Literacy focuses

across PrimaryConnections
curriculum units
PrimaryConnections Project Stage 3
2006-2008
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as a
uality teacher initiative under the Australian Government !uality Teacher "ro#ramme$ ww w $ualityteachin#$deew r$#o v $au
Disclaimers
The views e%pressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations$
& Australian Academy of 'cience, (arch )**+
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-icence which can be viewed at ww w $science$o r#$au."rimary/onnections $ 0y usin# this publication you a#ree that you have read the Australian Academy of
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Published by the Australian Academy of Science.
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www.science.org.au/PrimaryConnections
Lesson
Contents
=ntroduction 6
PrimaryConnections unit map )
-iteracy focuses > Early 'ta#e 6 and 'ta#e 6 4
-iteracy focus descriptions > Early 'ta#e 6 and 'ta#e 6 :
-iteracy focuses > 'ta#e ) and 'ta#e 4 5
-iteracy focus descriptions > 'ta#e ) and 'ta#e 4 3
Introduction
This document provides an overview of the literacy focuses within the 'ta#e 4
PrimaryConnections curriculum units$
PrimaryConnections consists of a professional learnin# pro#ramme supported by
uality curriculum resources that promote a hands?on, inuiry?based approach to
teachin# and learnin# science$
PrimaryConnections develops students@ knowled#e, skills, understandin# and capacities in
science and literacy$ 'tudents use their everyday literacies to learn the literacies of science,
with the science conte%t providin# authentic and meanin#ful purposes for literacy learnin#$
There are three main literacies that are central to the PrimaryConnections pro#ramme7
Everyday literacies > the practices, processes and products 8visual, verbal and written9
that students use to represent what they know or can do$ E%amples include7 cooperative
small #roup work, whole class discussion, word walls and posters, "owerpoint
presentations, charts, verbal reports, role?plays, debates and narratives$
Literacies of science > the particular practices, processes and products that are used
to represent and communicate understandin# of science concepts, processes and skills$
E%amples include7 factual te%t, data tables, labelled dia#rams, #raphs, models, drawin#s
and embodied forms such as #esture and role play$
Scientific literacy > the students@ knowled#e and understandin# of scientific concepts and
processes and the ability to use that knowled#e and understandin# in everyday situations$
Each PrimaryConnections unit includes a number of embedded literacy focuses$ These are
the literacy practices, processes and products that are developed in the unit$ To reflect
different levels of achievement, some literacy focuses have been adapted for students in Early
'ta#e 6 and 'ta#e 6$
The literacy focuses in PrimaryConnections7
use a wide range of everyday language practices and texts to support the learning of
science concepts and content
involve learning the subject-specific vocabulary and design features of genres of science
use the particular literacies of science, and
connect the learning of science to students everyday lives and local communities.
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
1
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Connections
Stage
utcome
level!
"ear of
schooling
Earth and #eyond Energy and Change Life and Living
$atural and Processed
%aterials
Early 'ta#e 6 A 6 6 Stage theme& 'nvestigating my surroundings and me
Weather in my world
Weather, its features and how
it affects my daily life
On the move
(ovement of
humans and toys
Staying alive
Beeds for survival of people
and familiar animalsC the
senses
Whats it made of?
"roperties and uses of
materials in the school
environment
'ta#e 6 6?) ) D 4 Stage theme& rganising my world
Sounds sensational
"roperties, transmission
and use of sound ener#y
Schoolyard safari
;eatures, habitats and
behaviour of small
invertebrates
Spot the difference
/han#es to observable
properties of materials
8e# when solids melt9
Water works
Water as a natural resourceC
usin# water responsibly
Push pull
"ushes and pulls in everyday
situations
'ta#e ) )?4 : D E Stage theme& Changes( )atterns and relationshi)s in my world
Spinning in space
'iFe and relative movement
of Earth, 'un and (oonC day
and ni#ht
Light fantastic
Transmission and
use of li#ht
ener#y
Plants in action
Beeds and life cycle
of flowerin# plants
Smooth moves
Effect on motion of different
siFed forces actin# directly
and indirectly
Material world
"roperties of materials
determine their use
'ta#e 4 4?: 5 D 2 Stage theme& Systems and how they work
Earthuake e!plorers
'udden chan#es to the
Earth@s surface caused by
tectonic plate movement 8e#,
earthuakes9
"ts electrifying
Electrical ener#y is stored,
transferred and transformed
into other forms of ener#yC
electric circuits
Marvellous micro#
organisms /haracteristics,
needs and uses of micro?
or#anisms
8e#, yeast and mould9
Package it $etter
Desi#n and make a packa#e
to meet the criteria of a
desi#n brief
%hange detectives
"hysical and chemical
chan#es to materials
G ;rom the Bational 'cientific -iteracy pro#ress map$
Literacy focuses
!arly Stage 1 and Stage 1
Literacy focus
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Sorting diagram

