Science and Technology
K–6 Science and Technology Syllabus
Science and Technology Review and Development
While considerable progress has been made on the draft Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus project, the Board of Studies has decided to suspend further work on the draft in light of the pending development of the national curriculum in Science K–12. It is anticipated that insights gained from the NSW project will assist in the national curriculum in Science K–12 consultation process.
Read more about Science and Technology Syllabus review and development
Science and Technology K–6 Update
In light of the work being undertaken by the National Curriculum Board to develop a national curriculum in Science for K-12, the Board of Studies will consider the implications of proceeding with the revision of the NSW Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus at its meeting on 17 February 2009.
Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus Review and Revision Timeline
|
Steps in the Syllabus Development Process |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Syllabus Review: |
|
|
Board Curriculum Committee established to monitor the syllabus development process |
4 May 2007 |
|
Research including a literature review and a review of national and international practice |
Completed October 2007 |
|
Evaluation of existing syllabus against criteria approved by the Board of Studies |
Completed November 2007 |
|
Board endorsement of the broad directions for syllabus revision |
11 December 2007 |
|
Writing Brief Development: |
|
|
Draft writing brief and survey |
Completed 11 April 2008 |
|
Consultation (6 weeks) |
From 28 April 2008 to 6 June 2008 |
|
Consultation report and amended writing brief to Board of Studies for endorsement |
16 September 2008 |
|
Final Writing Brief published on Board of Studies website |
October 2008 |
|
Syllabus Development: |
|
|
Draft syllabus and survey |
TBA |
|
Consultation (6 weeks) |
TBA |
|
Consultation report and amended draft Syllabus to Board of Studies for endorsement |
TBA |
|
Distribution of syllabus |
TBA |
Science and Technology K–6 Writing Brief
The Science and Technology K-6 Draft Writing Brief Consultation Report outlines the consultation that was undertaken and summarises key issues and actions arising from it. The Writing Brief has been amended to include specific advice to writers in relation to the key issues raised during consultation. The Board of Studies NSW endorsed the Science and Technology K-6 Writing Brief at its meeting on 16 September 2008. The Writing Brief provides the detailed blueprint for the development of the draft syllabus that will be distributed widely for comment in February 2009.
- Science and Technology K–6 Draft Writing Brief Consultation Report (PDF)
- Science and Technology K–6 Writing Brief (PDF)
Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus Evaluation Report and Broad Directions
On 11 December 2007 the Board of Studies endorsed the Broad Directions to guide the revision of the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus. These Broad Directions were developed from an Evaluation Report of the existing Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus that takes account of:
- a survey of 474 teachers
- 11 consultation meetings with 301 teachers throughout NSW
- consultation with university education academics
- written and oral submissions from 20 key stakeholder groups and interest groups
- discussions with 543 students from 31 schools throughout NSW
- the proceedings of the K–6 Science and Technology symposium
- a literature review of national and international research and practice.
The broad directions will be further developed in a draft writing brief for the revised syllabus. Teachers will be invited to read and comment on this draft writing brief in Term 2 2008 and are encouraged to check the Board Bulletin and this website for details.
Science and Technology K–6 Literature Review
The Science and Technology K–6 Literature Review was published in October 2007. An independent academic researched and reviewed Australian and international science and technology syllabuses for the relevant stages of compulsory schooling in NSW as well as significant literature on issues relating to primary science and technology education that have occurred both nationally and internationally over the last five years. The review also included material part of particular significance produced outside this period.
Science and Technology K–6 Literature review
Symposium Report
- Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus Symposium Report (PDF)
- Also available in Word format
- Published 26 October 2007
On 11 August 2007 the Board held a symposium on the syllabus with representation from a range of stakeholders. The list of keynote speakers included eminent science and technology academics and experts such as Professor Peter Fensham AM (Monash University, Victoria), and Professor Marilyn Fleer (Professor of Early Childhood Education, Monash University).
The symposium covered national and international research on a range of topics, such as how best to engage young children in science and technology. Issues raised included the need to:
- regard technology as being broader than information and communications technology
- ensure the processes of science and technology are embedded into the syllabus
- consider the importance of technology and innovation as a critical part of the students' world and the complexities of the 21st century.
K–6 Science and Technology In the Classroom
- Engaging students in the Design Process
- 3 part series. Read here about how 5/6H students and their teacher Jan Hancock from Penshurst West Public School implemented a `Space' unit with an emphasis on the designing and making process. Follow how these students and their teacher learnt more about designing and making, negotiating tasks and dealing with resource management issues.
- Published December 1998