Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 5 Technologies
Students explore the mechanics of the digital world by developing computational thinking skills and understanding how data travels across global networks. This course focuses on designing user-centered solutions through visual programming, data modeling, and ethical analysis of technology.
Algorithmic Logic and Sequences
Focuses on decomposing complex problems into manageable steps and using branching logic to control program flow.
Breaking down everyday tasks into small, logical steps to identify recurring patterns in problem solving.
Using 'if-then-else' logic to create programs that can make decisions based on specific conditions.
The Invisible Web: Networks and Hardware
An investigation into how digital systems connect and the protocols that ensure data reaches its destination safely.
Understanding how files are broken into packets and transmitted across the internet.
Comparing different types of network hardware and the physical infrastructure of the internet.
Developing strategies for protecting personal information and understanding the importance of encryption.
Data Detectives: Collection and Analysis
Students learn to gather, organize, and interpret data to tell stories and solve community problems.
Exploring how computers use 1s and 0s to represent complex information like images and sound.
Using software tools to transform raw data into charts and infographics that reveal trends.
Applying data findings to propose solutions for real-world school or local issues.
Designing for Users
An introduction to user experience (UX) design, focusing on creating digital interfaces that are accessible and intuitive.
Studying how layout, color, and navigation affect how people interact with websites and apps.
Designing technology that works for people with different abilities and needs.
Creating low-fidelity wireframes and paper prototypes to test design ideas quickly.
The Ethics of Innovation
Examining the social and environmental impacts of technology, from e-waste to digital footprints.
Understanding the long-term consequences of sharing information online and managing digital identities.
Investigating the lifecycle of digital devices and the problem of electronic waste.
Discussing how robotics and AI might change the way we work and live.
Game Design and Programming
A capstone unit where students apply programming concepts to create an interactive digital game.
Learning how to use variables to track scores, health, or time in a program.
Programming objects to respond to user inputs like keyboard presses or mouse clicks.
Testing, debugging, and refining a digital project based on user feedback.