1. Content descriptors
The descriptors bring together biological, chemical, Earth and physical sciences with inquiry and Science as a human endeavour.
Australian Curriculum v9
Year 10 Science Curriculum: Achievement Standard and Content Descriptors
Use this Year 10 Science map to see the expected end of year learning alongside all 19 linked descriptors. It supports deliberate connections between scientific concepts, inquiry practices and the way scientific knowledge is developed and used.
Available combined curriculum hubs
Browse published Science curriculum maps.
All Science achievement standards | All Science content descriptors
How the curriculum elements fit together
2. Learning and assessment
Sequences should give students repeated opportunities to explain systems, analyse evidence and evaluate scientific claims.
3. Achievement standard
Evidence can include investigations, data analysis, explanations and evaluations aligned to the full breadth of the achievement standard.
ASSCIY10
Open the standalone ASSCIY10 page →
Achievement standard (as ACARA publishes it)
Achievement standard
Click any sentence to jump to its statement and linked content descriptors.
By the end of Year 10 students explain the processes that underpin heredity and genetic diversity and describe the evidence supporting the theory of evolution by natural selection. They sequence key events in the origin and evolution of the universe and describe the supporting evidence for the big bang theory. They describe trends in patterns of global climate change and identify causal factors. They explain how Newton’s laws describe motion and apply them to predict motion of objects in a system. They explain patterns and trends in the periodic table and predict the products of reactions and the effect of changing reactant and reaction conditions. Students analyse the importance of publication and peer review in the development of scientific knowledge and analyse the relationship between science, technologies and engineering. They analyse the key factors that influence interactions between science and society.
Students plan and conduct safe, valid and reproducible investigations to test relationships or develop explanatory models. They explain how they have addressed any ethical and intercultural considerations when generating or using primary and secondary data. They select equipment and use it efficiently to generate and record appropriate sample sizes and replicable data with precision. They select and construct effective representations to organise, process and summarise data and information. They analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies. They evaluate the validity and reproducibility of methods, and the validity of conclusions and claims. They construct logical arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions and evaluate claims. They select and use content, language and text features effectively to achieve their purpose when communicating their ideas, findings and arguments to diverse audiences.
The 15 achievement standard statements
Open a statement to see the content descriptors ACARA links to it, then open a descriptor's elaborations.
By the end of Year 10 students explain the processes that underpin heredity and genetic diversity and describe the evidence supporting the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Content descriptorAC9S10U01 Science understanding
explain the role of meiosis and mitosis and the function of chromosomes, DNA and genes in heredity and predict patterns of Mendelian inheritance
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration using models and diagrams to represent the relationship between genes, chromosomes, and DNA of an organism’s genome
- Elaboration explaining how genetic information passed on to offspring from both parents by meiosis and fertilisation increases the variation of a species
- Elaboration using Mendelian inheritance to predict the ratio of offspring genotypes and phenotypes in monohybrid crosses involving dominant and recessive alleles or in genes that are sex-linked
- Elaboration using pedigree diagrams to show patterns of inheritance of simple dominant and recessive characteristics through multigenerational families
- Elaboration investigating First Nations Australians’ knowledges of heredity as evidenced by the strict adherence to kinship and family structures, especially marriage laws
- Elaboration exploring environmental and other factors that cause mutations and identifying changes in DNA or chromosomes
- Elaboration exploring the role of DNA in cancer or genetic disorders such as haemochromatosis, sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis or Klinefelter syndrome
Content descriptorAC9S10U02 Science understanding
use the theory of evolution by natural selection to explain past and present diversity and analyse the scientific evidence supporting the theory
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration outlining processes involved in natural selection including variation, isolation and selection
- Elaboration examining biodiversity as a function of evolution
- Elaboration analysing evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection including the fossil record, chemical and anatomical similarities, and geographical distribution of species
- Elaboration investigating changes caused by natural selection in a particular population as a result of a specified selection pressure such as artificial selection in breeding for desired characteristics
- Elaboration relating genetic characteristics to survival and reproductive rates
- Elaboration investigating some of the structural and physiological adaptations of First Nations Australians to the Australian environment
They sequence key events in the origin and evolution of the universe and describe the supporting evidence for the big bang theory.
