Progression of skills
Students in Stages 4 and 5 science build on the working scientifically outcome from Stage 3. The areas of working scientifically include:
- questioning and predicting
- planning investigations
- conducting investigations
- processing and analysing data and information
- problem-solving communication.
The four foundational skills for students of Stages 4 and 5 include:
- identify and implement improvements to investigation plans
- identify appropriates terminology and reporting styles to communicate information and understanding
- draw valid conclusions from gathered data and information.
The following table outlines the progression of scientific skills from Early Stage 1 to Stage 6.
| Stage | Skills |
|---|---|
| Early Stage 1 | explores surroundings and communicate observations |
| Stage 1 | investigates questions and reflects on what they know |
| Stage 2 | suggests explanations and reflects on processes |
| Stage 3 | draws evidence based conclusions and explanations |
| Stage 4 | identifies testable questions and presents results |
| Stage 5 | develops testable questions and purposefully presents findings |
| Stage 6 Preliminary | discusses validity and reliability, valid conclusions |
| Stage 6 HSC | justifies investigations, evaluates accuracy and reliability and assesses validity |