Teaching Resource
Science Experiment - Biodegradable or Not? - Upper Grades
A hands-on science experiment about biodegradability.
This science experiment allows students to explore and observe the biodegradability of different materials.
Students conduct the experiment in small groups, then complete the worksheet provided. This scientific report scaffold will help students to become more familiar with the structure of this important genre.
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NSW Curriculum alignment
- ST3-1WS-S
Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions
- ST3-2DP-T
Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity
- ST3-3DP-T
Defines problems, and designs, modifies and follows algorithms to develop solutions
- ST3-6MW-S
Explains the effect of heat on the properties and behaviour of materials
- ST3-11DI-T
Explains how digital systems represent data, connect together to form networks and transmit data
Victorian Curriculum alignment
- VCSSU073
Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to inform personal and community decisions and to solve problems that directly affect people's lives
- VCSIS082
With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict what the findings of an investigation might be based on previous experiences or general rules
- VCSIS083
With guidance, plan appropriate investigation types to answer questions or solve problems and use equipment, technologies and materials safely, identifying potential risks
- VCSIS084
Decide which variables should be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests and accurately observe, measure and record data
- VCSSU076
Solids, liquids and gases behave in different ways and have observable properties that help to classify them
- VCSSU077
Changes to materials can be reversible, including melting, freezing, evaporating, or irreversible, including burning and rusting
- VCSIS086
Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations
- VCSIS088
Communicate ideas and processes using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and to identify simple cause-and-effect relationships
Australian Curriculum alignment
- ACSSU077
Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways
- ACSHE081
Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and reflects historical and cultural contributions
- ACSIS093
Communicate ideas, explanations and processes using scientific representations in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts
- ACSIS218
Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations
- ACSIS231
With guidance, pose clarifying questions and make predictions about scientific investigations
- ACSSU095
Changes to materials can be reversible or irreversible
- ACSIS110
Communicate ideas, explanations and processes using scientific representations in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts
- ACSIS221
Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations
- ACSIS232
With guidance, pose clarifying questions and make predictions about scientific investigations
- ACSIS087
Decide variables to be changed and measured in fair tests, and observe measure and record data with accuracy using digital technologies as appropriate
- ACSHE098
Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and reflects historical and cultural contributions
- ACSIS104
Decide variables to be changed and measured in fair tests, and observe measure and record data with accuracy using digital technologies as appropriate
- ACSIS086
Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks
- ACSIS103
Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks

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SustainabilityEnvironmental ImpactScienceChemical SciencesScience ExperimentsProjectsMaterial WorldNational Science WeekEarth Day
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Resource Updates
Made sure this resource is clearly labelled as a science resource.
Change by Kristian Oct 13th, 2019
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