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Soil Life

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Students will explore the characteristics of living and non-living things, comparing the life cycles of plants and animals, while investigating the rich ecosystems beneath the ground. Through hands-on activities such as examining compost samples and observing organisms like worms and insects, students will deepen their understanding of the symbiotic relationships within ecosystems. They will also explore how humans rely on healthy soils for growing food, providing habitats, and purifying water. Using scientific equipment such as magnifying glasses and microscopes, students will observe and describe living organisms, as well as the decomposition process that transforms decaying matter into nutrient-rich soil, an essential Earth resource for sustainability. Through inquiry-based learning, students will follow procedures to make and record observations, conduct investigations, and compare their findings with others. They will evaluate the validity of their investigations, draw conclusions, and use scientific explanations to solve real-world problems, highlighting the critical role of science in meeting human needs and supporting environmental custodianship.

Key Concepts:

  • Living and Non-living Things: Explore their characteristics and life cycles.
  • Ecosystem Relationships: Investigate interactions within ecosystems.
  • Soil Health: Understand the role of soil, compost, and decomposition.
  • Human Dependence: Examine reliance on soil for food and water health.
  • Scientific Skills: Develop observation and problem-solving skills.
  • ​​​​​Environmental Custodianship: Emphasise the importance of sustainability now and into the future.

AC(v8) Curriculum Links

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AC(v9) Curriculum Links

Year 6

Science Understanding

Biological Science

Investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the growth and survival of living things is affected by changing physical conditions. (AC9S6U01)

Elaborations: Identifying the physical conditions in an aquatic or terrestrial habitat and how they change over time.

Investigating First Nations Australians' knowledges and understandings of the physical conditions necessary for the survival of certain plants and animals.

Science as Human Endeavour

Use & Influence of Science

Investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions. (AC9S6H02)

Science Inquiry

Questioning and Predicting

Pose investigable questions to identify patterns & test relationships and make reasoned predictions. (AC9S6I01)

Planning and Conducting

Use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate. 

(AC9S6I03)

Evaluating

Compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions. (AC9S6I05)


Cross Curriculum Priorities & General Capabilities

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Last reviewed 20 June 2025
Last updated 20 June 2025