Scientific Literacies
in
PrimaryConnections
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Literacy
Focus
Affinity diagram
Annotated
diagram
Annotated
drawings
Biography
Chat board
Chronological list
Circuit diagram
Class learning
centre
Cross sections
Explanation
An affinity diagram is a visual display of a range of responses to a
question or issue. It allows the collation of large amounts of information
quickly and without judgement. Responses are categorised relationally,
enabling students to identify similarities and differences in responses.
The diagram displays the type and frequency of the responses.
An annotated diagram is a representation used to illustrate the function
of the parts of an object. The diagram includes an accurate drawing, a
title, a date and notes on the function of each part. A line or arrow
connects the annotation to the part it describes.
An annotated drawing is a visual representation used to illustrate an
idea, object or concept, It includes a drawing with related, literacy focus
descriptive notes
A biography is a description of someone's life. A biography presents the
subject's story, highlighting various aspects of his or her life.
A chat board is designed to for students to record words, pictures,
questions, ideas and reflections as the unit progresses.
A chronological list names important events in the order they happened.
A circuit diagram is a pictorial representation of an electric circuit. It
includes standard symbols of the different components and connections
between components.
A class learning centre provides the opportunity for students and
teachers to record shared ideas, questions and findings.
A cross section is a diagram used to show the inside of an object. It
includes a title, a drawing, a scale to indicate size and labels indicating
the main features. A line or arrows connects the label to the feature.
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Primary Connections Reference
It’s electrifying Stage 3 Appendix 6
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p42, 55
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 7, 37
Spot the difference Stage 1 p 14
It’s Electrifying Stage 3 p 31, resource sheet 4
Marvellous Mirco-organisms Stage3 Resource sheet
2
Light Fantastic Stage 2- p 9
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 7
It’s Electrifying Stage 3 Resource sheet 5
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 12/13. p18/19
Package it better Stage 3 p 7
Plants in action Stage 2 p 29, resource sheet 6
A crossword is a word puzzle that normally takes the form of a square
or rectangular grid of black and white squares. The goal is to fill the
white squares with letters, forming words or phrases, by solving clues
which lead to the answers. In languages which are written left-to-right,
the answer words and phrases are placed in the grid from left to right
and from top to bottom. The black squares are used to separate the
words or phrases.
Cutaway diagram A cutaway diagram is a 3-D representation of the outside and inside
parts of an object. It includes a title, a cutaway section to show the
inside and outside and labels with a line or arrow to indicate the main
features.
A design portfolio is used to record observations and reflections. It
Design Portfolio
includes a series of dated entries, written texts, drawings, sketches,
labelled diagrams, graphic designs, photos, tables and graphs. It
includes the design brief and information to assist students to develop
design criteria and to evaluate products.
A drawing is a visual representation used to illustrate an idea, object or
Drawings
concept. It might take the form of a sketch, plan or design, usually using
a pen, pencil or crayon.
A factual recount describes or reconstructs past experiences. They are
Factual recounts
typically based on the author’s direct experiences, and may include
personal feelings or interpretations. Language features of recount texts
may include reference to specific participants, written in past tens, and
connective language to link events and time.
Crossword
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Plants in actions Stage 2 p 51
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p9, 30
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 34. resource sheet 5
Package it better Stage 3 Appendix 2
Spot the difference Stage 1 p 25
Weather ES1p 16
It’s Electrifying Stage 3 p 12, resources sheet 2
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 13, resources sheet 1
Factual texts
A factual text presents information or ideas to inform, instruct or
persuade the reader. Factual texts use text (printed and visual) and text
organisers to present information. They include titles, labels, highlighted
words, diagrams, maps, photographs.
Flow chart
A flow chart is a graphic organiser used to describe a sequence of
events, or the stages in a process. A linear flow chart arranges the
information on one line and uses arrows to indicate the order in which to
read the ext.
A force- arrow diagram uses arrow to represent push-pull forces.
Arrows can e used to indicate the direction of the force. A pull is
indicated by an arrow pointing away from the object. A push is
indicated by an arrow towards the object.