Content descriptorAC9S10U03 Science understanding
describe how the big bang theory models the origin and evolution of the universe and analyse the supporting evidence for the theory
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration describing the major components of the universe using appropriate scientific terminology and units including astronomical units, scientific notation and light-years
- Elaboration constructing a timeline to show major changes in the universe which are thought to have occurred from the Big Bang until the formation of the major components such as stars and galaxies
- Elaboration examining how stars’ light spectra and brightness is used to identify compositional elements of stars, their movements and their distances from Earth
- Elaboration explaining how each different type of evidence, such as cosmic microwave background radiation, red or blue shift of galaxies, Edwin Hubble’s observations and proportion of matter in the universe, provides support for the acceptance of the big bang theory
- Elaboration researching First Nations Australians’ knowledges of celestial bodies and explanations of the origin of the universe
- Elaboration identifying the different technologies used to collect astronomical data and the types of data collected
- Elaboration exploring recent advances in astronomy, including the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, and astrophysics, such as the discovery of gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy; and identifying new knowledge which has emerged
They describe trends in patterns of global climate change and identify causal factors.
Content descriptorAC9S10U04 Science understanding
use models of energy flow between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere to explain patterns of global climate change
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration examining the role of radiation from the sun and how its interactions with the atmosphere, ocean and land are the foundation for the global climate system
- Elaboration investigating indicators of climate change such as changes in ocean and atmospheric temperatures, sea levels, biodiversity, species distribution, permafrost and sea ice
- Elaboration identifying changes in global climate over time, exploring visualisations and using simulations to explore why energy balances have changed
- Elaboration examining the factors, including energy, that drive deep ocean currents, their role in regulating global climate and their effects on marine life
- Elaboration investigating how quantum computers enhance modelling of complex weather and climate systems
- Elaboration predicting changes to the Earth system and identifying strategies designed to reduce climate change or mitigate its effects
They explain how Newton’s laws describe motion and apply them to predict motion of objects in a system.
Content descriptorAC9S10U05 Science understanding
investigate Newton’s laws of motion and quantitatively analyse the relationship between force, mass and acceleration of objects
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration investigating a moving object to analyse and propose relationships between distance and time, speed, force and acceleration
- Elaboration using mathematical representations including graphs and algebraic formulas to quantitatively relate force, speed, acceleration and mass
- Elaboration investigating how First Nations Australians achieve an increase in speed and subsequent impact force through the use of spearthrowers and bows
- Elaboration modelling how a change in net force acting on an object affects its motion and relating to the purpose of safety features such as seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones in vehicles
- Elaboration investigating the application of Newton’s laws in sport and how these are applied to improve an athlete’s performance or safety
- Elaboration constructing an argument, supported by data, to support lower speed limits near schools or for trucks in urban environments
- Elaboration investigating how driverless vehicles apply Newton’s laws of motion to brake in time
They explain patterns and trends in the periodic table and predict the products of reactions and the effect of changing reactant and reaction conditions.
Content descriptorAC9S10U06 Science understanding
explain how the structure and properties of atoms relate to the organisation of the elements in the periodic table
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration examining how elements are organised in the periodic table and analysing patterns to discern that elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar properties
- Elaboration investigating the physical properties of some metals and non-metals
- Elaboration using the Bohr model of the atom to describe the structure of atoms in terms of electron shells and relating this to their properties and position in the periodic table
- Elaboration deducing that repeating patterns of the periodic table reflect patterns of electrons in outer electron shells
- Elaboration conducting flame tests for a selection of elements and examining emission spectra
- Elaboration examining how the development of the spectroscope led to further development of the model of the atom
Content descriptorAC9S10U07 Science understanding
identify patterns in synthesis, decomposition and displacement reactions and investigate the factors that affect reaction rates
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration defining and representing synthesis, decomposition and displacement reactions using a variety of formats such as molecular models, diagrams, and word and balanced symbolic equations
- Elaboration identifying reaction type and predicting the products
- Elaboration investigating synthesis reactions such as reaction of metals with oxygen, formation of water and sodium chloride; decomposition reactions such as those used to extract metals; and displacement reactions such as metal and acid, neutralisation and precipitation
- Elaboration investigating the effect of a range of factors, such as temperature, concentration, surface area and catalysts, on the rate of chemical reactions
- Elaboration investigating chemical reactions employed by First Nations Australians in the production of substances such as acids and ethanol
- Elaboration investigating some of the chemical reactions and methods employed by First Nations Australians to convert toxic plants into edible food products
- Elaboration examining reactions that are used to produce a range of useful products
Students analyse the importance of publication and peer review in the development of scientific knowledge and analyse the relationship between science, technologies and engineering.
