FAQ

Learning First believes that every student, regardless of background, postcode or prior achievement, deserves access to ambitious science curriculum that provides windows into new worlds of learning.

Learning First Science has been developed from detailed global curriculum benchmarking so students are learning the scientific content equivalent to science curriculums across the world’s highest-performing school systems.

Yes. Learning First Science includes frequent assessment in lessons to monitor student understanding, and students complete written work in each lesson. Every unit incorporates summative assessment in the form of a common assessment task, a lesson activity that draws together the learning from the unit, or both. Answers to all assessments are provided so you have clarity about the expected level.

As much as possible, Learning First Science requires only simple equipment that you can purchase at supermarkets and common retailers. Occasionally units require more specialised equipment, for example, thermometers or electronic components. These have been used sparingly and only when this equipment is essential for student learning.

Item descriptionYou can teach Learning First Science using the Teacher Guide and Student Workbook. These are essential components. We strongly recommend you pair these with the Science Stories, so students can build their reading comprehension and reinforce the learning in their science classes through rich, engaging texts. Science at Home is designed for families to enjoy together, and includes the full set of Science Stories texts plus hands-on activities and experiments that connect directly to classroom learning.

Great science education does not choose between rigour and engagement. It gives students both. Learning First Science uses an explicit instruction approach where students are engaged in learning that is joyful. Every lesson moves through five stages, so instruction is clear, active and includes frequent checks for understanding. Students engage in regular hands-on learning. New learning is built in small, connected steps with evidence-based classroom routines throughout. You have enough detail to teach with confidence, without a rigid script.

Learning First Science is based on 40 hours of instruction per year. Each year level includes four units, with ten 60-minute lessons in each unit. Learning First Science provides advice for how you can adapt to your school’s needs. If you need to adapt the year-level sequence to cater for composite classes, a 2-year cycle is provided. If you need to adapt the number of lessons, each unit identifies a small number of lessons that, if omitted, will be least disruptive to the overall learning sequence. If you allocate less than 60 minutes to science, we provide advice about how to adapt lesson length.

As much as possible, Learning First Science requires only simple equipment that you can purchase at supermarkets and common retailers. Occasionally units require more specialised equipment, for example, thermometers or electronic components. These have been used sparingly and only when this equipment is essential for student learning.