This chapter focuses on teacher support for students evaluating and communicating information in science and engineering. In each chapter, the practice is dissected into distinct and clear learning tasks. These tasks are then examined within the context of a self-regulated learning cycle. A multistep coaching strategy is explained and points for instruction and assessment are given using the example of a design challenge for students in grades 3 through 5 to improve the school recycling program. The tasks are reassembled into two case studies – one positive and one negative – to demonstrate how the learning tasks can be used by students.

This chapter focuses on the practice of engaging in argument from evidence. In each chapter, the practice is dissected into distinct and clear learning tasks that can be used as process goals. These tasks are then examined within the context of a self-regulated learning cycle. A multistep coaching strategy explaining points for instruction and assessment is provided using the example of a design challenge for students in grades K through 2. The design challenge asks students to identify a problem to solve from a picture book and use the engineering design process to solve that problem. The tasks (process goals) are reassembled into two case studies – one positive and one negative – to demonstrate how the learning tasks can be used by students.

This chapter explores the notion of ‘technologies’ in the Australian Primary Curriculum in the Learning Areas of Design and Technologies, and Digital Technologies, and in the General Capability area of Digital Literacy, and the ways in which they can be used to enhance the learning of science. You will be introduced to contexts that provide opportunities to harness the synergistic relationship between the processes of thinking and working scientifically, and design and production skills, to solve authentic problems or issues. Examples of effective Design Challenges will be presented as ‘hooks’ to gain student interest and to purposefully address required concepts in Science, and Design and Technologies in the Australian Curriculum. Opportunities for including links to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures through a Design and Technologies approach will be included, with links to a range of useful resources.