Content descriptorAC9S10H01 Science as a human endeavour
explain how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration examining how the work of Rosalind Franklin was critical to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA and her publications validated the findings of James Watson and Francis Crick
- Elaboration exploring the role of large data sets and statistical analysis in validating scientific findings, such as Gregor Mendel’s experiments with pea plants
- Elaboration examining why there are different climate change models used by scientists when there is a climate change consensus among scientists
- Elaboration exploring how astronomer Vera Rubin’s discovery of the existence of dark matter was validated
- Elaboration examining how the discovery of gravity waves validated Einstein’s theory of general relativity and why this discovery did not occur until 100 years after the theory was proposed
- Elaboration investigating how the development of the periodic table has been disputed and refined as science has progressed and new elements have been discovered
Content descriptorAC9S10H02 Science as a human endeavour
investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration examining karyotypes and applications of gene technologies, such as gene therapy and genetic engineering and biotechnologies used to produce therapeutic proteins
- Elaboration recognising that the development of fast computers has made possible the analysis of DNA sequencing, radio astronomy signals and other data generated by major international science projects such as the Event Horizon Telescope, Large Hadron Collider, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory and the Square Kilometre Array
- Elaboration considering how computer modelling has improved knowledge and predictability of phenomena such as climate change and atmospheric pollution
- Elaboration investigating how satellites generate global data including ocean temperatures, sea levels and forest and ice cover and examining how that data is used to evaluate the effects of climate change
- Elaboration researching how an understanding of the way DNA stores data has been applied to DNA bar coding to accelerate the pace of research in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science and nanotechnology
- Elaboration examining how the recent use of female crash test dummies has shown women are at greater risk of injury in a car accident and considering implications for changing car safety features
- Elaboration exploring how the development of new materials and thin films has led to better computer chips and solar cells
- Elaboration investigating how the development of superstrong, lighter alloys has enabled engineers to improve structural components in building, transportation and industry and to design products such as improved protective armour for police and soldiers
They analyse the key factors that influence interactions between science and society.
Content descriptorAC9S10H03 Science as a human endeavour
analyse the key factors that contribute to science knowledge and practices being adopted more broadly by society
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration investigating why agricultural practices have changed to include widespread use of genetically engineered crops
- Elaboration examining statistics to compare bicycle or electric scooter injuries sustained by riders with and without helmets and relating these to helmet wearing requirements
- Elaboration discussing examples of the application of genetic screening and reasons for the adoption of the practice by groups in society
- Elaboration examining why climate change models used by scientists are contested by some people in society
- Elaboration discussing citizen science projects such as the GLOBE Project or others of local relevance and examining why people would choose to be involved
- Elaboration considering how the traditional ecological knowledges of First Nations Australians are being reaffirmed by modern science and how these practices are being used by Traditional Owners in carbon farming initiatives
Content descriptorAC9S10H04 Science as a human endeavour
examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration considering the use of genetic testing for decisions such as genetic counselling, embryo selection, identification of carriers of genetic mutations and the use of this information for personal use or by organisations such as insurance companies or medical facilities
- Elaboration researching how the values of 19th and early 20th century Australian society, combined with scientific misconceptions about heredity and evolution, influenced policies and attitudes towards First Nations Australians
- Elaboration recognising that financial backing from governments or commercial organisations is needed for scientific developments and that this can determine what research is carried out
- Elaboration examining the link between scientific research and real-world applications such as space research and new material development
Students plan and conduct safe, valid and reproducible investigations to test relationships or develop explanatory models.
