Program Description

In this program, students will investigate various animal life cycles and what differentiates them from each other. Through meeting some of our native animals, students will explore the different ways animals grow and change throughout their lives. In addition, students will learn about the differences in paternal care and will determine why some animals live in large groups or families and why others have adapted to live solitary lives. They will explore the benefits of both group and solitary living and identify how multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

Outcomes and Key Learnings:

• SC4-1VA
  Appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them.

  This outcome promotes scientific literacy and highlights the relevance of science in everyday life.

  Encourages students to see science as a tool for solving real-world problems and understanding global issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and technological innovation.

  Complements all other descriptors by fostering curiosity and valuing scientific inquiry.

• SC4-9WS
  Presents science ideas, findings, and information to a given audience using appropriate scientific language, text types, and representations.

  Develops critical communication skills, ensuring students can articulate their understanding clearly and effectively.

  Supports ACSIS124 by enabling students to communicate predictions, results, and conclusions using scientifically accurate language.

  Prepares students for scientific report writing and presentation, which are key skills in secondary and tertiary education.

• SC4-14LW
  Relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival, and reproduction.

  Central to Biological Sciences, this outcome underpins understanding of systems in multi-cellular organisms (linked to ACSSU150) and ecological interactions (ACSSU112).

  Encourages exploration of anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy, which are foundational for future studies in biology and health sciences.

• ACSSU112
  Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activities, can be represented by food chains and food webs.

  Aligns with SC4-14LW, focusing on ecological relationships and the impact of human activity on ecosystems.

  Provides a framework for exploring concepts like energy flow, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.

  Encourages visual learning through the creation of food webs and chains, fostering systems thinking.

• ACSIS124
  Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge.

  Directly supports SC4-1VA and SC4-9WS by emphasizing the development of testable questions and hypothesis formation.

  Encourages students to engage in the scientific process, fostering critical thinking and inquiry skills.

  Aligns with practical investigations, supporting hands-on learning.

• ACSSU150
  Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

  Closely tied to SC4-14LW, this descriptor focuses on the relationship between structure and function in biology.

  Explores organ systems such as the respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems, providing a basis for understanding human biology and comparative anatomy.

  Encourages detailed exploration of physiological processes, linking to survival and reproduction.

Relevance to Stage 4 Curriculum

These outcomes and descriptors are essential for Stage 4 Science and align with the curriculum's focus on:

1. Scientific Inquiry: Promoting the ability to ask questions, design investigations, and communicate findings effectively.

2. Biology and Ecology: Exploring the relationships between organisms, their environments, and their internal systems.

3. Critical Thinking and Communication: Emphasizing the importance of presenting scientific information accurately using appropriate methods.

Program Description

The habitat requirements of native animals are in a continual state of decline due to current threatening processes. Threatened species depend on us for survival, and without knowledge and understanding of what threats individual species face, we cannot ensure their continual survival. In this program, students will apply scientific understanding and critical thinking skills to suggest possible solutions to identified problems. Through connecting with threatened wildlife through animal interaction and engaging in conversation, students will learn about main threatening processes including habitat loss, disease, climate change and pollution, and identify solutions to the imminent danger many species face.

Outcomes and Key Learnings

Stage 4 (Years 7–8)

• SC4-1VA
  Appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them.

  Builds foundational scientific literacy by encouraging students to value science's role in solving global challenges and understanding everyday phenomena.

  Prepares students for inquiry-based learning in higher stages by fostering curiosity and respect for evidence-based conclusions.

• SC4-9WS
  Presents science ideas, findings, and information to a given audience using appropriate scientific language, text types, and representations.

  Enhances communication skills necessary for writing reports, creating models, and presenting findings.

  Directly supports ACSIS124, ensuring students can articulate questions, methods, and conclusions effectively.

  Prepares students for advanced assessments and project presentations in Stage 5.

• SC4-14LW
  Relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival, and reproduction.

  Introduces foundational concepts in biology, including anatomy, taxonomy, and reproductive strategies.

  Aligned with ACSSU150, enabling students to explore how organ systems function in multi-cellular organisms.

  Supports ACSSU112 by linking individual survival mechanisms to broader ecological interactions.

• ACSSU112
  Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activities, can be represented by food chains and food webs.

  Explores basic ecological principles such as energy flow, trophic levels, and biodiversity.

  Sets the stage for Stage 5 discussions about human impacts like deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

• ACSIS124
  Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge.

  Develops inquiry skills by emphasizing testable questions and hypothesis formation.

