Science Inquiry Program 2015 YEAR 7

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS

Science Inquiry Skills
Questioning and Predicting
Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (ACSIS124)
Planning and conducting
Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed (ACSIS125)
In fair tests, measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task (ACSIS126)
Processing and analysing data and information
Construct and use a range of representations, including graphs, keys and models to represent and analyse patterns or relationships, including using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS129)
Summarise data, from students own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions (ACSIS130)
Evaluating
Reflect on the method used to investigate a question or solve a problem, including evaluating the quality of the data collected, and identify improvements to the method (ACSIS131)
Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims (ACSIS132)
Communicating
Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS133)
Year 7 Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 7, students should be able to:
Students identify questions that can be investigated scientifically. They plan fair experimental methods, identifying variables to be changed and measured. They select equipment that improves
fairness and accuracy and describe how they considered safety. Students draw on evidence to support their conclusions. They summarise data from different sources, describe trends and refer to
the quality of their data when suggesting improvements to their methods. They communicate their ideas, methods and findings using scientific language and appropriate representations.

Vocabulary These terms are important in conveying your understanding in the Science Inquiry Program
Average
Accuracy
Column Graph
Data
Equipment
Filter Funnel
Interpolation
Mass
Prediction
Qualitative
Relationship
Theory

Axis
Conclusion
Discussion
Experiment
Hypothesis
Laboratory
Method
Pie Graph
Quantitative
Scale
Trial

Aim
Bar Graph
Dependent Variable
Extrapolation
Inference
Law
Meniscus
Procedure
Results
Safety
Value

Analysis
Controlled Variable
Celsius
Evaluating
Fair Test
Independent Variable
Line graph
Observation
Purpose
Reliability
Scientific Method
Validity

Science Inquiry Skills 2015 Year 7 General

Laboratory Skills

Content Description

Week

On completing this section of work you should be able to

*working collaboratively to identify a

problem to
investigate
*recognising that the solution of
some questions and problems
requires consideration of
social, cultural, economic or
moral aspects rather than or
as well as scientific
investigation
*using information and
knowledge from previous
investigations to predict the
expected results from an
investigation

Planning and conducting

Collaboratively and individually
plan and conduct a range of
investigation types, including
fieldwork and experiments,
ensuring safety and ethical
guidelines are
followed (ACSIS125)
*recognising the differences between
controlled, dependent and independent
variables*
*using a digital camera to record
observations and compare images using
information technologies
*using specialised equipment to increase
the accuracy of measurement within an

investigation

References/
Resources

Homework &
Assessment

Nature of Science

Questioning and predicting

Identify questions and problems
that can be investigated
scientifically and make
predictions based on scientific
knowledge (ACSIS124)

Teaching Plan

1. Introduction to Science; record keeping, interactive

notebook, how to use your text book, Thinking Science
2. Recall and follow safety rules
3. Recall that science is broken into branches and recall
some of major branches of Science.
4. Describe how scientists use the scientific method to
identify questions that can be investigated scientifically
and recall the five steps in this process.
5. Recognise that the solution to some questions and
problems requires consideration of social, cultural,
economic or moral aspects as well as scientific
investigation.

Pearson Science 7
Chapter 1.1
pp 2-6

HW 1:
Pearson Science 7
Homework Book

Suggested Questions
Qu 1-10 p6

1.1 Science and the

Law
1.4 Common sense
Safety Rules

Suggested Practical
Activities:
Thinking Science
Baseline Test

The Science Laboratory

On completing this section of work you should be able to

6. Describe the special features of a science laboratory

that enable it to be used for investigations..
7. Identify the basic equipment of a laboratory
including beaker, test tube, tripod, test tube rack, gauze
mat, bench mat, conical flask, thermometer, measuring
cylinder, tongs, wooden peg, retort stand, Bunsen
burner, boss head and clamp.
8. Draw and correctly label basic laboratory equipment .

