• carry out a practical investigation to record both quantitative and qualitative data from observations, for example:

  • burning a candle floating in a closed container

  • the behaviour of slaters in a dry/wet or light/dark environment

  • the Bernoulli effect

  • strata in rock cuttings

• discuss and evaluate the characteristics of observations made compared to inferences drawn in respect of the practical investigation

• research how observation has instigated experimentation to investigate cause and effect in historical examples, including but not limited to:

  • Archimedes observing the displacement of water

  • Alexander Fleming’s observations of the effect of mould on bacteria

  • Galileo’s observations of the movement of Jupiter’s moons

assess ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use observation to develop an understanding of Country and Place in order to create innovative ways of managing the natural environment, including but not limited to:

• • firestick farming

  • knowledge about plants for medicinal purposes

● carry out a practical activity to qualitatively and quantitatively describe, for example:

• • microscopic images of a variety of cells

  • geological strata in rock faces and road cuttings

  • an object falling due to gravity

  • characteristics of acids and bases

● analyse the quantitative data from the following information sources, including but not limited to:

• • digital images and hand-drawn diagrams of cells

  • geological succession obtained from rock strata

  • graphs of results obtained from observations of an object falling due to gravity

  • data showing the pH of acids and bases

● evaluate the differences between qualitative and quantitative observations and data and where these are used

● use data gathered to plan a practical investigation to:

• • pose further questions that will be investigated

  • discuss the role of variables

  • determine the independent and dependent variables

  • formulate a hypothesis that links the independent and dependent variables

  • describe at least three variables that should be controlled in order to increase the validity of the investigation

● develop a method to collect primary data for a practical investigation by:

• • describing how to change the independent variable

  • determining the characteristics of the measurements that will form the dependent variable

  • describing how the data will be collected

  • describing how the controlled variables will be made consistent

  • describing how risks can be minimised

● evaluate how observation is limited by the observational tools available, including but not limited to:

• • observing the Universe

  • digital versus analogue technologies

● carry out the planned practical investigation, above, to collect primary data

● apply conventions for collecting and recording observations to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the primary data, including but not limited to:

• • tabulation

  • graphing

  • visual representations

  • digital representations

● compare the usefulness of observations recorded in the initial practical activity with the primary data gathered in this planned practical investigation

● draw conclusions from the analysis of the primary data collected in the practical investigation

● evaluate the process of drawing conclusions from the primary data collected

● assess the findings of the scientific investigation in relation to the findings of other related investigations

● assess the need to make further observations by gathering data about other phenomena arising from the practical investigation