in pairs to write down what they see.
(15 mins)
6. Carry out a teacher demonstration, ensuring students are able to clearly observe from
a safe distance. Ask an assistant to record parts of the demonstration on a digital
camera so it can be re-played and studied safely on the smartboard:
-Place a candle (ensure it is secure) on top of the scales. Record the initial weight of
the candle in a table on the whiteboard (model how to correctly set up and label the
table), then light the candle using a match. Update the weight every minute.
-Ask the students to observe the candle and draw a labelled diagram of what they see
in their science notebooks. Use the camera to photograph the flame; zoom in on the
base of the wick so the melted wax can be seen. Display images on the smartboard.
- Use the tongs to place a burnt match in the flame, and ask the students if it is burning.
Use another candle to melt some wax and cover the burnt match with melted wax
before placing it in the flame. Ask the students to record what happened and why they
think it happened. Can they see any evidence to support their hypothesis?
Can the burnt match be returned to its original condition?
Safety: Ensure long hair and clothing is well secured, and students are at a safe
(15 mins) distance. Keep a small fire extinguisher/large towel on standby, to smother flames.
-Ask students to think about why/how the candle keeps burning (provide focus
questions on a handout): What is happening to the wax? What types of energy can they
observe? What material is the wick made of and why? (hand out some unburnt
candles), Where did the initial energy come from? What is happening to the weight of
the candle? (Convert the table results to a graph for easier interpretation of results-
Mathematics link). Why? Is there a fuel source in this system? Could it be mixing with
anything else? Provide students an opportunity to discuss in groups of 4.
7. Set up another candle and light it, then cover it with a glass jar.
-Ask the students to predict what they think will happen in their science notebooks,
then record their observations. Why is the jar misty? Why did the candle go out?
(10 mins) What does this tell you? (What else is in the jar that may be mixing with the fuel?)
8. Invite groups to share their explanations and evidence with the rest of the class.
Discuss the energy inputs and outputs, state changes and ask students to identify what
is necessary for the flame to keep burning. Use a see-saw analogy (i.e. needs 2 people
to balance, energy input to keep it in motion) to help explain how all 3 elements (high
(10 mins) temperature, oxygen and fuel) are needed for burning to continue.
9. Ask students to work in pairs and produce a comic strip to break down the series of
events for the candle burning, using the comic strip template (which has picture
frames, space for title and captions). Ask them to consider energy transfers, state
20 mins changes, energy transformation, heat and light.
(5 mins) Conclusion:
10. Show the students the picture of the birthday cake with 1 candle on it, and ask them to
(15 mins) tell you what they see when they look at the picture. Read the “Jack be Nimble” rhyme
from Science Verse (Scieszka & Smith, 2004).
11. Provide photos of various changes (e.g. fabric burning, egg boiling, water boiling,
condensation on a can, gas burning, metal melting, bicarb. & vinegar mixing and ask
students to classify as reversible or irreversible.
7

8. Science Lesson Plan 3 (Lesson 7): Thermal Energy Transfer
Day: Date: Time: 2 hours Class: Year 6
Subject: Science Topic: Energy
Students’ Prior Knowledge and Experience:
Students have investigated mechanisms of thermal energy transfer (radiation, convection and conduction).
Students have engaged in questioning, planning and conducting investigations, carrying out a fair test and
evaluating evidence to extend their knowledge.
Learning Purposes: Student Evaluation:
1. Explain that objects have internal/thermal On-going observation checklist of unit outcomes to be
energy (from kinetic energy/motion of completed during class discussions and co-operative
particles), which is related to temperature. learning group discussions.
2. Explain that if the temperature of an object is
different to the temperature of its surroundings, Review of written work (Science Notebooks) for
thermal energy is transferred from the higher planning, conducting and recording of observations and
temperature object to the lower temperature evidence.
object.
Review of application of concepts in letter.
3. Identify some factors affecting thermal
energy transfer (e.g. properties of materials,
temperature of surroundings) and apply
knowledge of these to solve problems.
4. State some considerations in planning and
conducting a fair test i.e. decide which variable
to change, set a control variable.
Preparation and Resources:
Introduction: metal spoons, plastic spoon, glass of warm water, ice-blocks, stop-watch, thermometer.
Main Activity: thick cotton, foam, scissors, black paper/paint, white paper/paint, alfoil, cardboard,
polystyrene, frozen bottles of water (different sizes), measuring cylinders, string, thermometers, fans.
Timing: Learning Experiences:
30mins Introduction: (Co-operative Learning Groups of 4)
(10mins) 1. Give each group an ice-block, a cup of warm water, a thermometer and a stopwatch. Ask
them to predict what will happen to the temperature of the water if they put the ice-block
into the warm water, giving reasons for their prediction.
2. Share some predictions with the whole class before allowing students to take and record
the initial temperature of the water, place the ice-block into the water and record
subsequent temperature at regular time intervals.
(10mins) 3. Request feedback from the students about what happened and whether the evidence they
collected agreed with their prediction. Ask them to discuss the following in their groups:
- What caused the ice-block to melt? Did the temperature of the ice-block increase or
decrease? What does this indicate about internal/kinetic energy of the particles?
(Relate to the change of state lesson).
- What happened to the temperature of the warm water? Why did it stop decreasing
after some time? What does the temperature change indicate about the internal energy
of the particles?
- Describe what you saw in term of energy – did an energy transfer take place between
the two substances? Did the room temperature affect your results?
8

