Discovery Learning Grade 6

Grade 6

Term 1: What makes me Australian?

During this unit students will explore the nature of Australia’s democracy that developed as a result of Federation. They describe the three levels of government and some of the key functions of each level. They will explain the basic elements of Australia’s federal parliamentary system and key democratic principles and values such as freedom of speech and equality before the law. They explain the concept of multiculturalism and describe the contribution of various cultural groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to Australian identity. They demonstrate understanding of the process of making and changing laws. Through this our students will gain understanding of how our country came to be and recognise the rich tapestry of the Australian Identity and their responsibility as a citizen.

Term 2: Natural Disasters

During this unit students will investigate natural disasters and the affect they have on our world.  They will come to understand that natural disasters occur due to their relationship with the earth and its atmosphere. They will classify and distinguish natural disasters based on their causes, effects and destructive power.  They will research how geographical location can determine the type or severity of specific Natural Disasters. Through this our students will demonstrate an awareness of the social, economic and physical impact Natural Disasters have on people and their environments.

Term 3: Science:  here, there and everywhere.

During this unit, students will compare the properties and behaviours of solids, liquids and gases. They relate observable changes to materials and classify these changes as reversible or irreversible. They compare different ways in which energy can be transformed from one form to another to generate electricity and evaluate their suitability for particular purposes.  They construct electrical circuits and distinguish between open and closed circuits. They analyse how structural and behavioural adaptations of living things enhance their survival, and predict and describe the effect of environmental changes on individual living things. Through this students will be able to explain how scientific knowledge develops from many people’s contributions and how scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions affect peoples’ lives.


Term 4: Secret Millionaire’s Club

During this unit, students explore the differences between needs and wants, and their own roles as producers and consumers of goods and services. They compare different types of work and enterprise in the local community and develop skills to help them gain employment in the real world. Students demonstrate basic understanding of personal money management and the role of banking, budgeting and saving through our ‘Earn and Learn’ community. Through this students will plan investigations about economic issues in the home, school or local community and form conclusions supported by evidence based on their own research. Students will come to understand the role that money plays in our society and how we contribute to a global economy.