Science: A STEM approach – Year 3

Prepare your students for the roles of the future! Minds will be challenged and imaginations unleashed as students develop skills such as innovation, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving; and technical science skills such as questioning, observing, systematic experimentation, and analysis and interpretation of data.

Feel confident delivering a comprehensive and contemporary science program, and ease your way into STEM projects with Science: A STEM approach Year 3 for ages 8—9.

Each book in this fantastic new series features:

•   four units with four STEM projects, organised by sub-strand—Biological sciences, Chemical sciences, Earth and space sciences and Physical sciences
•   easy-to-follow lesson plan format, with term overview at the start of each unit
•   ideas for incorporating technology in the classroom
•   background information for the teacher
•   resource sheets, if required
•   assessment sheets provided for science knowledge
•   STEM project for the remainder of the term (2–4 weeks)

Each STEM project includes:

•   a design brief
•   STEM curriculum links
•   alternative project ideas
•   a group rubric
•   self-assessment
•   resource sheets, if required

Science Understanding

• Living things can be grouped on the basis of observable features and can be distinguished from non-living things (ACSSU044) 
• A change of state between solid and liquid can be caused by adding or removing heat (ACSSU046) 
• Earth’s rotation on its axis causes changes, including night and day (ACSSU048) 
• Heat can be produced in many ways and can move from one object to another (ACSSU049) 

Science as a Human Endeavour

• Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE050) 
• Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions  (ACSHE051) 

Science Inquiry Skills

• With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on prior knowledge (ACSIS053) 
• With guidance, plan and conduct scientific investigations to find answers to questions, considering the safe use of appropriate materials and equipment (ACSIS054) 
• Consider the elements of fair tests and use formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate, to make and record observations accurately (ACSIS055) 
• Use a range of methods including tables and simple column graphs to represent data and to identify patterns and trends (ACSIS057) 
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS215) 
• Reflect on investigations, including whether a test was fair or not (ACSIS058) 
• Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations (ACSIS060)