9. 4. Discuss with the whole class, clarifying definitions of internal energy, temperature, and
(10mins)
using examples of a metal spoon feeling cold, and warm food becoming cold in the fridge to
illustrate how thermal energy flows from one object to another, and temperature is
influenced by the surrounding environment. Ask the class to think of more examples from
everyday life where internal energy is transferred between objects (e.g. swimming to cool
down in summer, tea getting cold on a cold day, hugging to keep warm) and to use some of
these (picture/photo/drawing form) on the ‘Energy’ wall display.
60 mins Body: (Groups of 4)
(10mins) 5. Tell the students the Year 3 class is planning to build an ice-monster mascot for their slushy
stall at the school Easter Fair. Some of them think it is a bad idea because the monster will
melt too fast; others say he will last long enough if they put a coat on him, especially if it is
nice and thick, and the right colour. Who is right? Is there anything the Year 3’s could do to
slow down the melting process?
6. Ask the students to think about what science knowledge they have that may be useful in
solving this problem. What type(s) of energy are involved? Produce an energy flow
diagram and brainstorm the different factors which they think will affect the melting
process. Consider: Will the size of the monster matter? Will the shape of the monster
matter? Will the colour of the coat affect melting time? Will the material of the coat make a
difference? Will the thickness of the coat make a difference? Will the temperature of the
external environment make a difference? Justify your answers.
(20mins) 7. Discuss as a class and allocate one factor to each group. Ask them to design a fair test to
determine if that factor has an effect on melting time. Ensure they clearly identify the
dependent, independent and control variables.
8. Use the various materials to carry out the fair test, and record results ready to share with
(30mins) the rest of the class. (ICT could be used to present the results.)
SAFETY - Ensure students consider liquid spills - provide paper towels for immediate clean-up.
Glass breakages - establish protocol: Stay still, advise teacher, assist with clean-up (do not
handle glass with hands, use a dustpan/vacuum cleaner and safety with scissors.
Emphasise prevention – keep materials away from edges of bench, move slowly and carefully
and be aware of your classmates and surroundings, observe from a safe distance.
Conclusion:
30mins 9. Invite each group to explain their fair test to the rest of the class, and present their results
and conclusions.
10. Remind students to think critically and evaluate the testing procedure of each group
carefully, offering suggestions where necessary.
11. Ask each student to write a letter to the Year 3’s, with recommendations on how to build
their slushy ice-monster mascot (Link to Literacy), explaining why their recommendations
will work.
9

