Investigating science
Module guides, sample programs, teaching activities, sample assessment tasks and exam questions and general resources assisting you in preparing programs, units of work and lesson plans.
The investigating science course is multidisciplinary and develops students' abilities to engage with scientific processes to investigate personal, community and global scientific issues.
Investigating science is designed for all students and may be differentiated to suit school contexts. The course promotes active inquiry and the planning and conducting of evidence-based investigations. It provides opportunities for problem-solving and making informed scientific decisions. Students engage in examples and situations that relate to biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics. The investigating science course is designed to complement the study of other science disciplines and provides additional opportunities for students to develop capability and capacity in critical thinking, problem-solving and develop and communicate evidence-based arguments and make informed decisions.
This 2025 Investigating Science Stage 6 Quick Reference Guide (90.9 KB) provides an overview of support available to implement the Investigating Science Syllabus (2017).
Module resources Year 11
- Module 1 – depth study sample timeline scaffold (DOCX 45 KB)
- Module 1 – cause and effect observing depth study (DOCX 53 KB)
- Module 1 – observations (DOCX 61 KB)
- Module 1 – observations as evidence (DOCX 58 KB)
- Module 1 – depth study observations pH (DOCX 50 KB)
- Module 1 – role of observations (DOCX 71 KB)
- Module 1 – student portfolio (DOCX 49 KB)
- Module 1 – peer evaluation (DOCX 45 KB)
- Module 1 – guide (DOCX 2165 KB)
- Module 3 – assessment notification model (DOCX 50 KB)
- Module 4 – depth study (DOCX 54 KB)
- Module 4 – depth study ideas (DOCX 45 KB)
- Module 4 – theories and laws (DOCX 68 KB)
Module resources Year 12
- Module 5 – scientific investigations guide (DOCX 299 KB)
- Module 5 6 and 7 – assessment task fact or fallacy (DOCX 59 KB)
- Module 6 – guide (DOCX 780 KB)
- Module 6 – assessment oral presentation (DOCX 110 KB)
- Module 6 – technologies unit (DOCX 61 KB)
- Module 7 – guide (DOCX 257 KB)
- Module 7 – fact or fallacy unit (DOCX 63 KB)
- Module 7 conflicts of interest – focus on writing (DOCX 4383 KB)
- Module 7 conflicts of interest – writing support (PPTX 2633 KB)
- Module 8 – guide (DOCX 553 KB)
- Module 8 – unit plan (DOCX 63 KB)
- Module 8 – science and society depth study (DOCX 49 KB)
- Year 12 modules problem set (DOCX 1110 KB)
General resources
- Implementing the Investigating Science syllabus (DOCX 44 KB)
- Evaluating scientific data Stage 4 to 6 (DOCX 259 KB)
- Evaluating scientific investigation abridged (DOCX 70 KB)
- Indigenous perspectives (DOCX 57 KB)
- Inspired scientific thinking (DOCX 44 KB)
- Investigation planning sheet (DOCX 44 KB)
- Resource links (DOCX 115 KB)
- Risk analysis table (DOCX 45 KB)
- Self assessment strategy met not met I noticed (DOCX 53 KB)
- Student reflection science investigations (DOCX 151 KB)
- Working scientifically skills checklist (DOCX 46 KB)
Syllabus
Please note:
Syllabus outcomes and content descriptors from Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017.