AC9SFI02: Engage in investigations safely and make observations using their senses

Choose safe observations

Follow the adult’s instructions before handling objects or tools. Use sight and hearing at a safe distance; touch or smell only as directed. Do not taste investigation materials. Stop and ask when unsure.

Make a safe decision

You find an unfamiliar berry during a plant walk. A friend suggests tasting it to learn about it. What should you do instead?

Match a sense to evidence

An adult provides a safe wooden block. You see a brown surface and, when allowed to touch it, feel a rough edge. Which sense supports each observation?

Use a tool without causing harm

You want to see a leaf’s tiny lines with a magnifying glass. How should you use it?

Ready to move on

With an adult-approved object, state one safety instruction, make two safe observations and record one using a drawing, marks or words.

1. Safety sort

Sort actions into safe / ask first / not safe for a simple classroom investigation.

2. Sense words

Observe a safe object and describe it using sight and, if permitted, touch.

3. Tool check

Practise carrying and using a magnifying glass carefully, then report one detail you noticed.

E1

discussing ways to conduct investigations safely, such as by being sun safe, not running with equipment, not tasting objects or materials, and following teacher instructions

Teaching example: Agree on boundaries, sun protection, careful walking with equipment and no tasting of investigation materials before an outdoor activity.

E2

explaining safety considerations for using the senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing, and discussing why we do not use taste to make observations in science

Teaching example: Discuss an unfamiliar berry: observe from a safe distance, do not taste or touch it, and ask an adult. Choose senses according to the instructions.

E3

using provided tools such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, digital photography or video to enhance their observations of plants and animals

Teaching example: Use a magnifying glass on a leaf with adult guidance, or binoculars for a distant bird. Never look at the Sun through optical tools.

E4

recording observations using numbers, dots, drawings, voice recordings, digital photography or video

Teaching example: Record an actual observation with a labelled drawing, dots or an adult-assisted voice recording. Say which safe sense provided the information.