Content descriptorAC9S10I01 Science inquiry
develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to test relationships and develop explanatory models
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration discussing how a tested hypothesis may lead to further predictions and testing to determine if the prediction is supported
- Elaboration developing hypotheses about the role of human activity in changes to climate and investigating these using secondary data
- Elaboration observing a change in the frequency of extreme weather events and hypothesising causes from scientific models, such as: ‘If the El Niño weather pattern occurs more frequently then there will be more droughts due to decreased rainfall’
- Elaboration asking questions about the relationship between crash impact force and speed and developing a hypothesis which can then be tested
- Elaboration observing how changing the surface area, concentration and temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction and developing reasoned predictions
Content descriptorAC9S10I02 Science inquiry
plan and conduct valid, reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying and controlling for possible sources of error and, as appropriate, developing and following risk assessments, considering ethical issues, and addressing key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration addressing possible sources of error through choice of equipment, variable control or further testing
- Elaboration considering possible confounding variables or effects and ensuring these are controlled or accounted for in planned methods for data collection and analysis
- Elaboration identifying safety risks and impacts on animal welfare and ensuring these are effectively managed within an investigation
- Elaboration identifying the potential hazards of chemicals or biological materials and processes used in experimental investigations and how these should be addressed
- Elaboration addressing ethical issues when collaborating with First Nations Australians to explore the development of a commercial product based on traditional ecological knowledges
- Elaboration modelling how to report the discovery of unregistered First Nations Australians artefacts and heritage or any unauthorised disturbance
- Elaboration considering the ethical and social issues and legal responsibilities involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes before starting an investigation involving animals
They explain how they have addressed any ethical and intercultural considerations when generating or using primary and secondary data.
Content descriptorAC9S10I02 Science inquiry
plan and conduct valid, reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying and controlling for possible sources of error and, as appropriate, developing and following risk assessments, considering ethical issues, and addressing key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration addressing possible sources of error through choice of equipment, variable control or further testing
- Elaboration considering possible confounding variables or effects and ensuring these are controlled or accounted for in planned methods for data collection and analysis
- Elaboration identifying safety risks and impacts on animal welfare and ensuring these are effectively managed within an investigation
- Elaboration identifying the potential hazards of chemicals or biological materials and processes used in experimental investigations and how these should be addressed
- Elaboration addressing ethical issues when collaborating with First Nations Australians to explore the development of a commercial product based on traditional ecological knowledges
- Elaboration modelling how to report the discovery of unregistered First Nations Australians artefacts and heritage or any unauthorised disturbance
- Elaboration considering the ethical and social issues and legal responsibilities involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes before starting an investigation involving animals
They select equipment and use it efficiently to generate and record appropriate sample sizes and replicable data with precision.
Content descriptorAC9S10I03 Science inquiry
select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision to obtain useful sample sizes and replicable data, using digital tools as appropriate
Elaborations (4)
- Elaboration ensuring instruments are correctly calibrated before use and planning for recalibration as necessary between uses to improve reliability of results
- Elaboration explaining how estimation affects precision and examining the inaccuracy introduced when reading between scale markings
- Elaboration identifying how human error can affect replicability and reproducibility
- Elaboration deciding how much data is needed to produce valid conclusions
They select and construct effective representations to organise, process and summarise data and information.
Content descriptorAC9S10I04 Science inquiry
select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, descriptive statistics, models and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration using spreadsheet software to carry out mathematical analyses of data
- Elaboration describing sample properties such as mean, median, range and large gaps visible on a graph to make generalisations, acknowledging uncertainties and the effects of outliers
- Elaboration considering how data or information can be organised and represented to effectively communicate support for conclusions, including through visual or interactive models
- Elaboration considering how the scales used for representing data affect interpretation of the data
- Elaboration evaluating the merits and limitations of time-lapse visual representations of changes in polar ice coverage with a mathematical representation
- Elaboration comparing merits and limitations of patterns as represented by the periodic table with graphical representations of patterns such as melting point or boiling point, and with consideration of anomalies
They analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies.
