What students learn in AC9S10I07
This unit helps students build a clear, usable understanding of Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence.... 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: 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.
- Use concrete examples, pictures, oral explanation and short written responses before moving to independent practice.
- constructing a scientific argument showing how a range of evidence supports a claim relating to the age of the universe engaging in evidence-based debates about the role of human activity in global climate change
- 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: 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
- E1: constructing a scientific argument showing how a range of evidence supports a claim relating to the age of the universe
- E2: engaging in evidence-based debates about the role of human activity in global climate change
- E3: reasoning from a range of evidence to support or rebut claims made in news reports on scientific research
- E4: examining secondary data to determine the credibility of the source and the validity and reproducibility of the data, and identifying the extent to which the data is consistent with data from other sources
- E5: acknowledging the need to critically analyse scientific literature for potential cultural bias in relation to First Nations Australians (teaching context)
- E6: considering the ethical issues of non-therapeutic genetic testing performed by commercial companies
- E7: using primary or secondary scientific evidence to support or oppose a local action that may impact on global climate change
- E8: preparing an argument for increased funding for a particular scientific research focus
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
AC9S10I07 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 | AC9S10I07 — 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 |
| Victoria | Victorian Curriculum F-10 | Year 10 Science: closest match in Evaluating. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference. |
| NSW | NSW Curriculum | Stage 5 Science: closest content focus for Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence... and related outcomes. |
| United States | Common Core / NGSS | Grade 10 NGSS science closest topic match for Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence.... |
| England / UK | National Curriculum | Key Stage 4 / Year 10: closest programme-of-study match for Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence.... |
| Canada | Provincial and territory curricula | Grade 10 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 5 Science: closest achievement-objective topic for Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence.... |
| India | NCERT / CBSE | Class 10 closest NCERT/CBSE topic match for Construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence.... |