A glossary is a list of technical terms that relate to a particular subject
matter or topic, generally accompanying a document. Each term is
accompanied by a description or explanation of the term within the
context of the subject. A glossary entry is generally more descriptive
that a dictionary definition.
Force-arrow
diagrams
Glossaries
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Weather ES1 p 24
Schoolyard Safari Stage1 p 42, resource sheet 6
Water Works Stage 1 p 31
Push-pull Stage 1 p 33
Material World Stage 2 p 44, resources sheet 7
It’s Electrifying Stage 3 Resource sheet 7
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 resource sheets 3 & 4
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 resource sheet 6, 11, 12
Marvellous micro-organisms ST3 p 10-11
Push-pull ST1 p 19, 20
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 23, 25
Material World Stage 2 Appendix 4
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 6
Graphs
A graph organises, represents and summarises information so that
patterns and relationships can be identified. Graphs have a title, and
each variable is labelled don the graph axis, including the unit of
measurement.
Ideas Maps
An ideas map is a graphic organiser for recording brainstormed ideas
about a concept. Related ideas are recorded, branching from the central
concept.
An information report texts are used to organise and record factual
information. The structure of an information report includes an opening
statement (often a classification or definition), a series of paragraphs
describing various aspects and features of the topic, and a summary
paragraph. Language features of information report texts include writing
in the third person using timeless present tense, factual and precise
language and specialised or technical vocabulary.
An interview is a discussion between two or more people where an
interviewer asks questions of an interviewee to collect information and
opinions. An interview is guided by questions relating to the purpose of
the interview, and can occur in a face to face or long distance situation.
Jumble a sequence of instructions for students to place in the correct
order.
Information
report
Interviews
Jumbled
Instructions
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Staying Alive ES1 p 44
On the move ES1 p 35
Water Works Stage 1 p 37-38
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 p 50, Appendix 6
Plants in action Stage 2 p 43
Smooth Moves Stage 2 Appendix 6
Light Fantastic Stage 2 p 29, 30Appendix 6
Material World Stage 2 p 51, Appendix 6
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 42
Staying Alive ES1 p 8. resource sheet 1
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 p 29, 30
Marvellous micro-organisms Stage 3 p 35, resource
sheet 5, resource sheet 7
Water Works Stage 1 p 42
Package it better Stage 3 p 32
Light fantastic Stage 2 p 39
Labelled diagram
A labelled diagram is a representation used to illustrate the shape, size
and features of an object. Scientific labelled diagrams include a title, an
accurate drawing, a scale to indicate size and labels indicating the main
features. A line or arrow connects the label to the feature.
Life Cycle
A life cycle is a labelled diagram showing all of the stages of life of an
organism, from the adults of one generation to the adults of the next
generation.
A map shows the location of items or places, the distance between them
and possible routes to take. Features of a map include a title, labels and
arrows, symbols and a key to explain the symbols..
A narrative is a fictional or actual story of connected events in time and
in one or more settings. Narratives can be presented orally, in writing
and in multi-modal texts and are intended to entertain and inform
audiences, lighteners and readers
Oral presentations are often used to assess student learning from student
individual and group research projects.
A picture map uses pictorial representations to show the location of
items or places and the distance between them. Features of a picture
map include a title, a picture of each item or place, labels and arrows or
lines to connect labels to items or places.
PMI, Plus/Minus/Interesting, is a lateral and creative thinking strategy
used in De Bono's CoRT Thinking program. It helps students see both
sides of an argument.
Map
Narrative
Oral
presentations
Picture maps
Plus, minus,
interesting
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
On the move ES1 p 16
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 p 31
Plants in action Stage 2 p 9, resource sheet 7
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 24/25, resource sheet 3
Spinning in space Stage 2 p 8
Marvellous micro-organisms Stage 3 p 35
Plants in action ST 2 p 6, 8
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 p 10-11
Water Works Stage 1 p 13-14
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 Resource sheets 7-10
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 24
Marvellous Mirco-organisms Stage 3
What’s it made of? ES1 p7
Material World Stage 2 p 44
Poster
Procedural texts
Quality matrix
Question
Placemat
Questions for
investigations
Ray diagrams
Reports
A poster is a multi-modal representation that links written and visual
representation to communicate ideas, processes and findings. Posters
include a title, written and visual information such as tables, graphs,
diagrams, photographs and illustrations. Parts are linked through the use
of a layout features and signposts, including lines, borders, arrows,
numbers and captions, and the arranging of positioning of information.
