Year 10 Science
Find the exact skill a learner needs, understand it clearly and open the right teaching or practice resource.
Skill navigator
Skills are grouped by curriculum strand. Exact Australian Curriculum wording remains available on every card.
Science understanding
Genes are DNA sequences on chromosomes. Mitosis preserves chromosome information for growth and repair, while meiosis and fertilisation generate variation and predictable…
ExampleTwo heterozygous parents are represented as Aa × Aa
explain the role of meiosis and mitosis and the function of chromosomes, DNA and genes in heredity and predict patterns of Mendelian inheritance
Science understanding
Understand how heritable variation and environmental pressures change populations across generations—and how independent evidence supports the theory of evolution
ExampleA bacterial population varies in antibiotic resistance
use the theory of evolution by natural selection to explain past and present diversity and analyse the scientific evidence supporting the theory
Science understanding
The Big Bang model describes an evolving universe that began in a much hotter, denser state. Its acceptance rests on converging evidence, including expansion/redshift and…
ExampleLight from many distant galaxies is redshifted
describe how the big bang theory models the origin and evolution of the universe and analyse the supporting evidence for the theory
Science understanding
Climate emerges from energy transfer among atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. Changes to incoming, reflected, absorbed and outgoing energy alter long-term…
ExampleEarth absorbs incoming solar energy and emits infrared energy
use models of energy flow between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere to explain patterns of global climate change
Science understanding
Learn how forces change motion, how to calculate net force and acceleration, and how Newton’s three laws explain everyday motion, sport and vehicle safety
ExampleA 1200 kg car experiences 3600 N net force forward
investigate Newton’s laws of motion and quantitatively analyse the relationship between force, mass and acceleration of objects
Science understanding
The periodic table is ordered by proton number. Repeating outer-electron arrangements help explain why elements in a group show recurring chemical properties
ExampleWhich subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?
explain how the structure and properties of atoms relate to the organisation of the elements in the periodic table
Science understanding
Recognise recurring reaction patterns, represent reactions while conserving atoms, and explain rate changes using collision frequency and successful-collision conditions
ExampleWhich equation represents a synthesis reaction?
identify patterns in synthesis, decomposition and displacement reactions and investigate the factors that affect reaction rates
Science as a human endeavour
Scientific confidence grows through transparent methods, publication, peer scrutiny, replication and converging evidence—and changes when stronger evidence requires…
ExampleWhich combination provides the strongest support for a new scientific claim?
explain how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review
Science as a human endeavour
Technologies extend what scientists can observe, measure and analyse; scientific understanding in turn enables new engineering and technology. The relationship is…
ExampleA karyotype shows 47 chromosomes, including three copies of chromosome 21. What does this indicate?
investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering
Science as a human endeavour
Evidence quality matters, but adoption also depends on perceived benefit and risk, trust, values, policy, access, cost and participation. Adoption itself does not prove…
ExampleWhy might farmers adopt genetically engineered crops?
analyse the key factors that contribute to science knowledge and practices being adopted more broadly by society
Science as a human endeavour
Research agendas are shaped by needs, values, funding, ethics, infrastructure and power. Those influences affect which questions are investigated without automatically…
ExampleA couple learn they are both carriers for cystic fibrosis. What is the main purpose of genetic counselling?
examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research
Science inquiry
Strong scientific questions identify measurable relationships. A hypothesis proposes an evidence-based explanation, and a prediction states what should be observed if…
ExampleWhich feature is essential for an investigable scientific question?
develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to test relationships and develop explanatory models
Science inquiry
A valid investigation tests the intended relationship while controlling important alternative causes. A reproducible method is transparent enough for another investigator…
ExampleA student times a fast reaction by hand with a stopwatch. Which limitation is most important?
plan and conduct valid, reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying and controlling for possible sources of error and, as appropriate, developing and following risk assessments, considering ethical issues, and addressing key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place
Science inquiry
Useful scientific data depend on appropriate equipment, calibration, resolution, consistent technique and a sample size that represents genuine independent evidence…
ExampleA temperature probe reads 2.0 °C too high when checked against a traceable reference. What type of problem is this?
select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision to obtain useful sample sizes and replicable data, using digital tools as appropriate
Science inquiry
Tables, graphs, descriptive statistics, models and equations are tools for revealing patterns. The best representation matches the data and purpose, follows scientific…
ExampleReaction times are 1.2, 1.4, 1.3 and 1.5 s. What is the mean?
select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, descriptive statistics, models and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information
Science inquiry
Scientific analysis connects multiple sources of data and information to identify trends, patterns, relationships and anomalies. Conclusions should distinguish what the…
ExampleHuman, whale and bat forelimbs contain the same basic sequence of bones but differ greatly in shape and function. What does this pattern best support?
analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies
Science inquiry
Evaluation asks whether a method tested the intended question, whether another investigator could reproduce it, and whether the evidence is accurate, precise…
ExampleA dataset shows a weak positive trend with many points far from the trend. What is the strongest conclusion?
assess the validity and reproducibility of methods and evaluate the validity of conclusions and claims, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence and areas of uncertainty
Science inquiry
A scientific argument links a clear claim to relevant evidence and scientific reasoning, evaluates competing explanations and acknowledges limitations. Strong arguments…
ExampleWhich evidence combination most strongly supports an argument about the age of the universe?
construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions or evaluate claims, and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information
Science inquiry
Scientific communication selects language, structure, data displays and level of detail for a particular audience and purpose. It must distinguish evidence from…
ExampleWhich feature is most important when constructing a scientific argument for a defined audience?
write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments effectively for identified purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate content, language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate