A rubric is a method for monitoring a student’s learning based on chosen criteria or guidelines. Rubrics are often provided to students before they commence an assessment task so they are able to think about the criteria that will be included in their assessment. The sample rubric for this unit of work is generic and is based on ‘A model of inquiry learning’ in which students will be collecting and using data. The criteria overlaps Science, English, Mathematics and Geography. Teachers are encouraged to modify this rubric to meet their specific assessment needs.

A rubric is a method for monitoring a student’s learning based on chosen criteria or guidelines. Rubrics are often provided to students before they commence an assessment task so they are able to think about the criteria that will be included in their assessment. The sample rubric for this unit of work is generic and is based on ‘A model of inquiry learning’ in which students will be collecting and using data. The criteria overlaps Science, English, Mathematics and Geography. Teachers are encouraged to modify this rubric to meet their specific assessment needs.

Students investigate the interconnected relationships within a simplified food web. Students deduce the impact on the food web when components are changed.

During this lesson students reflect on the way they view and use trees, and how nature can be used in poetry to express ideas and convey messages about conservation. They begin by taking a walk around the school yard, then read Shel Silverstein’s book The Giving Tree. As a class they brainstorm verbs, nouns and adjectives from nature, and use these to independently write a Diamond Poem about trees to share with a chosen audience. This lesson is designed to be taught outside. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

During this lesson students investigate the role and importance of topsoil to food production and biodiversity. They begin exploring the role and importance of topsoil by observing a demonstration that uses an apple to visually demonstrate the parts of the Earth. Students will work in groups to test the quality of topsoil around their school. They then analyse the class data and work in groups to create a map of topsoil quality at their school and to make suggestions for improving topsoil quality. This lesson is designed to be taught outside. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

In this experiment, students make a rocket using a film canister, an antacid tablet and water. Through this experiment, students will understand that mixing materials can result in a variety of consequences.

Peer assessment is a process where students can give valuable feedback based on a teacher’s benchmarks. This method of assessment can be employed to improve students’ understanding of content as well as their metacognitive skills. During presentations, students share their new understandings to their peers and receive personalised feedback based on criteria. This peer-assessment criteria sheet can be used to assess presentations on any topic. Print the template, or provide students with digital access, and they can complete the assessments and then return them to you.

A rubric is a method for monitoring a student’s learning based on chosen criteria or guidelines. Rubrics are often provided to students before they commence an assessment task so they are able to think about the criteria that will be included in their assessment. The sample rubric for this unit of work is generic and is based on ‘A model of inquiry learning’ in which students will be collecting and using data. The criteria overlaps Science, English, Mathematics and Geography. Teachers are encouraged to modify this rubric to meet their specific assessment needs.

In this lesson students explore the concept of the 4Rs - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - and how it applies to waste. Students begin by working as a class to define the 4Rs, and then work in teams to brainstorm examples of each of the 4Rs. Finally, students explore how they can apply the 4Rs to their own lives.