Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus
Outcomes
A student:
> develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS11/12-1
> designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information INS11/12-2
> conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information INS11/12-3
> selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media INS11/12-4
> examines the use of inferences and generalisations in scientific investigations INS11-9
Content
Module 1: Cause and Effect – Observing
Role of Observations
Students:
- carry out a practical investigation to record both quantitative and qualitative data from observations, for example:
- crab hole numbers across the intetidal zone
- water quality
- discuss and evaluate the characteristics of observations made compared to inferences drawn in respect of the practical investigation
- assess ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use observation to develop an understanding of Country and Place in order to create innovative ways of managing the natural environment, including but not limited to:
- knowledge about plants for medicinal purposes
Observations as Evidence
Students:
- use data gathered to plan a practical investigation to:
- pose further questions that will be investigated
- discuss the role of variables
- determine the independent and dependent variables
- formulate a hypothesis that links the independent and dependent variables
- describe at least three variables that should be controlled in order to increase the validity of the investigation
- develop a method to collect primary data for a practical investigation by:
- describing how to change the independent variable
- determining the characteristics of the measurements that will form the dependent variable
- describing how the data will be collected
- describing how the controlled variables will be made consistent
- describing how risks can be minimised
Observing, Collecting and Recording Data
Students:
- carry out the planned practical investigation, above, to collect primary data
- apply conventions for collecting and recording observations to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the primary data, including but not limited to:
- tabulation
- graphing
- compare the usefulness of observations recorded in the initial practical activity with the primary data gathered in this planned practical investigation
Conclusions Promote Further Observations
Students:
- draw conclusions from the analysis of the primary data collected in the practical investigation
- evaluate the process of drawing conclusions from the primary data collected
Module 2: Cause and Effect – Inferences and Generalisations
Observations and Inferences
Students:
- investigate the practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that relate to observations and inferences, including but not limited to:
- leaching of toxins in bush tucker
Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
