Science

Strand/substrand

Science Understanding
Physical Sciences

Content descriptor


Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (ACSSU076)

Elaboration in this unit


In the Explore phase, students observe forces acting through direct contact and from a distance.
In the Explain phase, students demonstrate and describe how a force acts directly or from a distance.
In the Elaborate phase, students indicate and explain which forces are contact and non-contact forces in their ride design.
Science Inquiry Skills
Questioning and predicting

With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (ACSIS064)

In the Explore phase, students participate in a number of guided experiments and reflect on how the results compared to their predictions and initial understanding.
In the Elaborate phase, students design a simple experiment and develop a question that can be investigated scientifically.
Planning and conducting
Suggest ways to plan and conduct investigations to find answers to questions (ACSIS065)
In the Explore phase, students participate in a number of guided experiments and identify the sequence in a scientific investigation.
In the Elaborate phase, students design a simple experiment and identify variables that are changed, measured and stay the same.
Communicating
Represent and communicate ideas and findings in a variety of ways such as diagrams, physical representations and simple reports (ACSIS071)
In the Explain phase, students demonstrate how a force works through a diagram, physical demonstration or oral explanation.
In the Elaborate phase, students construct an annotated diagram using conventions for indicating forces to communicate their understanding of forces in their theme park ride.