Storyboard

3able

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3ree diagram

3*L4 chart

5enn diagram

*ord chain

*ord wall

Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
3
Literacy focus descriptions
!arly Stage 1 and Stage 1
Literacy focus Literacy focus descri)tion
Annotated drawing An annotated drawing is a visual representation used to illustrate an idea, object
or concept$ =t includes a drawin# with related descriptive notes or words$
Drawing A drawing is a visual representation used to illustrate an idea, object or concept$ =t
mi#ht take the form of a sketch, plan or desi#n, usually usin# a pen, pencil or crayon$
.actual recount A factual recount describes or reconstructs past e%periences$ =t is typically based on
the author@s direct e%periences, and may include personal feelin#s or interpretations$
-an#ua#e features of recount te%ts may include reference to specific participants,
written in the past tense, and connective lan#ua#e to link events and times$
.actual te/t A factual te/t presents information or ideas to inform, instruct or persuade the
reader$ ;actual te%ts use te%t 8printed and visual9 and te%t or#anisers to present
information$ =t includes titles, labels, hi#hli#hted keywords, dia#rams, maps and
photo#raphs$
.orce-arrow
diagram
A force-arrow diagram uses arrows to represent push and pull forces$ Arrows can
be used to indicate the direction of the force$ A pull is indicated by an arrow pointin#
away from the object$ A push is indicated by and arrow pointin# towards the object$
0ra)h A gra)h or#anises, represents and summarises information so that patterns and
relationships can be identified$ Graphs have a title and each variable is labelled on the
#raph a%es, includin# the units of measurement$ Graph types include picture, column
and line #raphs$
'deas ma) An ideas ma) is a #raphic or#aniser for recordin# brainstormed ideas about a
concept$ Related ideas are recorded, branchin# from the central concept$
'nterview An interview is a discussion between two or more people where an interviewer 8or
interviewers9 asks uestions of an interviewee 8or interviewees9 to collect information and
opinions$ An interview is #uided by uestions relatin# to the purpose of the interview,
and can occur in a face?to?face or lon# distance 8for e%ample, by telephone or video link9
situation$
Labelled diagram A labelled diagram is a representation used to illustrate the shape and features of an
object$ 'cientific labelled dia#rams include a title, a drawin# and labels indicatin# the
main features$ A line or arrow connects the label to the feature$
%a) A ma) shows the location of items or places, the distance between them and possible
routes to take$ ;eatures of a map include a title, labels and arrows, symbols and a key
to e%plain the symbols$
ral )resentation An oral )resentation is the e%pression of a topic to an audience to entertain or inform$
=t is usually of a fi%ed duration of time and includes an introduction, points of
si#nificance about the topic and a closin# phase$ The conte%t informs the presentation
style$
Picture ma) A )icture ma) uses pictorial representations to show the location of items or places
and the distance between them$ ;eatures of a picture map include a title, a picture of
each item or place, labels and arrows or lines to connect the labels to items or places$
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Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
Lesson
Literacy focus descriptions
!arly Stage 1 and Stage 1
Literacy focus Literacy focus descri)tion
1e)ort A re)ort presents information about a topic or issue which has been collected throu#h
e%perience, investi#ation or research$ =t mi#ht aim to inform, influence or convince an
audience$ A report is usually structured usin# an introduction, a main body of
information or#anised in a predictable pattern, and a conclusion which summarises the
main messa#es to be communicated$ =t mi#ht include the use of visual aids such as
charts, tables, #raphs and ima#es$
1ole-)lay A role-)lay is a physical representation of a system, process or situation$ =t
involves students usin# speech, #estures, actions and objects to enact this
representation$
Science 2ournal A science 2ournal is a record of observations, e%periences and reflections$ =t contains
a series of dated, chronolo#ical entries$ =t may include written te%t, drawin#s, labelled
dia#rams, photo#raphs, tables and #raphs$
Sorting diagram A sorting diagram is a visual representation of information divided into cate#ories based
on a particular property$ =t contains two or more cate#ories which do not overlap$
Storyboard A storyboard is used to identify key events and represent them in seuential order$ =t
includes a title, drawin#s showin# important details, descriptive captions and numbers to
indicate the seuence of steps$
3able A table is used to or#anise information so that it can be accessed more easily$ =t
consists of a title, columns with headin#s and information or#anised under the
appropriate headin#s$
3-chart A 3-chart is used to or#anise information so that it can be accessed more easily$ A T?
chart consists of a HT@ shape which assists in or#anisin# information, headin#s are placed
above the two columns and information or#anised under each headin#$
3ree diagram A tree diagram classifies a topic into #roups$ =t has a main idea with connectin#
ideas branchin# from the main idea$ These ideas can then be #rouped into sub?
#roups$ The dia#ram is useful for plannin# and summarisin#$
3*L4 chart A 3*L4 chart is used to elicit beliefs and ideas about a topic before, durin# and after
an investi#ation or e%perience$ =t includes four sections with the headin#s7 What we
3hink we know, What we *ant to learn, What we Learned, and 4ow we know$
5enn diagram A 5enn diagram is a visual representation of information in intersectin# circles$ =tems
with properties uniue to a set are recorded in separate circles, while items with
shared properties are recorded in the space when the circles intersect$
*ord chain A word chain is a #raphic or#aniser usin# key words or pictures, usually on cards,
joinin# words about a concept or process$
*ord wall A word wall is an or#anised collection of words and ima#es displayed in the classroom$
=t supports the development of vocabulary related to a particular topic and provides a
reference for students$
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
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Literacy focuses
Stage 2 and Stage 3
Literacy focus
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Circuit diagram

