Foundation Observing and Asking About Nature Activities

Australian Curriculum Alignment

What Students Will Learn

• Use senses safely to observe the natural world.
• Recognise that scientists use tools as well as their senses.
• Explore different ways observations can be recorded.
• Understand that First Nations Australians gain knowledge through careful observation.
• Notice how scientists ask questions and document what they observe.
• Pose simple questions about plants, animals and environments.

Teaching Activities

1. Nature Observation Walk

Go outside and record one thing seen, heard, touched or smelled safely.

2. Senses and Tools

Compare observations made with eyes alone and with a magnifying glass or binoculars.

3. Ways to Record

Explore labelled drawings, photographs, reports, rock paintings and bark drawings.

4. First Nations Knowledge

Discuss how careful observation supports knowledge of water, food, seasons and Country.

5. Scientist Stories

Read or view age-appropriate stories about scientists such as Jane Goodall.

6. Question Wall

Create a classroom display of student 'I wonder...' questions.

7. Mini Documentary Response

Watch a short documentary and record what people observed and what questions they asked.

Questions to Ask Students

• What do you notice?
• Which sense helped you observe that?
• Which tool could help you see more detail?
• How could you record what you found?
• What do you wonder?
• What question could a scientist ask?

Simple Assessment Ideas

• Observe students during practical activities and discussions.
• Ask students to draw, match, sort, point, demonstrate or explain.
• Use a short exit task linked to the curriculum code.
• Allow an adult to record a child's spoken response when needed.
• Look for correct use of simple science vocabulary.

Supporting Different Learners

Additional support

• Use real objects, photographs and simple picture cards.
• Model one step at a time.
• Provide sentence starters and two-choice questions.
• Allow students to respond by pointing, matching, drawing or speaking.

Extension

• Ask students to explain the reason for their choice.
• Invite students to compare two examples.
• Ask students to record observations in a table or labelled drawing.
• Encourage students to create and share a new question.

AC9SFH01 Worksheets and Teaching Resources

View the complete collection of teacher slides, student practice pages, revision activities and printable worksheets for AC9SFH01.

Topic Summary

AC9SFH01 supports Foundation students through practical, age-appropriate science experiences. Use real objects, discussion, observation, drawing, sorting and simple recording tasks to build confidence and understanding.