At Dunsborough Primary School, students engage in a rich and comprehensive science program that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong interest in the world around them. Science is a naturally engaging subject for children, offering opportunities to explore, question, and discover through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Our science curriculum is designed to build a strong and cumulative foundation of knowledge. Each year, students explore all four key areas of science: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Physical Sciences, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded understanding. As students progress through the years, they build on prior knowledge, deepening their understanding and strengthening their scientific thinking skills.
Science at our school is active and inquiry-based. Students participate in hands-on investigations that support the development of scientific inquiry skills, including questioning, predicting, observing, measuring, and analysing. They also learn to communicate their scientific understanding in a variety of ways, fostering confidence and clarity in their thinking.
In the early years (K–2), students develop an awareness of themselves and their local environment. Learning is driven by curiosity, with questioning leading to exploration and purposeful play. Students build foundational skills in observing, describing, comparing, and sorting as they begin to make sense of the world around them.
From Years 3–6, students expand their understanding of scientific concepts and begin to investigate questions more systematically. They learn how to plan and conduct fair tests, explore variables, and use accurate measurement. As they progress, students are encouraged to think critically, draw conclusions based on evidence, and refine their understanding through investigation.
Science is taught by classroom teachers using a range of engaging and evidence-based resources, including Inquisitive, Primary Connections, and other complementary materials to support inquiry, understanding, and skill development.