1998 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 29-38
In Victoria, a set of Curriculum and Standards Framework (CSF)s cover the compulsory years of schooling (Prep-Year 10). Biology is mainly taught in science through the CSF: Science. In the CSF: Science the biology-related strand “Life and Living” is taught via three sustrands in seven levels over 11 years of schooling. These substrands are “Living Together”, “Structure and Function” and “Biodiversity, Change and Community”. At each level, the CSF provides a set of curriculum focus and learning outcomes with suggested activities to help teachers and parents identify appropriate standards of achievements of students. Some elements of biology are also covered in the CSF: Studies of Society and Environment (with an emphasis on ecology) and the CSF: Health and Physical Education (human physiology, nutrition and health).
There are many “Extension Education Services” for students to encourage their science learning and for teachers to help teach science which are provided by many institutions and organizations in Victoria. To support primary school teachers in their teaching science and technology, a program named STEPS has been developed. In the STEPS, TV programs are provided through SOFNet and current information about STEPS and the “Extension Education Service” is obtainable by accessing its internet webpage.
