Does Primary Connections address my state's syllabus/curriculum?
As a federally funded program, our teaching sequences align to the Australian Curriculum: Science. All state-based curricula must adhere to the Australian Curriculum, therefore the majority of our sequences cover your state-based syllabus/curriculum.
How do I access Primary Connections resources? Can I download your resources?
Entire teaching sequences can be downloaded using the 'Download' tab located at the top of each lesson.
While you’re there, explore the Pedagogical toolbox that provides teaching guidance for using Primary Connections.
Can I use Primary Connections resources if I teach a multi-age class?
Yes. Find out how Primary Connections supports teachers to differentiate, moderate, and provide feedback to students in our Pedagogical toolbox.
Also refer to ACARA’s guidance regarding catering for student diversity, and providing students with opportunities to work with learning area content in more depth or breadth; encompassing specific aspects of the general capabilities learning continua.
https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/student-diversity
Do I have to teach Primary Connections teaching sequences exactly as written?
We support teachers to modify Primary Connections teaching sequences in order to meet student interests, increase relevance to local and school contexts, and to meet state-based syllabus or curriculum. Our teaching and learning approach is grounded in the Australian Academy of Science LIA Framework. Primary Connections teaching sequences are examples of how to implement the LIA Framework in primary science. When modifying lessons, ensure that you retain the purpose of each phase of the LIA Framework. The LIA Framework is a constructivist, guided-inquiry approach where students are supported to make conceptual change by gathering and analysing their own evidence. An overview of the LIA Framework can be found here.
Does Primary Connections include assessment ideas?
Each Primary Connections lesson provides diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment advice that supports teachers to embed assessment throughout science inquiry.
What is Primary Connections all about?
We’ve been around for more than 15 years, working with and for teachers to bring innovative and contemporary resources and professional learning that enrich primary science education in Australia. We’re more than a set of teaching sequences; we offer a unique approach to professional learning and teaching guided-inquiry science, which results in a proven increase in student learning outcomes.
Do you offer professional learning?
Primary Connections offers a variety of professional learning opportunities, from just-in-time advice embedded as part of each teaching sequence to the Pedagogical toolbox where you’ll find a collection of curated tools written by education experts that can be used by educators at all career stages. The toolbox also offers school science leaders ideas for sharing the latest in learning design and teaching strategies with their colleagues.
The Primary Connections team also offer online courses and webinars to meet the needs of Australian teachers. Make sure you are signed up to our mailing list to hear about these opportunities.
How do I stay updated about Primary Connections' new resources and professional learning?
Stay updated by subscribing to our mailing list.
Does Primary Connections provide information about materials and resources needed for teaching units?
Each unit comes with a list of suggested equipment; simple, readily available resources for teaching science.
How do I find specific content about science concepts for my reference using Primary Connections?
Exploring this resource, designed just for teachers, written by our scientists: Science content