  Aligns with SC4-9WS, encouraging students to present their findings using evidence-based reasoning.

• ACSSU150
  Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

  Provides an introduction to human biology and organ system interactions, forming the basis for advanced Stage 5 biology topics.

  Complements SC4-14LW, allowing students to connect structural adaptations with survival and reproduction.

Stage 5 (Years 9–10)

• SC4-1VA

  In Stage 5, students deepen their understanding of science's societal impact, focusing on global issues like sustainability, technological advancements, and health.

  Provides a foundation for discussing the ethical implications of scientific progress.

• SC4-9WS

  Builds on communication skills by introducing more advanced scientific writing and data representation methods, such as graphing, statistical analysis, and multimedia presentations.

  Essential for Stage 5 projects like case studies and independent investigations.

• SC4-14LW

  In Stage 5, the focus expands to include genetic inheritance, evolution, and more detailed reproductive systems.

  Supports advanced study of ecosystems by linking organism adaptations to environmental pressures.

• ACSSU112

  Explored further in Stage 5 with topics like ecosystem dynamics, environmental management, and human-induced ecological changes.

  Encourages critical thinking about sustainability and conservation efforts.

• ACSIS124

  In Stage 5, students apply this descriptor to more sophisticated experimental designs, incorporating variables, controls, and data reliability.

  Supports the development of independent research skills.

• ACSSU150

  Explored in greater depth in Stage 5, with emphasis on comparative anatomy, physiology, and the role of organ systems in maintaining homeostasis.

  Connects directly to topics like disease, immune responses, and environmental adaptations.

Relevance to Stage 4 and Stage 5 Curricula

These outcomes and descriptors are relevant across both stages, supporting a progression from foundational knowledge in Stage 4 to advanced applications in Stage 5. Key themes include:

1. Scientific Inquiry and Communication: Building skills for hypothesis testing, investigation, and clear presentation.

2. Biological Systems: Understanding how living organisms function and interact, preparing students for senior biology.

3. Ecology and Human Impact: Introducing sustainability and environmental issues that are expanded upon in Stage 5.

Program Description

This program encourages students to understand wildlife conservation and how they can actively contribute to protecting Australia’s native flora and fauna. Through investigative activities and up-close animal encounters, students will engage in finding solutions to global issues such as wildlife conservation and shaping sustainable futures. In this program, students will discuss current threatening processes and investigate sustainable solutions to mitigate these threats. Students will gain an understanding of wildlife preservation and how they can protect animals, plants and their habitats, ensuring that the future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it.

Outcomes and Key Learnings

Stage 4 (Years 7–8)

• SC4-1VA
  Appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them.

  Encourages students to see science as relevant to personal and societal challenges.

  Lays the groundwork for inquiry-based learning and critical thinking about scientific advancements.

• SC4-2VA
  Shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social, and global issues.

  Fosters a proactive attitude toward addressing real-world problems such as climate change, conservation, and health.

  Promotes the application of scientific knowledge to develop sustainable and ethical solutions.

• SC4-9WS
  Presents science ideas, findings, and information to a given audience using appropriate scientific language, text types, and representations.

  Focuses on developing communication skills essential for reporting and interpreting scientific data.

  Aligns with ACSIS124, encouraging students to present predictions, methods, and results effectively.

• SC4-14LW
  Relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival, and reproduction.

  Introduces concepts of anatomy, physiology, and reproductive strategies.

  Prepares students for the more advanced understanding of multi-cellular systems (ACSSU150) in Stage 5.

• ACSHE119
  Scientific knowledge has changed people’s understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available.

  Provides historical context for scientific discoveries, such as germ theory, genetics, and conservation biology.

  Encourages discussions about the dynamic nature of science and its role in shaping modern society.

• ACSIS124
  Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge.

  Develops foundational skills in scientific inquiry, including formulating hypotheses and designing experiments.

• ACSSU150
  Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

  Reinforces understanding of biological systems and their functions, supporting later exploration of human biology and comparative anatomy.

Evaluation for Stage 5 (Years 9–10)

• SC5-1VA
  Appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them.

  Builds on Stage 4 by emphasizing the role of science in addressing global challenges like renewable energy, medical advancements, and sustainability.

  Promotes the relevance of science for informed decision-making in personal and community contexts.

• SC5-2VA
  Shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social, and global issues.

  Encourages active problem-solving in areas such as environmental conservation, genetic engineering, and biotechnology.

  Aligns with ethical considerations and global citizenship.

• SC5-15LW
  Explains how biological understanding has advanced through scientific discoveries, technological developments, and the needs of society.

