Science and Technology
K-6 Science and Technology Syllabus
K-6 Science and Technology Syllabus (PDF - 40 pages - 544KB)
K-6 Science and Technology Support Document (PDF - 198 pages - 1.5MB)
K-6 Science and Technology Syllabus and Support Document (PDF - 238 pages - 1.9MB)
K-6 Science and Technology Outcomes and Indicators. Includes Foundation Statements (PDF - 52 pages - 179KB)
Teachers invited to comment on Draft Writing Brief
Teachers are invited to get involved in the Science and Technology K–6 syllabus revision, with consultation on the Draft Writing Brief now taking place.
Teachers are encouraged to attend consultation meetings at locations across NSW to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the Draft Writing Brief for the revised syllabus. See the consultation schedule for the date and venue of your nearest consultation meeting.
The Draft Writing Brief is available on this website. A survey is also available on this website, to gather views on the Draft Writing Brief. Completed surveys are due to the Board of Studies by 6 June 2008.
An amended writing brief will be prepared which takes into account the feedback from the meetings and survey.
For more information on the revision of the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus contact Nicholas Perkins, Senior Curriculum Officer, Primary Education on (02) 9367 8180 or nicholas.perkins@bos.nsw.edu.au.
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus Draft Writing Brief (PDF - 42 pages - 172KB)
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus Draft Writing Brief Survey (PDF - 7 pages - 228KB)
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
Expressions of Interest for K-6 Science and Technology Curriculum Writers
A register of curriculum writers is being created to assist with the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus review and revision. The register will be used to identify potential writers for the syllabus or other tasks at various stages of the syllabus development process, beginning in Term 1 2008.
Interested people are invited to submit an expression of interest for inclusion on the register. Expressions of interest are particularly sought from people with skills and interests in the writing of K–6 Science and Technology curriculum material.
Description of the positions and application process and the Expression of Interest form (PDF - 1 page - 16KB).
Closing date: Friday 23 November 2007.
Enquiries: Nicholas Perkins, phone (02) 9367 8180 or email nicholas.perkins@bos.nsw.edu.au
Symposium Report
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus Symposium Report PDF (8 pages, 60 KB) Word (8 pages, 70 KB) 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