Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 4 Science
A comprehensive exploration of how living things interact with their environments and the physical forces that shape our planet. Students engage in hands on investigations to understand life cycles, material properties, and the mechanics of motion.
Life Cycles and Survival
Investigating how living things grow, change, and reproduce to ensure the survival of their species.
Comparing the life cycles of different animals and plants to identify common patterns of development.
Exploring how living things rely on each other and the environment to survive.
Material Properties and Purpose
Examining the physical properties of natural and processed materials and how these dictate their use in everyday life.
Investigating the strength, durability, and flexibility of various materials through rigorous testing.
Comparing materials in their raw state to those that have been chemically or physically altered by humans.
Evaluating the impact of material choices on the environment and the importance of recycling.
The Dynamic Earth
Studying the processes that change the Earth's surface over time, from slow erosion to sudden events.
Observing how wind and water reshape the landscape through physical forces.
Analyzing the composition of soil and its role in supporting life and recording history.
Investigating sudden geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Forces and Friction
Exploring how forces like gravity and friction influence the way objects move and interact.
Investigating how contact forces change the speed and direction of an object.
Measuring how different surfaces affect the movement of objects.
Exploring non-contact forces through the study of magnets and their properties.
The Art of Inquiry
Developing the skills to plan, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations.
Learning how to control variables to ensure scientific results are reliable.
Using tables and graphs to communicate findings and identify trends.
Science in the Real World
Connecting classroom concepts to careers, technology, and community decision making.
Exploring how First Nations Australians use science to manage the land.
Discovering the diverse roles people play in scientific discovery and application.