All lessons › Research & Sources: Start Here › Lesson 3
Australian primary science · Years 3–4 · Lesson 3 of 3
Fact, Opinion or Unchecked Claim?
Inquiry question: How do we tell what can be checked from what someone prefers?
Marked no materials needed
Evaluating supplied source cards
What students learn
Distinguish observations, opinions and claims requiring verification.
Success criteria
- I can distinguish an observation from a personal preference.
- I can identify a claim that needs more evidence.
- I can rewrite a sweeping claim to match the limited data.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Tell apart a preference and a statement that can be checked against measurements or a stated sample.
- Charged iPad per individual or pair — One per student or pair
- Projector — One
Teacher setup
- Open the assigned lesson and present the slides.
- Show the lesson QR; students enter one or two names and start.
- Use the lesson timings: allow 45–55 minutes plus first-use sign-in time. Do not add copying to fill a full hour.
- All evidence is supplied in the lesson. No equipment, worksheets or external websites are necessary.
Safety and adaptations
- Screen-based evidence inquiry only. Do not perform physical experiments or imitate hazards described in the case files.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Identify the statements that are explicit model observations.
- Identify which is a preference or opinion.
- Find two claims that need more evidence.
- Rewrite an unsupported generalisation accurately.
- Explain why a sample of 20 cannot establish what every child thinks.
Teacher modelling prompt
Point to the fictional 12-of-20 result, then contrast the limited statement with the unsupported claim 'all children want shade'.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: How do we tell what can be checked from what someone prefers?
| Statement | My category | Evidence / fair rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which statement is better supported and why?
Provided example or reference data
Fictional schoolyard statement cards
| Statement | Source to check |
|---|---|
| The model dark paving read 46°C in sun. | Temperature case file |
| Shade is the nicest place to play. | Speaker's preference |
| Every playground in Australia is unsafe. | No national data supplied |
| 12 of 20 surveyed children preferred more shade. | Survey case file |
| All children want more shade. | Survey of 20 only |
Check the data source in the teacher lesson. Illustrative or fictional data are not measurements collected by your class.
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What makes 'shade is nicest' an opinion?
Explain with evidence: Which evidence supports '12 of 20 preferred shade'?
Apply the idea: Can a single model temperature prove every playground is unsafe?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.