Foundation Safe Science Investigations Activities

Australian Curriculum Alignment

What Students Will Learn

• Follow teacher instructions during investigations.
• Recognise safe and unsafe investigation behaviours.
• Use sight, hearing, touch and smell safely.
• Understand why taste is not used for science observations.
• Use tools such as binoculars, magnifying glasses and digital cameras.
• Record observations with numbers, dots, drawings, photographs, video or voice recordings.

Teaching Activities

1. Science Safety Sort

Sort picture cards into safe and unsafe investigation behaviours.

2. Using Senses Safely

Practise looking, listening, touching gently and wafting smells safely.

3. Tool Stations

Rotate through magnifying glass, binocular, camera and video observation stations.

4. Plan a Simple Test

Decide what materials are needed and put investigation steps in order.

5. Observe a Plant or Animal

Use a tool to make a close observation and discuss new details.

6. Record in Different Ways

Record the same observation with a drawing, dots, numbers or a photograph.

7. Safety Role-Play

Act out correct and incorrect ways to handle equipment.

Questions to Ask Students

• What must we do to stay safe?
• Which senses can we use safely?
• Why do we not taste in science?
• Which tool will help us observe?
• What should we do first?
• How will we record what we notice?

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.

AC9SFI02 Worksheets and Teaching Resources

View the complete collection of teacher slides, student practice pages, revision activities and printable worksheets for AC9SFI02.

Topic Summary

AC9SFI02 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.