Science

Every student at Croydon Hills participates in weekly 50-minute Science lesson with a specialist Science teacher. In 2021 and 2022 our school completed 'Primary Maths and Science Specialist Initiative (PMSSI)' through the Department of Education. This program and significant renovations has provided our school with trained Science teachers, a dedicated Science facility and a specialist Science program that optimises learning and engagement in Science.

 

The four areas of Science are taught annually to all students:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Earth and Space Sciences

 

The Primary Connections Science resource is the main curriculum model used for all Science lessons. These units cover a range of concepts and focus heavily on the students conducting their own investigations and making observations. The Primary Connections resource has a strong literacy link with Science and there are many other cross-curriculum opportunities throughout the units.

 

Individual Science lessons are structured around the 5E’s model. This model has 5 phases and outlines the process used when inquiring and investigating. It is particularly important when identifying the prior knowledge of students and building upon this knowledge.

  • Engage phase: captures interest and elicits prior knowledge of students (without correcting misconceptions)
  • Explore phase: provides students with hands-on experience of phenomenon
  • Explain phase: students develop scientific explanations for observations and represent developing conceptual understanding
  • Elaborate phase: extends students’ understanding to a new context or makes connections to additional concepts through a student planned investigation
  • Evaluate phase: students re-represent their understanding and reflect on their learning journey  

 

Collaboration between students is greatly encouraged during all Science lessons. The students work in groups of three and each student has a specific role during experiments and investigations as described below: 

  • Manager - collects and returns all materials the team needs
  • Director - ensures the team understands their investigation
  • Speaker - asks the teacher and other team speakers for assistance


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