Curriculum Mapping and Learning Outcomes

Grades 2

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences) 

  • Living things have basic needs, including food and water. 

  • Living things grow, change and have observable features. 

Science Inquiry 

  • Observe using senses. 

  • Compare observations. 

  • Share and communicate findings. 

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities 

  • Expansion task: Sunny vs Dark Sprouts 

  • Basic seed observation journals 

  • Germination investigations 

Learning Outcomes 

Students: 

  • Identify what seeds need to germinate. 

  • Observe differences between plants grown in light and dark conditions. 

  • Describe changes in plants over time. 

  • Use simple scientific vocabulary such as seed, seedling, root and leaf.  

Benefits for Teachers: 

  • Ready-made science kits and investigations linked to biological sciences. 

  • Supports observation, questioning and communication skills. 

  • Provides structured inquiry activity

Year 7-8

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences) 

  • Cells are the basic units of living things. 

  • Organisms respond to internal and external stimuli. 

Science Inquiry 

  • Design investigations. 

  • Analyse trends in data. 

  • Evaluate reliability of results. 

  • Use scientific language to communicate findings. 

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities 

  • Expansion task Temperature Speed Test 

  • Expansion task: Seeds Under the Spotlight 

  • Extended data collection and graphing tasks  

Learning Outcomes 

Students: 

  • Investigate how environmental variables affect biological processes. 

  • Explain photosynthesis and germination using scientific terminology. 

  • Analyse relationships between environmental conditions and growth. 

  • Evaluate the reliability of experimental data.  

Benefits for Teachers: 

  • Provides authentic contexts for plant biology and experimental science. 

  • Reinforces graphing, measurement and analytical skills. 

  • Bridges theoretical biology and practical investigation.  

Year 3-4 

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences) 

  • Living things depend on each other and the environment to
    survive. 

Science Inquiry 

  • Make predictions. 

  • Conduct simple fair tests. 

  • Record and represent observations. 

  • Compare results and identify patterns. 

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities 

  • Expansion task: Sunny vs Dark Sprouts

  • Expansion task: Thirsty Seed test 

  • Expansion task: Seed Photo Journal  

Learning Outcomes 

Students: 

  • Investigate how water and light influence plant growth. 

  • Collect observational data over several weeks. 

  • Identify patterns and trends. 

  • Compare experimental outcomes between groups.  

Benefits for Teachers: 

  • Introduces experimental design in an age-appropriate way. 

  • Supports science and numeracy outcomes simultaneously. 

  • Includes data collection sheets, prediction activities and discussion guides. 

Year 5-6

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences)

  • Structural and behavioural adaptations help organisms survive. 

  • Growth and survival are influenced by environmental conditions. 

Science Inquiry 

  • Plan fair tests. 

  • Identify variables. 

  • Measure and record data accurately. 

  • Construct evidence-based conclusions. 

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities

  • Expansion task: Thirsty Seed Test

  • Expansion task: Seed Photo Journal

  • Expansion task: Temperature Speed Test

  • Expansion task: Seeds Under the Spotlight  

Learning Outcomes 

Students: 

  • Distinguish between independent, dependent and controlled variables. 

  • Investigate effects of temperature, water availability and light quality. 

  • Construct and interpret graphs. 

  • Use evidence to support scientific claims.  

Benefits for Teachers:

  • Directly supports inquiry and data-analysis strands. 

  • Includes assessment rubrics for scientific reasoning. 

  • Encourages authentic student-led investigations. 

Year 9-10

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences) 

  • Coordination and regulation of living systems. 

  • Ecosystem interactions and environmental influences on living systems. 

  • Applications of science to emerging technologies. 

Earth and Space Sciences

  • Human activity in space and its scientific challenges. 

Science Inquiry

  • Design, evaluate and refine investigations. 

  • Analyse evidence. 

  • Apply scientific understanding to real-world problems. 

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities

  • Expansion Task: Seeds Under the Spotlight 

  • Expansion Task: Great Space vs Earth Germination Challenge 

  • Space agriculture design challenge  

Learning Outcomes

Students: 

  • Explain how wavelength-specific light affects plant growth. 

  • Investigate photoreceptors and plant responses. 

  • Analyse the impacts of microgravity and radiation on biological systems. 

  • Design solutions for food production in space environments.  

Benefits for Teachers:

  • Strong STEM and space-science integration. 

  • Supports authentic engineering and design-thinking activities. 

  • Links classroom science to contemporary space research and sustainability challenges.

Year 11-12

Science Understanding (Biological Sciences)

  • Cellular processes underpin growth, development and responses to environmental change.

  • Gene expression and environmental influences

  • Plant physiology, including photosynthesis, respiration and responses to environmental stimuli.

  • Biological systems adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Science as a Human Endeavour

  • Contemporary scientific research addresses global challenges.

  • Scientific knowledge develops through collaboration, innovation and emerging technologies.

  • Applications of biology to food security, sustainability and space exploration.

Science Inquiry

  • Develop and justify research questions and hypotheses.

  • Design, conduct, evaluate and refine scientific investigations.

  • Analyse quantitative data using appropriate statistical methods.

  • Evaluate reliability, validity and sources of uncertainty.

  • Communicate scientific evidence using appropriate scientific conventions.

Earth and Space Sciences

  • Human exploration of space presents biological and environmental challenges.

  • Scientific research supports sustainable human presence beyond Earth.

Relevant LaunchLabz Activities

  • Expansion Task: Great Space vs Earth Germination Challenge

  • Expansion Task: Statistical Analysis of Space-Flown vs Earth Seeds

  • Independent Investigation: Environmental Variables and Plant Growth

  • Space Agriculture Design Challenge

  • Research Review: International Space Station Plant Experiments

Learning Outcomes

Students:

  • Explain how environmental factors regulate plant growth and development.

  • Investigate the effects of spaceflight conditions, including microgravity and radiation, on biological systems.

  • Design, conduct and evaluate valid scientific investigations using appropriate controls and replication.

  • Analyse experimental data using graphs, descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests.

  • Critically evaluate the reliability, validity and limitations of scientific investigations.

  • Apply biological knowledge to propose evidence-based solutions for sustainable food production on Earth and future Moon and Mars missions.

  • Communicate scientific findings using discipline-specific scientific language and conventions.

Benefits for Teachers:

  • Directly supports senior secondary Biology practical investigations and scientific inquiry requirements.

  • Provides authentic, contemporary space biology research using real International Space Station-flown seeds.

  • Develops higher-order scientific thinking, data analysis, statistical reasoning and scientific communication skills.

  • Supports STEM, engineering design and research project pathways.

  • Links classroom biology to current space exploration, sustainability and future workforce opportunities.

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