Approaches to Science

The following pages provide support materials to assist P-10 Science teachers in implementing the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). The materials include curriculum planners and templates, sample lesson plans, sample student work, examples of multi-domain Science-based lessons, samples of different approaches to teaching and learning in Science, VELS standards and progression points and assessment maps. All files may be printed onto A4 paper.

Curriculum planning | Science inquiry and investigation | Approaches to teaching and learning in Science | Show All

Curriculum planning

Planning a VELS Unit with a Science Focus: Overview (Levels 1-6) (Doc - 44KB)
Summarises the factors for consideration when planning Science-based units.
Planning a VELS Unit with a Science Focus: Audit template for the classroom Science teacher (Levels 3-6) (Doc - 134KB)
Illustrates the relationships between Science and other VELS domains, including resources and assessment.
Planning a VELS Unit with a Science Focus: Audit template for Science teachers working in teams (Levels 3-6) (Doc - 119KB)
Advice for teachers working in domain teams, illustrating the relationships between Science and other VELS domains, including resources and assessment.

Science inquiry, investigation and modelling

Science Inquiry and Investigation: Overview (Levels 1-6) (Doc - 209KB)
Advice about constructivist approaches to the teaching of science, the nature of questions for investigation, fair testing, recording results (including student examples) and conducting evidence-based discussions.
Science Inquiry and Investigation: From Theory to Practice – Sample Planner (Levels 2-6) (Doc - 297KB)
Sample planner, using as an example a Level 3 investigation of the suitability of indigenous plants in a school garden as an example of scientific inquiry and investigation.
Science Inquiry and Investigation: Student Template for experimental investigations (Levels 2-6) (Doc - 60KB)
Sample template for students to use when planning, conducting and reporting on experimental investigations. An example of student work illustrating reporting structure is included.
The Use of Models in Science (Levels 1-6) (Doc - 78KB)
Shows how modelling can be used, and how it differs, across Levels 1 to 6.

Approaches to teaching and learning in Science

Science Teaching and Learning through Images: Melbourne - Then and Now (Levels 1-4) (Doc - 494KB)
Using images of Melbourne in1927 and 2007 as stimulus material for exploring concepts in Science for each of Levels 1 to Level 4. A template for developing further ideas is included.
Octagonoverse (Levels 1-6) (Doc - 97KB)
A template for the creation of a seven-lined verse to report scientific observations and comparisons using Levels 1 and 2 as examples. The octagonoverse can be adapted to suit other levels.
Walking the Talk – Linking Learning to Action (Levels 1-6) (Doc - KB)
A planning document to facilitate planning for Science projects involving students taking action within local, global and community contexts.
Using image, verse and modelling to explore concepts in Science (Levels 4-6) (Doc - KB)
Illustrating how image, verse and modelling can be used at Levels 4, 5 and 6 when teaching astronomy. This exercise can be adapted to suit other levels.
Using Science within a multi-domain context to promote deeper learnin
Sample lesson plans are provided for Levels 3 to 6
- Level 3: Bouncing tennis balls (Doc - 47KB)
- Level 4: Chocolate packaging challenge (Doc - 139KB)
- Level 5: Insect classification – It’s a Buzz! (Doc - 265KB)
- Level 6: Egg drop challenge (Doc - 196KB)