  Expands on SC4-14LW, connecting organ systems and adaptations to technological innovations like CRISPR, vaccines, and artificial organs.

  Encourages exploration of the societal impact of biology-related advancements.

• ACSSU185
  The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence.

  Introduces foundational evolutionary biology, building on survival and reproduction concepts introduced in Stage 4 (SC4-14LW).

  Promotes critical thinking by exploring evidence such as fossils, genetic similarities, and anatomical structures.

• ACSHE191
  Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community.

  Develops an understanding of the scientific method as iterative and self-correcting.

  Provides a basis for discussions about the reliability of scientific evidence and the role of peer review.

• ACSIS139
  Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge.

  Extends Stage 4 inquiry skills by emphasizing hypothesis testing, experimental design, and data analysis.

• ACSSU150
  Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce.

  Expanded in Stage 5 to include homeostasis, comparative anatomy, and disease processes.

Progression from Stage 4 to Stage 5

• Scientific Inquiry and Communication: Students progress from basic inquiry skills to designing and evaluating experiments.

• Biological Systems and Evolution: Stage 4 introduces structure and function, while Stage 5 explores adaptations and evolutionary theory.

• Role of Science: Stage 4 focuses on understanding and appreciation, whereas Stage 5 emphasizes applying knowledge to solve societal problems.

Program Description:

For thousands of years living things have been classified and grouped in different ways. This program engages students in classifying animals both found here at the Sanctuary and native to Australia. Hands on wildlife encounters coupled with classroom education from experienced experts provide students with the opportunity to identify how animals are classified both informally through many common names and formally through their Latin / scientific name.

Outcomes and Key Learnings:

• SC5-1VA
  Appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them.

  Relevance: This outcome encourages students to see science as a tool for addressing real-world challenges like climate change, public health, and sustainable technologies.

  Application: Students can connect scientific inquiry to issues they encounter in daily life, fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making.

  Strength: Promotes engagement and curiosity, key for developing lifelong learning in science.

• SC5-9WS
  Presents science ideas and evidence for a particular purpose and to a specific audience, using appropriate scientific language, conventions, and representations.

  Relevance: Builds communication skills critical for explaining complex scientific ideas clearly and persuasively, a skillset essential for both academic and professional contexts.

  Application: Supports tasks like research reports, oral presentations, and graphical representations of data.

  Strength: Prepares students for higher-level studies and real-world scientific communication challenges.

• SC5-14LW
  Analyses interactions between components and processes within biological systems.

  Relevance: Deepens understanding of how organ systems and ecosystems function, interact, and maintain balance, linking to global issues like ecosystem management and human health.

  Application: Encourages analytical thinking by examining cause-effect relationships in biological processes (e.g., nutrient cycling, disease spread, or predator-prey dynamics).

  Strength: Provides a comprehensive foundation for senior biology and related STEM fields.

• ACSHE191
  Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community.

  Relevance: Introduces students to the iterative and self-correcting nature of science, which is essential for understanding its reliability and evolution over time.

  Application: Students can explore historical examples (e.g., germ theory, plate tectonics, or climate change) and current debates (e.g., genetic modification or artificial intelligence).

  Strength: Cultivates an appreciation for critical analysis and peer review, preparing students for higher education and research contexts.

• ACSSU111
  Classification helps organise the diverse group of organisms.

  Relevance: Establishes foundational biological knowledge about taxonomy and its role in understanding biodiversity and evolutionary relationships.

  Application: Supports skills in observation, comparative analysis, and data organisation by teaching students to identify patterns in nature.

  Strength: Provides a logical framework for exploring more complex topics, such as genetics, ecology, and conservation biology.

Key Themes and Relevance to Stage 5 Science

• Scientific Literacy and Communication

  • Students learn to articulate scientific ideas effectively, preparing them for future academic and professional presentations.

  • These outcomes foster the ability to evaluate and communicate evidence, aligning with 21st-century skills.

• Biological Systems and Interactions

  • Outcomes like SC5-14LW and ACSSU111 build an integrated understanding of living systems, from cellular processes to ecosystems.

  • This knowledge is critical for addressing real-world issues like habitat destruction, human impact on ecosystems, and conservation strategies.

• Nature of Science and Inquiry

  • Outcomes like ACSHE191 highlight the dynamic, contestable nature of scientific knowledge, promoting critical thinking.

  • Emphasizing the iterative process of science aligns with contemporary debates and emerging scientific discoveries.

• Classification and Organisation

  • Taxonomy and classification provide an essential framework for understanding the vast diversity of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms.