Working+Scientifically

Working Scientifically is one of two process strands in the new Science K-10 (incorporating Science and Technology K-6) Syllabus. The process of working scientifically is at the centre of teaching and learning. Students learn 'knowledge and understanding' content through applying the process of working scientifically. The NSW syllabus utilises an inquiry based approach.

The syllabus defines investigation as "a type of first-hand activity that can be used to answer a question, explore an idea or solve a problem. A scientific investigatinon is a systematic inquiry usually involving using and applying the processes of planing a course of action, safely manipulating tools and equipment in collecting and interpreting data, drawing evidence-based conclusions and communicating findings".

Here are some investigation scaffolds you can use with your class. These scaffolds are aligned to the Working Scientifically strand of the NSW Science K-10 Syllabus. Feel free to modify them if needed to suit your requirements. Each scaffold is available for download in different formats. Any feedback on the scaffolds and associated material would be most welcome.

This document is an example of what a completed Stage 3 Investigation may look like.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Experimental Record Text Type

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