Planting Science Teacher Resources

 

The Centre has translated the research into accessible, easy to implement units of work that are curriculum matched and ready for implementation.

The lesson plans focus on students achieving science inquiry outcomes by using a modified version of the scientific method. Students will create real tests, create their own hypotheses, test and measure the outcome of their inquiry based experiment.

To work the scientific method accurately, students need to be able to measure and show their results. Including data collection and display in the classroom naturally leads to maths in context activities, which represents what happens in real research.

Structure

The lessons have been modelled on the ‘5 E’s’ method for teaching and learning, created by Bybee et al, and popularised by Primary Connections. A number of optional inclusions have been incorporated into the program to supplement class learning where required. This may be to achieve deeper learning on a particular outcome, or to familiarise students on a concept or technique before they run their actual experiment.

Science Snapshots provide an important connection to the science. They describe a real research project or technique, and introduce the reader to a scientist working in the field.
Extra information has been included on the trickiest experiments, to troubleshoot if an unexpected outcome occurs. Of course, in science, many experiments end up with an unexpected result, so if this happens, you’ll be in good company!

Budget

Lessons have been designed to maximise educational outcomes, while keeping the cost manageable for tight budgets. The cost of materials to deliver each unit is designed to average out at around $20 per lesson for the whole class.
All items used are commonly available at supermarkets, home maintenance stores (like Bunnings), health food shops or on eBay.

Click on the links below to go to the printable units of work.

Foundation

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6