Science Resources for Secondary Schools

What is the importance of science in secondary school? 

Science in secondary school is important to prepare students for our technologically and scientifically advanced world. 

We are surrounded by technology and the products of science in our daily lives. For young people to succeed, they need to be scientifically literate. This involves teaching students how to think, learn, solve problems and make informed decisions.  

The Australian Curriculum V 9.0 says when students develop scientific knowledge, understanding and skills, they can make informed decisions about local, national and global issues. 

A wider benefit of secondary science is to foster students’ joy of scientific discovery and natural curiosity. In doing so, students become motivated to ask questions and use scientific methods to make evidence-based conclusions.  

What are the strands of science in the Australian curriculum? 

The three strands of science in the Australian curriculum are interrelated. They include science understanding, science as a human endeavour, and science inquiry skills.   

Together, the strands give young Australians the “understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world” (Australian Curriculum V 9.0). 

The science understanding strand refers to the facts, concepts, principles, laws, theories and models that have been established over time. It is divided into four sub-strands: 

• biological sciences 
• chemical sciences 
• Earth and space sciences  
• physical science. 

Science as a human endeavour is the second strand of the curriculum. It highlights the development of science as a unique way of knowing and doing. The role of science in contemporary decision-making and problem-solving is also explored. 

Lastly is the science inquiry skills strand. These are the skills students are expected to develop to gain an in-depth understanding of science and how scientific thinking applies to their understanding. 

Like the science understanding strand, there are sub-strands of science inquiry skills: 

• questioning and predicting 
• planning and conducting 
• processing and analysing data and information 
• evaluating 
• communicating. 

What secondary science resources do you recommend? 

The secondary science resources we would recommend are: 

Science Investigations for the Classroom by Brenda Green 

The Science Investigations for the Classroom series is particularly valuable in developing science inquiry skills. The books contain activities, worksheets, and self-assessment charts that help students build the skills necessary to plan and conduct experiments effectively. 

For example, the second book concentrates on computer-based activities that get students to define aims, develop methods, collect data, evaluate information and draw conclusions.  

Science in the Real World by Julia Burton 

Science in the Real World is about changing students’ perceptions. Through worksheets, games and experiments, these secondary science resources show students the uncertainties and untidiness of science.  

Most importantly, students will come to realise that science is about things going wrong and then figuring out why.  

Emergency Science by Brenda Green 

Use the context of Emergency Science to show students the evidence-based way we test ideas and solve problems.  

These secondary school resources investigate the science behind climate change, natural disasters and medical emergencies. The differentiated activities develop students’ scientific knowledge and skills to enable them to respond to emergencies.