Cross section

Cutaway diagram

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.actual te/t

.low chart

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6
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
Lesson
Literacy focuses
Stage 2 and Stage 3
Literacy focus
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Storyboard

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3imeline

3*L4 chart

5enn diagram

*ord wall

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Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
$
Literacy focus descriptions
Stage 2 and Stage 3
Literacy focus Literacy focus descri)tion
Annotated
diagram
An annotated diagram is a representation used to illustrate the function of the parts of
an object$ The dia#ram includes an accurate drawin#, a title, a date and notes on the
function of each part$ A line or arrow connects the annotation to the part it describes$
#iogra)hy A biogra)hy retells si#nificant events in a persons@ life, usually in the order in
which they occurred$ =t includes the motives or participants and jud#ements or
evaluation of the person@s life and contribution to society$ =t includes a title, dates
and personal achievements$
Chronological list A chronological list is a vertical summary of a series of events in order of their
occurrence$ This list allows the reader to refer uickly to major events$ A chronolo#ical list
includes a
title, the date of each event and a description of the event$
Circuit diagram A circuit diagram is a pictorial representation of an electric circuit$ =t includes
standard symbols of the different components and connections between
components$
Cross section A cross section is a dia#ram used to show the inside of an object$ =t includes a title,
a drawin#, a scale to indicate siFe and labels indicatin# the main features$ A line or
arrows connects the label to the feature$
Cutaway diagram A cutaway diagram is a 4?D representation of the outside and inside parts of an object$
=t includes a title, a cutaway section to show the inside and labels with a line or arrow to
indicate the main features$
Design )ortfolio A design )ortfolio is a record of observations, e%periences and reflections$ =t
mi#ht include a series of dated entries, written te%t, drawin#s, sketches, labelled
dia#rams, #raphic desi#ns, photo#raphs, tables and #raphs$ =t includes the desi#n
brief and information to assist the desi#n process such as desi#n criteria and
evaluations of products$
Drawing A drawing is a visual representation used to illustrate an idea, object or concept$
=t mi#ht take the form of a sketch, plan or desi#n, usually usin# a pen, pencil or crayon$
.actual recount A factual recount describes or reconstructs past e%periences$ =t is typically based on the
author@s direct e%periences, and may include personal feelin#s or interpretations$
-an#ua#e features of recount te%ts may include reference to specific participants, written
in the past tense, and connective lan#ua#e to link events and times$
.actual te/t A factual te/t presents information or ideas to inform, instruct or persuade the
reader$ ;actual te%ts use te%t 8printed and visual9 and te%t or#anisers to present
information$ These include titles, labels, hi#hli#hted keywords, dia#rams, maps and
photo#raphs$
.low chart A flow chart is a #raphic or#aniser used to describe a seuence of events or the sta#es
of a process$ A linear flow chart arran#es the information in one line and uses arrows to
indicate the order in which to read the te%t$
.orce-arrow
diagram
A force-arrow dia#ram uses arrows to represent push and pull forces$ Arrows can be
used to indicate the direction of the force$ A pull is indicated by an arrow pointin#
away from the object$ A push is indicated by an arrow pointin# towards the object$
0lossary A glossary is a list of technical terms that relate to a particular subject matter or
topic, #enerally accompanyin# a document$ Each term is accompanied by a
description or e%planation of the term within the conte%t of the subject$
8
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
Lesson
Literacy focus descriptions
Stage 2 and Stage 3
Literacy focus Literacy focus descri)tion
0ra)h A gra)h or#anises, represents and summarises information so that patterns and
relationships can be identified$ Graphs have a title 8which includes the names of the
variables plotted9 and each variable is labelled on the #raph a%es, includin# the units of
measurement$
'nformation re)ort An information re)ort te%t is used to or#anise and record factual information$ The
structure of an information report includes an openin# statement 8often classification or
