What students learn in AC9SFU03
This unit helps students build a clear, usable understanding of That objects can be composed of different materials and describe.... The goal is not to memorise one answer pattern. Students should be able to explain the idea, recognise it in a new example and apply it in a short practice or worksheet task.
- Start with the main idea: recognise that objects can be composed of different materials and describe the observable properties of those materials.
- Use concrete examples, pictures, oral explanation and short written responses before moving to independent practice.
- observing and manipulating objects to identify the materials they are made of and recognising that some objects are made of more than one type of material recognising that tools such as magnifying glasses enable more-detailed observations
- Finish with mixed questions so students must choose the correct strategy rather than copy the last example.
Curriculum coverage and elaborations
The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning but may not appear in the initial eight-question activity.
- Content description: recognise that objects can be composed of different materials and describe the observable properties of those materials
- E1: observing and manipulating objects to identify the materials they are made of and recognising that some objects are made of more than one type of material
- E2: recognising that tools such as magnifying glasses enable more-detailed observations
- E3: sorting and grouping materials based on observed properties such as colour, hardness, texture and flexibility
- E4: creating a display of different materials, naming each material and exploring language to describe properties of materials
- E5: using a digital camera to collect images of objects on a materials scavenger hunt
- E6: suggesting why different parts of everyday objects, such as saucepans and clothing, are made from different materials
- E7: investigating the ways in which First Nations Australians make utensils for different purposes by combining different materials (teaching context)
How to use this unit
Read the topic guide, use the teacher slide for instruction, then complete the Worksheet, Practice and Test. These three activities use the same eight-question unit bank.
Teacher resource
AC9SFU03 teacher slide
Use this one-page PDF to introduce the key idea, vocabulary and teaching sequence before students begin the activities.
Open teacher slide (PDF)Common mistakes to watch for
- Describing what is seen without connecting it to a question, pattern or prediction.
- Using everyday words only and missing simple scientific vocabulary.
- Changing more than one thing in an investigation, which makes the comparison unfair.
International curriculum mapping
This table gives closest-topic mapping for search and planning. The Australian Curriculum code is exact; overseas entries are broad equivalents because each jurisdiction structures outcomes differently.
| Region | Curriculum | Closest mapping |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Curriculum v9.0 | AC9SFU03 — recognise that objects can be composed of different materials and describe the observable properties of those materials |
| Victoria | Victorian Curriculum F-10 | Foundation Science: closest match in Chemical sciences. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference. |
| NSW | NSW Curriculum | Early Stage 1 Science: closest content focus for That objects can be composed of different materials and describe... and related outcomes. |
| United States | Common Core / NGSS | Kindergarten NGSS science closest topic match for That objects can be composed of different materials and describe.... |
| England / UK | National Curriculum | Key Stage 1 / Year 1: closest programme-of-study match for That objects can be composed of different materials and describe.... |
| Canada | Provincial and territory curricula | Kindergarten closest topic match. Canada varies by province, so use this as a broad Ontario/BC-style learning outcome reference. |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Curriculum | Level 1 Science: closest achievement-objective topic for That objects can be composed of different materials and describe.... |
| India | NCERT / CBSE | Kindergarten / Foundation closest NCERT/CBSE topic match for That objects can be composed of different materials and describe.... |