A procedural text is used to describe how something is done. It includes
materials needed to complete the task, and a sequence of instructional
steps. They might also include annotated sketches.
The quality matrix assists students in addressing the criteria in a
presentation or design and allows them in participating in selfassessment
A question placemat enables the student to find and record information
from a factual recount. The questions where, why, when, what and who
are answered on the placemat.
The way that a question is posed in a scientific investigation affects the
type of investigation that is carried out and the way information is
collected.
A ray diagram shows the path of light rays form the source of light. A
straight line is used to show the direction in which light travels. Arrow
heads are added to the line to show the direction of travel. There is no
indication of distance.
A report is used to present information about something. They generally
describe an entire class of things, whether natural or made: mammals,
the planets, rocks, plants, computers, countries, transport, and so on
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 Appendix 10
Spinning in space Stage 2 p 43
Plants in action Stage 2 p 24, resource sheet 5
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 54, Resource sheet 8
Marvellous micro-organisms Stage 3 p 18
Package it better Stage ST3 p 34
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 52, Resource sheet
14
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 Resources sheet 2
Light fantastic Stage 2 Appendix 4, p 24
Light fantastic- Stage 2 p 23
Weather ES1 Resource sheet 8
Role-plays
Scenario
Science journals
A role-play is a physical representation of a system, process or situation. Weather ES1 p 49
It involves using speech, gestures, actions and objects to enact this
Sounds essential Stage 1 p 39
representation.
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 p 8
Water Works Stage 1 p 29
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 24
Material World Stage 2 p 43
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 39
Spinning in space Stage 2 p 26
Providing a scenarios help focus design efforts on the user’s
Material World Stage 2 p 58
requirements.
A science journal is a record of observations, experiences and
Staying Alive ES1 Appendix 2
reflections. It contains a series of dated, chronological entries. It may
On the move ES1 Appendix 2
include written text, drawings, labelled diagrams, photographs, tables
Weather ES1- Appendix 2
and graphs
Weather ES1 Appendix 2
Sounds essential Stage 1 Appendix 2
Spot the difference Stage 1 Appendix 2
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 Appendix 2
Water Works Stage 1 Appendix 2
Push-pull Stage 1 Appendix 2
Plants in action Stage 2 Appendix 2
Light fantastic Stage 2 Appendix 2
Material World Stage 2 Appendix 2
Spinning in space Stage 2 Appendix 2
Smooth Moves Stage 2 Appendix 2
It’s electrifying Stage 3 Appendix 2
Marvellous Micro-organisms Stage 3 Appendix 2
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 Appendix 2
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Sorting Diagram
Storyboard
Summary
T chart
Tables
A sorting diagram is a visual representation of information divided into
categories based on a particular property. It contains two or more
categories which do not overlap
A storyboard is used to identify key events and represent them in
sequential order. They include a title, drawings showing important
details, descriptive captions and numbers to indicate the sequence of
steps.
Staying Alive ES1 p 35, resource sheet 4
A summary is a brief statement that presents the main points in an
efficient, concise form. The purpose of a summary is to provide the
main information in an organised way.
A T chart is used to organise information so that it can be accessed more
easily. A T chart consists of a ‘T’ shape which assists in organising
information, headings are placed above the two columns and
information is organised under each heading.
A table is used to organise information so that it can be accessed more
easily. It consists of a title, columns with headings and information
organised under the appropriate headings.