Pearson Science 7
Chapter 1.2
pp7-13

HW 2:
Pearson Science 7
Homework Book

Suggested Questions
Qu 1-12 p12

1.2 The Bunsen

Burner

Suggested Practical
Activities:

1.3 Identifying
laboratory
equipment

The Bunsen Burner p14

Investigating the Flame p15

Library Research
Skill Test

Content Description

Week

On completing this section of work you should be able to

9. Define an observation as information gained through

our five senses.
10. Describe the difference between qualitative and
quantitative observations.
11. Write inferences and / or predictions based on
observations.
12. Demonstrate correctly how to measure; temperature,
time, mass, length and volume of solids and liquids
using correct units of measure.
13. Recall appropriate metric units and their relationships.
Processing and Communicating Data
On completing this section of work you should be able to

Communication

4
Communicating
Communicate scientific ideas
and information for a particular
purpose, including constructing
evidence-based arguments and
using appropriate scientific
language, conventions and
representations (ACSIS174)

References/
Resources

Homework &
Assessment

Observation and Measurement

In fair tests, measure and

control variables, and select
equipment to collect data with
accuracy appropriate to the
task (ACSIS126)
*recognising the differences
between controlled, dependent
and independent variables
*using a digital camera to record
observations and compare images
using information technologies
*using specialised equipment to
increase the accuracy of
measurement within an
investigation

Teaching Plan

14. Design and collect information in a table.

15. Calculate an average.
16. Identify different types of graph and select appropriate
graph type to present different data.
17. Construct a graph appropriately
18. Interpret graphs to reveal trends and to explain
scientific understandings.
19. Interpret data from a set of results or observations
recognising trends and attempt to explain
results using scientific understandings.
20. Recall format of a scientific report.

Pearson Science 7
Chapter 1.3
pp16-22

HW 3:
Pearson Science 7
Homework Book

Suggested Questions
Qu 1-11 p20-21

1.6 Scale Diagrams

Suggested Practical
Activities:

1.7 Taking
Measurements

Hot, hotter, hottest p22

Taking Measurements p23

Pearson Science 7
Chapter 1.4
pp 24-30

HW 4:
Pearson Science 7
Homework Book

Suggested Questions
Qu 1-11 p27-28

1.8 Analysing Graphs

Suggested Practical
Activities:

1.9 Analysing an
experiment

Hot drinks cooling p29

Spaghetti predictions p30

ExperimentsConducting

Evaluating

Designing Investigations

Reflect on the method used to

investigate a question or solve
a problem, including evaluating
the quality of the data collected,
and identify improvements to
the method (ACSIS131)
*discussing investigation
methods with others to share
ideas about the quality of the
inquiry process
*identifying and considering
indicators of the quality of the
data when analysing results
*suggesting improvements to
inquiry methods based on
experience

Use scientific knowledge and

findings from investigations to
evaluate claims (ACSIS132)
*Using the evidence provided
by scientific investigations to
evaluate the claims or
conclusions of their peers

On completing this section of work you should be able to

21. Identify and explain the differences between

controlled, dependent and independent variables.
22. Recall that an investigation is designed to show if
hypothesis is supported or not.
23. Construct a hypothesis stating both the dependent and
independent variables and their relationship.
24. Describe the relationship between an investigation,
a hypothesis and observable measurements.
25. Describe an investigations four stages: planning,
conducting, processing data and evaluating
26. Plan and conduct an investigation using an
experimental design template.
26. Explain the need for the use of replicates and repeat
trials in investigations.
27. Evaluate and suggest improvements in the
design of an investigation.

Pearson Science 7
Chapter 1.5
pp31-37

HW 5:
Pearson Science 7
Homework Book
1.10 Literacy Review

Suggested Questions
Qu 1-11 p34
Chapter Review Questions
Qu 1-14 p 36
Suggested Practical
Activities:

Science Inquiry
Skills Investigation
Week 5

Design your own

investigation p 35

Thinking Science Lessons 1 & 2 to be included in weeks 2-5

Assessment Structure
Assessment Type

Task Description

Week

Test

Library Research Skills Test

2-5

Test

Science Inquiry Skills Investigation

Teacher Mark

Homework/short tests/assignments/experiments etc

Ongoing

Book Mark

Note Taking / Science work book

Ongoing

Semester Task Weighting

Semester 1
5%
Semester 1
10%
Semester 1
5%
Semester 1
5%