Unit: Space

Duration

Approximately eight weeks This annotated unit of work has been produced as a sample to demonstrate how the teaching of literacy is integral to, and supportive of, students learning science content. It is not intended that teachers should provide the same detailed documentation for units they write.

It is recommended that teachers trial the unit as presented, and select successful elements which can be incorporated into future units of work.

The unit provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge and understandings about models, theories and laws relevant to the study of space. Through addressing relevant prescribed focus areas, students will develop skills as they learn about space and prepare a presentation for a space expo.

The literacy focus in this unit supports students to develop knowledge about space and express this knowledge in appropriate scientific language. Good science literacy skills are an integral part of good scientific knowledge and understanding.

For effective learning in science, students need to be able to use literacy skills to analyse and respond to the world around them, to construct knowledge in a systematic way and to convey their understandings to others.

Teaching literacy in science in Year 7, (1997), Curriculum Directorate, NSW Department of Education, p8.

In areas of the unit where students may benefit from additional literacy support, links have been provided to other resources. In addition to describing strategies, the teaching notes give information about the purpose of the strategies.

Top