Content descriptorAC9S10I05 Science inquiry
analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration identifying similar trends and patterns in data from different sources such as homologous structures and fossil evidence
- Elaboration analysing data regarding the distribution of species in time and space to identify patterns and relationships between organisms
- Elaboration exploring relationships between variables using spreadsheets, databases, tables, charts, graphs and statistics to make reasoned predictions about global climate change
- Elaboration representing speed and acceleration data from investigations or simulations in tables and graphs and comparing how these facilitate the identification of relationships
- Elaboration exploring how different interpretations can be made from data that is organised or processed in different ways, and the implications of this for data analysis
They evaluate the validity and reproducibility of methods, and the validity of conclusions and claims.
Content descriptorAC9S10I06 Science inquiry
assess the validity and reproducibility of methods and evaluate the validity of conclusions and claims, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence and areas of uncertainty
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration evaluating the strength of a conclusion that can be inferred from a particular data set
- Elaboration distinguishing between random and systematic errors and how these can affect investigation results
- Elaboration judging the validity of science-related media reports and how these reports might be interpreted by the public
- Elaboration identifying assumptions in methods then examining if further testing or extra variable control is needed
- Elaboration considering how data variation can indicate uncertainty and might affect confidence in conclusions reached and claims made
- Elaboration analysing conclusions and claims to identify facts or premises that are taken for granted to be true, and evaluating the reasonableness of those assumptions
They construct logical arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions and evaluate claims.
Content descriptorAC9S10I07 Science inquiry
construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions or evaluate claims, and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration constructing a scientific argument showing how a range of evidence supports a claim relating to the age of the universe
- Elaboration engaging in evidence-based debates about the role of human activity in global climate change
- Elaboration reasoning from a range of evidence to support or rebut claims made in news reports on scientific research
- Elaboration examining secondary data to determine the credibility of the source and the validity and reproducibility of the data, and identifying the extent to which the data is consistent with data from other sources
- Elaboration acknowledging the need to critically analyse scientific literature for potential cultural bias in relation to First Nations Australians
- Elaboration considering the ethical issues of non-therapeutic genetic testing performed by commercial companies
- Elaboration using primary or secondary scientific evidence to support or oppose a local action that may impact on global climate change
- Elaboration preparing an argument for increased funding for a particular scientific research focus
They select and use content, language and text features effectively to achieve their purpose when communicating their ideas, findings and arguments to diverse audiences.
Content descriptorAC9S10I08 Science inquiry
write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments effectively for identified purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate content, language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration examining how scientific texts develop arguments; considering the structure of the text, the selection of content and the use of language and text features; and reflecting on how these might be modified for different audiences
- Elaboration writing a report on a scientific investigation ensuring only relevant data and observations are reported in the results and including a discussion that presents: an argument based on the results with comparisons related to accepted values; an explanation of outliers; and the effect of possible sources of error
- Elaboration collaboratively designing a public performance about climate change to encourage people to take specific action
- Elaboration creating a digital infographic to highlight the multiple lines of evidence from polar ice caps, ocean temperatures and extreme weather to explain how climate change is impacting Earth
- Elaboration using animation or comic strip software to create an explanation of the Big Bang for an audience of their peers
- Elaboration creating a campaign to lower speed limits in specific areas of the local community
About the strands
The 19 content descriptors linked to ASSCIY10 sit under these strands.
Science understanding
The concepts students learn and use to explain living things, Earth, matter, energy and physical phenomena.
Science as a human endeavour
How scientific knowledge develops through collaboration and informs decisions made by individuals and communities.
Science inquiry
The practices students use to question, investigate, represent data, evaluate evidence and communicate findings.
A practical planning sequence
- Choose the curriculum focus. Identify the scientific concepts and systems students need to explain.
- Select a meaningful context. Connect concepts to authentic investigations, evidence and contemporary applications of science.
- Plan connected learning. Use the linked descriptors together where that creates a coherent sequence.
- Map the evidence. Plan for students to analyse, evaluate and communicate evidence as well as recall knowledge.
Turn this curriculum map into a teaching sequence
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