definition9, a series of para#raphs describin# various aspects and features of a topic, and
a summary para#raph$ -an#ua#e features of information report te%ts include writin# in the
third person usin# timeless present tense, factual and precise lan#ua#e, and specialised
or technical vocabulary$
'nterview An interview is a discussion between two or more people where an interviewer
8or interviewers9 asks uestions of an interviewee 8or interviewees9 to collect information
and opinions$ An interview is #uided by uestions relatin# to the purpose of the
interview, and can occur in a face?to?face or lon# distance 8for e%ample, by telephone or
video link9 situation$
Labelled diagram A labelled diagram is a representation used to illustrate the shape, siFe and features of
an object$ 'cientific labelled dia#rams include a title, an accurate drawin#, a scale to
indicate siFe and labels indicatin# the main features$ A line or arrow connects the label
to the feature$
ral )resentation An oral )resentation is the e%pression of a topic to an audience to entertain or inform$
=t is usually of a fi%ed duration of time and includes an introduction, points of
si#nificance about the topic and a closin# phase$ The conte%t informs the presentation
style$
Poster A )oster is a multi?modal representation that links written and visual information to
communicate ideas, processes and findin#s$ "osters include a title, and written and visual
information such as tables, #raphs, dia#rams, photo#raphs and illustrations$ "arts are
linked throu#h the use of layout features and si#nposts includin# lines, borders, arrows,
numbers and captions, and the arran#ement and positionin# of information$
Procedural te/t A )rocedural te/t is used to describe how somethin# is done$ =t includes a list of
materials needed to complete the task, and a seuence of instructional steps$ =t
mi#ht also include annotated sketches$
1ay diagram A ray diagram shows the path of li#ht rays from the source of li#ht$ A strai#ht line is
used to show the direction in which li#ht travels$ Arrow heads are added to the line to
show the direction of travel$ There is no indication of distance$
1e)ort A re)ort presents information about a topic or issue which has been collected throu#h
e%perience, investi#ation or research$ =t mi#ht aim to inform, influence or convince an
audience$ A report is usually structured usin# an introduction, a main body of
information or#anised in a predictable pattern, and a conclusion which summarises the
main messa#es to be communicated$ =t mi#ht include the use of visual aids such as
charts, tables, #raphs and ima#es$
1ole-)lay A role-)lay is a physical representation of a system, process or situation$ =t
involves students usin# speech, #estures, actions and objects to enact this
representation$
Science 2ournal A science 2ournal is a record of observations, e%periences and reflections$ =t contains
a series of dated, chronolo#ical entries$ =t may include written te%t, drawin#s, labelled
dia#rams, photo#raphs, tables and #raphs$
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
%
Literacy focus descriptions
Stage 2 and Stage 3
Literacy focus Literacy focus descri)tion
Storyboard A storyboard is used to identify key events and represent them in seuential order$ =t
includes a title, drawin#s showin# important details, descriptive captions and numbers to
indicate the seuence of steps$
Summary 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 or#anised way$
3able A table is used to or#anise information so that it can be accessed more easily$ =t
consists of a title, columns with headin#s and information or#anised under the
appropriate headin#s$
3imeline A timeline is used to represent a seuence of events$ =t includes a headin#, a caption,
units of time, symbols and words to label events$
3*L4 chart A 3*L4 chart is used to elicit beliefs and ideas about a topic before, durin# and after
an investi#ation or e%perience$ =t includes four sections with the headin#s7 What we Think
we know, What we Want to learn, What we -earned, and Iow we know$
5enn diagram A 5enn diagram is a visual representation of information in intersectin# circles$ =tems
with properties uniue to a set are recorded in separate circles, while items with
shared properties are recorded in the space when the circles intersect$
*ord wall A word wall is an or#anised collection of words and ima#es displayed in the classroom$
=t supports the development of vocabulary related to a particular topic and provides a
reference for students$
10
Literacy focuses across PrimaryConnections curriculum units
Lesson
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