Science: A STEM approach – Year 4

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 4 for ages 9—10.

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 have life cycles (ACSSU072) 
• Living things depend on each other and the environment to survive (ACSSU073) 
• Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties that can influence their use (ACSSU074) 
• Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (ACSSU075) 
• Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (ACSSU076) 

Science as a Human Endeavour

• Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE061) 
• Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions  (ACSHE062) 

Science Inquiry Skills

• With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on prior knowledge (ACSIS064) 
• With guidance, plan and conduct scientific investigations to find answers to questions, considering the safe use of appropriate materials and equipment (ACSIS065) 
• Consider the elements of fair tests and use formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate, to make and record observations accurately (ACSIS066) 
• Use a range of methods including tables and simple column graphs to represent data and to identify patterns and trends (ACSIS068) 
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS216) 
• Reflect on investigations, including whether a test was fair or not (ACSIS058) 
• Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings using formal and informal representations (ACSIS071)