Thinking skills

The thinking skills encompass the productive, purposeful, and intentional thinking that underpin effective learning in science and technology and provide students with a framework for solving problems.

Computational thinking:

  • is a process where a problem is analysed and solved so that a human, machine or computer can effectively implement the solution

  • involves using strategies to organise data logically, break down problems into parts, interpret patterns and design and implement algorithms to solve problems.

The computational thinking video (5:13) below explains computational thinking using the NSW Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus. Examples from Early Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 show how computational thinking could be embedded in the classroom.


Design thinking

The consideration of economic, environmental and social impacts that result from design solutions are core to design thinking.

Design thinking:

  • methods can be used when trying to understand a problem, generate ideas and refine a design based on evaluation and testing

  • is intrinsically linked to the skills of design and production.

The design thinking video (6:27) explains design thinking using the NSW Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus. It includes a real-world example of design thinking from Stage 2 following the empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test model.


Scientific thinking

Scientific thinking is:

  • purposeful thinking that has the objective to enhance knowledge

  • intrinsically linked to the skills of working scientifically.

A scientific thinker:

  • raises questions and problems

  • observes and gathers data

  • draws conclusions based on evidence

  • tests conclusions

  • thinks with an open mind

  • communicates research findings appropriately.

It can be helpful to conceptualise scientific thinking as the thinking that students engage in throughout the process of working scientifically.


Systems thinking

Systems thinking is an understanding of how related objects or components interact to influence how a system functions. Understanding the complexity of systems and the interdependence of components is important for scientific research and for the creation of solutions to technical, economic and social issues.

The systems thinking video (6:52) explains systems thinking using the NSW Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus. Examples from Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 show how you could embed systems thinking in the classroom.