Science // Area
Scientific Inquiry
Age coverage
Ages 5 to 14
Starts at age 5 // 6 topics
Starting at age 5
Your child is learning to be a young scientist — asking questions, making careful observations, recording what they see in simple charts and drawings, and testing ideas to find answers.
- Asking scientific questions
Ask simple scientific questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways including observation, testing, and research
Ages 5 to 8Thinking skill - Observing with simple equipment
Observe closely using simple equipment such as hand lenses, and use observations to describe, compare, and identify things
Ages 5 to 7Method - Simple tests and experiments
Perform simple tests and use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
Ages 5 to 7Method - Recording Data
Gather and record data using simple methods such as tables, tally charts, and drawings to help answer questions
Ages 5 to 7Method - Comparing Design Solutions
Analyse data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each design
Ages 5 to 8Method - Modelling with Sketches
Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
Ages 5 to 8Method
Starts at age 6 // 2 topics
Starting at age 6
- Observation vs Interpretation
Notice the difference between what you observed and what you think it means — 'the ice melted' is an observation; 'the ice melted because of the heat' is an…
Ages 6 to 7Thinking skill - Changing Your Mind with Evidence
Be willing to change your mind when evidence doesn't support your prediction — a result that surprises you is more valuable than one that confirms what you…
Ages 6 to 8Thinking skill
Starts at age 7 // 6 topics
Starting at age 7
Your child is learning to think and work like a scientist by setting up fair tests, making careful observations and measurements, recording data in charts and tables, and drawing conclusions from their investigations.
- Using evidence to answer questions
Identify differences, similarities, or changes related to scientific ideas and use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or support findings
Ages 7 to 9Thinking skill - Drawing conclusions from evidence
Report on findings from enquiries using oral and written explanations, draw simple conclusions, make predictions, and suggest improvements
Ages 7 to 9Thinking skill - Could there be another explanation?
For any result, ask: is there another explanation? — the first explanation that fits isn't always the right one, and good scientists actively look for…
Ages 7 to 9Thinking skill - Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data
Gather, record, classify, and present data in a variety of ways including tables, bar charts, labelled diagrams, and keys
Ages 7 to 9Method - Measuring accurately
Make systematic and careful observations, take accurate measurements using standard units and equipment including thermometers and data loggers
Ages 7 to 9Method - Fair testing
Set up simple practical enquiries, comparative tests, and fair tests, understanding the importance of changing only one variable at a time
Ages 7 to 9Method
Starts at age 8 // 4 topics
Starting at age 8
Your child is learning to think like an engineer — designing solutions to problems, planning fair tests, and improving their ideas based on what works best.
- Correlation vs Causation
Two things happening together doesn't mean one caused the other — recognise the difference between correlation and causation before drawing conclusions
Ages 8 to 10Thinking skill - Comparing Possible Solutions
Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints
Ages 8 to 11Method - Fair testing (age 8+)
Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be…
Ages 8 to 11Method - Simple Design Problems
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost
Ages 8 to 11Method
Starts at age 9 // 7 topics
Starting at age 9
Your child is developing advanced scientific investigation skills — planning fair tests, taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and evaluating evidence to draw reliable conclusions.
- Evidence Supporting Ideas
Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments, evaluating the strength of evidence
Ages 9 to 11Thinking skill - Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)
Report and present findings including conclusions, causal relationships, explanations, and a degree of trust in results using oral and written forms
Ages 9 to 11Thinking skill - Controlling variables
Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, recognising and controlling variables where necessary
Ages 9 to 11Thinking skill - Fair testing (age 9+)
Use test results to make predictions and set up further comparative and fair tests to investigate new questions
Ages 9 to 11Thinking skill - Science Can Be Revised
Scientific knowledge is provisional — it is the best current explanation based on available evidence, and it can and should be revised when better evidence…
Ages 9 to 11Thinking skill - Recording data and results
Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
Ages 9 to 11Method - Accurate Measurement
Take measurements with increasing accuracy and precision using a range of scientific equipment, taking repeat readings when appropriate
Ages 9 to 11Method
Starts at age 11 // 2 topics
Starting at age 11
- Controlling variables (age 11+)
Form a testable scientific hypothesis linking an independent variable to a predicted outcome, plan a full investigation identifying independent, dependent, and…
Ages 11 to 12Thinking skill - Repeated tests for reliability
Distinguish between precision (consistency of repeated readings) and accuracy (closeness to true value), use significant figures and standard form correctly…
Ages 11 to 12Concept
Starts at age 12 // 2 topics
Starting at age 12
- Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 12+)
Identify patterns and trends in data, draw conclusions that directly address the hypothesis with quantitative reference to evidence, and evaluate the…
Ages 12 to 13Thinking skill - Tables, charts, and graphs
Construct data tables with correct headings and SI units, plot appropriate graph types (bar chart, line graph, scatter graph), draw a line of best fit, and…
Ages 12 to 13Representation
Starts at age 13 // 1 topic
Starting at age 13
- Writing Science Reports
Communicate scientific findings in a structured report using appropriate scientific vocabulary, SI units, and standard notation; describe how peer review and…
Ages 13 to 14Thinking skill