10. Part D: Evaluating Science Teaching and Learning
Assessment plays a key role in educational accountability (Gillies, 2007), and it is therefore
essential that the evidence collected clearly demonstrates each student’s progress and
achievement in relation to the prescribed unit outcomes. The outcomes for Science
Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills are continuously
assessed throughout the unit, using various methods to allow for the diversity of students’
learning styles and capabilities.
A combination of formative (on-going assessment aimed at informing future teaching and
learning) and summative assessments (designed to measure unit learning outcomes:
criterion-referenced with clearly specified goals) is used to facilitate quality teaching and
learning and promote student attainment of the unit outcomes. This combination of
assessment methods is intended to be comprehensive, valid, educative, and fair (Brady &
Kennedy, 2009), and provide opportunities for positive, constructive feedback which will
improve students’ thinking skills and processes while retaining their self-esteem and
increasing their motivation for science learning.
The Science Understanding outcomes are evaluated using different forms of authentic
formative and summative assessment, reflecting real-world applications of knowledge
wherever possible (Forte, 2006). e.g. recommendation letter for the Year 3 ice monster,
identification of energy flows in everyday scenarios, classification of fuel sources, concept
maps, short-answer quizzes. These assessments are conducted over time, to ensure students
have ample opportunity to demonstrate learning outcomes and increase the reliability of the
assessment data. e.g. Outcome 1 (Explain that changes to materials can be reversible) is
assessed by targeted observation during class/group discussions, a short-answer quiz, review
of written observations in the science notebooks after several lessons, use of direct
questioning/student interviews on different days, using a self-assessment form, and through
various activities which require students to link concepts to real-life, such as sorting photos of
real-life changes into reversible/irreversible, which can be particularly useful in assessing ESL
students.
The assessment is actively carried out as an integral part of the teaching and learning process,
in order to collect evidence which helps identify student strengths and weaknesses over time,
in different contexts and in relation to specific science learning outcomes. This allows timely,
substantive feedback (Skamp, 2012) related to the content and purposes of the work to be
given, enabling students to overcome obstacles to their learning and make progress.
Feedback has been shown to improve learning when it gives each pupil specific guidance on
strengths and weaknesses, preferably without any overall marks.” (Black and Wiliam, 1998,
pg 8). The assessment strategies do not rely on a single mode of representation, which also
increases the likelihood of obtaining reliable and valid data on student knowledge of the
learning objectives.
The Science Inquiry Skills outcomes are assessed over time using a composite student
observation checklist, which enables a systematic, tiered assessment (Vasquez, 2008) for
students of differing abilities. i.e. in designing a fair test, struggling students can be provided
with a template to prompt decision-making, but can still be assessed using the outcome-based
checklist, which provides opportunities for the teacher to record student progress under
categories for each outcome i.e. “Developing, Developed, Highly Developed” for a listed
outcome of “Students are able to decide which variable should be changed in a fair test”.
Outcomes related to Science as a Human Endeavour are also assessed using the observation
10

11. checklist, during several hands-on inquiry learning experiences. Students are able to
demonstrate their ability to predict outcomes, gather data and explain events by oral and
written communication during the investigations. Knowledge of the use and influence of
science is assessed during the unit through the science notebooks, contributions to the
“Energy topic wall” and word wall, and at the end of the unit using the revised KWL chart.
The science notebooks effectively represent a learning journey, or collection of work samples
and thought processes over time. They provide invaluable insight into students’ thought
processes, and their ability to represent and interpret data in multiple ways, as well as
monitoring individual growth and development in a given area over time. In addition they
offer an ideal means to identify student alternative conceptions, allowing teachers to tailor
lessons towards challenging these and enabling students to construct meanings which align
with current scientific thinking. Peer Assessment strategies of sharing journal entries are
used on a regular basis, in order to expose students to different methods of recording
observations, communicating/representing results, understanding, analysing and applying
concepts, and ultimately expanding their repertoire and ability in each of these areas.
This is done in various ways, including sharing exemplar entries with the whole class, using a
buddy system, or an alternating partner system, giving written or oral feedback against a
specifically identified focus. Opportunities to discuss observations, procedures and results,
and evaluate investigation outcomes with peers in a co-operative learning environment
assists struggling students with their conceptual understanding and communication skills,
and allows advanced students to clarifying their thinking (Gillies, 2007).
Self-assessment is also used to encourage student ownership of learning (Forte, 2006) and
increase metacognition, which has been linked to positive student attainment (Krause, 2011).
Students are given opportunities to evaluate their own journal entries against set criteria
(aligned with one or more outcomes), reflecting on how well they have addressed key issues
or demonstrated key skills. This allows students to develop an Ipsative assessment mentality,
encouraging them to set learning goals and aim for continual improvement, and motivating
them to focus on key skills and processes in order to gradually improve their own abilities. It
also enables changes in perspective due to increases in knowledge and understanding to be
demonstrated.
A combination of formative and summative assessment incorporating self and peer
assessment is used throughout the unit to evaluate student learning against the unit outcomes
in each strand of the Australian Curriculum. Targeted observations, questioning, verbal
responses during student interviews, short answer quizzes, explanations and written work,
including concept maps for assessing conceptual knowledge gained throughout the unit and
ascertaining how students represent and relate this knowledge, as well as observation of
classification activities which incorporate both recall and higher level thinking are used to
provide a valid, fair and comprehensive sense of student learning in relation to the outcomes.
11

