First scientists - Forces
Stage 4 - Science and Technology
Program
In this incursion, students will be introduced to a variety of Aboriginal tools and technologies and learn about the forces involved in their design, form and use. Students will plan and conduct a self-directed investigation on one tool, applying their Working Scientifically and Data Science skills to answer an inquiry question.
This program aligns with the implementation of the new 7-10 Science (2023) syllabus for the Stage 4 topic Forces and can be used to support an assessment task or depth study.
Important information
Science 7 - 10 Syllabus (2023)
Syllabus outcomes
SC4-FOR-01
Describes the effects of forces in everyday contexts
SC4-WS-02
Identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations
SC4-WS-05
Uses a variety of ways to process and represent data
SC4-WS-06
Uses data to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions
SC4-WS-07
Identifies problem-solving strategies and proposes solutions
Content
Forces
Simple machines in everyday life
- Identify examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ application of Knowledge about forces
Working scientifically
Questioning and predicting
- Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically
Conducting investigations
- Assemble and use appropriate equipment and resources to perform an investigation
- Follow the planned procedure, including the measurement and control of variables
- Record observations and measurements accurately, using correct units for physical quantities
Processing data and information
- Use a range of representations to organise data, including graphs, keys, models, diagrams, tables and spreadsheets
- Calculate the mean and range of a dataset
Activity 1 - Tools and technologies workshop (1 hour)
Students will create, use, and test a range of traditional tools and technologies, including the use of fire drills to generate heat, grinding stones to create stone tools, and traditional clubs to facilitate hunting. Through guided questioning, students will make inferences about the application of the knowledge of forces in these everyday activities and record their findings in a student workbook.
Activity 2 - Woomera investigation (1 hour)
Students investigate the traditional practice of spear throwing among Aboriginal Peoples. After being introduced to the woomera and its use as a lever, students will conduct a scientific experiment to compare the distance of throwing a spear with and without the aid of a woomera. Students will collect and record primary data in a workbook.
| Student numbers | This incursion can be delivered to multiple classes over one or more days. |
| Activities | A selection of activities will be included in each one-hour lesson. Please Longneck Lagoon EEC if you would like to request any adaptations to the program. |
| Learning spaces | Activity 2 will require a large outdoor space within the school grounds. |