Water Works Stage 1 p 44
Marvellous micro-organisms Stage 3 p 30
Package it better Stage 3 p 12
Staying Alive ES1 p 23, 24
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Staying Alive ES1 p 27
Water Works Stage 1 p 30
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 11
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 7
Staying Alive ES1 p 8, 18
Weather ES1 – Resource sheet 2, p 30
On the move ES1 p 10-11
Light fantastic. Stage 2 Resource sheet 4
Push-pull Stage 1 p Stage 7, 8
Spot the difference Stage 1 p 20
Spinning in space Stage 2 p 38- 39
Smooth Moves Stage 2 p 29
Plants in action Stage 2 p 37 p 19, resource sheet 4
Material World Stage 2 p 19-20
It’s electrifying Stage 3 p 47/48
Marvellous Micro-organisms Stage 3 p 8-9, 45
Package it better Stage 3 p 23
Think boxes
Think boxes are ways to elicit students’ conceptions in an anonymous
and non-judgemental way. The analysis and sorting of the responses
allows for discussion and appreciation that there can be a range of views
and understanding of the concept. The role of the teacher is to question
and ensure that different views are clarified and understood by
everyone.
Light fantastic Stage 2 p 11
Spot the difference Stage 1 resource sheet 2
Think, pair, share Think, pair, share is a cooperative learning strategy where
students interact with a partner, and then partners, to share
information. This strategy is a structured process to share information
efficiently. It can be used as a reflective tool at any stage throughout the
learning process. The process can lead to other learning situations that
builds on background knowledge and understanding.
Timelines
TWLH chart
Venn diagram
Word chain
Word loop
activity
A timeline is used to represent a sequence of events. It includes a
heading, caption, units of time, symbols and words to label events.
A learning tool to elicit students prior knowledge, determine questions
students want to answer and document what has been learnt.
A Venn diagram is a visual representation of information in intersecting
circles. Items with properties unique to a set are recorded in separate
circles, while items with shared properties and recorded in the space
where the circles intersect.
A word chain is a graphic organiser used to describe the stages
in a process. It involves key words or pictures arranged in a
sequence and linked with narrows.
Word loops provide students with an opportunity to develop a deeper
understanding of the scientific vocabulary used in the units. They can be
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Plants in action Stage 2 p 41, 42
Sounds essential Stage Appendix 4
Spinning in space Stage 2 p 7
Marvellous micro-organisms Stage 3 Appendix 4
Plants in action Stage 2 p 7, Appendix 5
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 Appendix 4
On the move ES1 p 21
Spot the difference Stage 1 p 17
Spot the difference Stage 1 Resources sheet 5
Light fantastic Stage 2 Appendix 7
Word walls
Wordle
develop from word walls or chat boards, and involve matching words
and their descriptions.
A word wall is an organised collection of words and images displayed
in the classroom. It supports the development of vocabulary related to a
particular topic and provides a reference for students. The content of the
word wall can be words the students see, hear and use in their reading,
writing, speaking, listening and viewing.
For Early Stage 1 it is important to include images on the word wall to
support learning and the acquisition of new vocabulary.
It’s electrifying Stage 3 Appendix 5
Staying Alive ES1 p 9
On the move ES1 Appendix 3
Weather ES1- Appendix 3
Sounds essential Stage 1 Appendix 3
Schoolyard Safari Stage 1 Appendix 3
Water Works Stage 1 Appendix 3
Push-pull Stage 1 Appendix 3
Spot the difference Stage 1 Appendix 3
Light fantastic Stage 2 Appendix 3
Plants in action Stage 2 Appendix 3
Spinning in space Stage 2 Appendix 3
Material World Stage 2 Appendix 3
Smooth Moves Stage 2 Appendix 3
It’s electrifying Stage 3 appendix 3
Marvellous Micro-organisms Stage 3 Appendix 3
Package it better Stage 3 Appendix 3
Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 Appendix 3
Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. Earthquake Explorers Stage 3 p 53
The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more
frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different
fonts, layouts, and colour schemes. The images you create with Wordle
are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them
to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.
http://www.wordle.net/
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Writing questions
The way that a question is posed in a scientific investigation affects the
type of investigation that is carried out and the way information is
collected.
Compiled by The Greater Kengal Network of Schools
2009
Smooth Moves Stage 2 Appendix 4