12. References
Archer, S. (2006). 100 Ideas for Teaching Science. Continuum International Publishing
Group, London.
Black, P. & Wiliam, D. (2001). Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through
Classroom Assessment”, King’s College London School of Education, London.
Brady, L. & Kennedy, K. (2009). Celebrating Student Achievement: Assessment and
Reporting. Pearson Education Australia.
Curriculum Council (Ed.). (1998). Curriculum Framework, Kindergarten to Year 12
Education in Western Australia (Science Learning Area Statement). Curriculum
Council of Western Australia. Perth. WA.
Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au
Curriculum Council. (2005). Outcomes and Standards Framework and
Syllabus Documents, Progress Maps and Curriculum Guide. Curriculum
Council of Western Australia. Perth. WA.
Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au
Driver, R., Guesne, E. & Tiberghien, A. (2009). Children’s Ideas In Science. Open
University Press, United Kingdom.
Fang, A., Lamme, L. & Pringle, R. (2010). Language and Literacy in Inquiry-Based
Science Classrooms, Grades 3-8. Corwin and National Science Teachers
Association, USA.
Forte, I. & Schurr. (2006). Integrating Thinking in Science. Hawker Brownlow Education,
Australia.
Fulwiler, B. (2007). Writing in Science, How to Scaffold Instruction to Support Learning.
Heinemann, Portsmouth.
Gribbin, J. (Ed.). (1998). A Brief History of Science. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London.
Hackling, M. (1998). Working Scientifically, Implementing and Assessing Open
Investigation Work in Science: A Resource Book for Teachers of Primary and
Secondary Science. Education Department of Western Australia.
Krause, K., Bochner, S., Duchesne, S. & McMaugh, A. (2011). Educational Psychology for
Learning and Teaching, 3rd Edition. Cengage Learning, Australia.
12

13. Lind, K. (2005). Exploring Science in Early Childhood Education, A Developmental
Approach, 4th Edition. Delmar Cengage Learning. Canada.
Matricardi, J. & McLarty, J. (2005). Science Activities A to Z. Wadsworth Cengage
Learning, Australia.
Murphy, N., Feasey, R., Goldsworthy, A., Phipps, R., Stringer, J. (2004). My Zone
Science, Changing State. Heinemann, Australia.
Murphy, N., Feasey, R., Goldsworthy, A., Phipps, R., Stringer, J. (2004). My Zone
Science, Changing State, Teacher’s Notes. Heinemann, Australia.
Murphy, N., Feasey, R., Goldsworthy, A., Phipps, R., Stringer, J. (2004). My Zone
Science, Different Changes. Heinemann, Australia.
Murphy, N., Feasey, R., Goldsworthy, A., Phipps, R., Stringer, J. (2004). My Zone
Science, Different Changes, Teacher’s Notes. Heinemann, Australia.
Pentland, P. & Stoyles, P. (2003). Party Science. Chelsea House Publishers,
Philadelphia.
Peters, J. & Stout, D. (2006). Methods for Teaching Elementary School Science, 5th
Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Skamp, K. (2012). Teaching Primary Science Constructively, 4th Edition. Cengage
Learning Australia.
The Australian Curriculum-Science, Version 1.1, (2010). Australian
Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], Retrieved from:
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
Trotter, H. & Druhan, A. (2011). Science by Doing: Engaging Students with Science:
Inquiry DIY Guide, An Adaptation Manual. Australian Academy of Science.
Canberra.
Vasquez, J. (2008). Tools & Traits for Highly Effective Science Teaching, K-8.
Heinemann, Portsmouth.
Ward, H. (2007). Using Their Brains in Science: Ideas for Children Aged 5 to 14. Paul
Chapman Publishing, London.
Wenham, M. & Ovens, P. (2010). Understanding Primary Science, 3rd Edition. SAGE
Publications, London.
Wiley, D. & Royce, C. (2000). Investigate and Connect: Physical Science, Years 4-8.
13

14. Hawker Brownlow Education, Australia.
References – Differentiated Topic Texts selected for lessons:
Hawkes, N. (2000). Saving Our World: New Energy Sources – Stimulating Talking Points
for Lively Discussion. Franklin Watts. London.
Love, C. & Smith, P. (2010). How Things Work Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley. London.
McLeish, E. (2005). World Issues: Energy Crisis. A look at the way the world is today.
Franklin Watts, London.
Reynoldson, F. (2001). Looking at Energy: Geothermal and Bio-Energy. Hodder Wayland,
London.
Snedden, R. (2010). Essential Energy: Energy Transfer. Heinemann, Oxford.
Scieszka, J. & Smith, L. (2004). Science Verse. Viking. New York.
14