Sow You Think You Can Solve It? – Australian Seed Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate National Science Week 2026: Seeds of Science – nurturing science for all with this engaging Australian seed-themed scavenger hunt.
Students work their way through a sequence of 8 riddles, each leading them to a different Australian seed. Once they identify the correct seed, they answer three multiple-choice science questions to generate a 3-digit code. Students then use the code key to reveal a shape clue, which directs them to the location of their next riddle.
To complete the challenge, students must collect all eight shapes in the correct order and crack the final sequence.
The activity explores a range of fascinating Australian plants and seed adaptations.
Designed as a fun, collaborative Science Week activity, this resource encourages students to use observation, problem-solving, scientific knowledge and teamwork rather than simply following a traditional scavenger hunt.
A comprehensive, student-friendly worksheet designed for the IB Biology syllabus, covering A1.1.5–A1.1.6: Water.
This resource explores why water is essential as a solvent for life and how the physical properties of water influence organisms living in aquatic environments. Designed for students at the beginning of the IB Biology course, concepts are introduced through structured DARTs activities, biological examples, data analysis and unfamiliar applications, rather than extensive note-taking.
Students explore:
Water as a solvent and the meaning of solute, solvent and solution
How the polarity of water allows ions and polar substances to dissolve
Ion–dipole interactions and the orientation of water molecules around Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions
Hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances
Solubility of biological molecules, including glucose, lipids and cholesterol
The importance of aqueous environments for metabolism and transport
Buoyancy and its effects on body support and size
Viscosity, drag, streamlining and energy requirements for movement
Thermal conductivity, heat loss and insulation
Specific heat capacity and the thermal stability of aquatic environments
Graphing and interpreting environmental temperature data
Comparing adaptations of aquatic organisms using biological data
The worksheet concludes with a consolidation activity in which students sequence cause-and-effect chains linking each physical property of water to its biological consequences. Students then apply their understanding in an extended data-based comparison of a black-throated loon and ringed seal.
A separate 20-minute homework/application task uses the unfamiliar context of an Antarctic icefish, requiring students to transfer their knowledge of solvent properties, viscosity, buoyancy and specific heat capacity to a new biological situation.
The resource is designed for approximately 50 minutes of classroom learning plus a 20-minute homework task and includes a complete teacher answer guide.
Suitable for: IB Biology SL and HL students studying the shared A1.1 Water content.
A comprehensive, student-friendly worksheet designed for the IB Biology first assessment 2025 syllabus, covering A1.1.1–A1.1.4: Water.
Designed as an introduction to the IB Biology course, this resource begins with the foundational chemistry students need to understand the biological importance of water. Concepts are introduced progressively, allowing students to build connections between the molecular structure of water and its properties in living systems.
The worksheet covers:
A1.1.1 — Water as the medium for life
Covalent bonding and valence electrons, including a student-friendly breakdown of the term covalent
A1.1.2 — Polarity of water and hydrogen bonding
Drawing and interpreting water molecules, partial charges and hydrogen bonds
A1.1.3 — Cohesion, surface tension and transport of water under tension in xylem
A1.1.4 — Adhesion and capillary action in soil and plant cell walls
To conclude this resource includes a 20-minute IB-style application task to consolidate learning and develop exam skills.
The resource is designed for approximately 50 minutes of classroom learning, followed by approximately 20 minutes of independent homework/application.
Suitable for: IB Biology SL and HL students studying the shared A1.1 content.
This introductory resource supports kindergarten (ages 4-6) to develop an understanding of what science is, how scientists observe using their senses and how to participate safely in science learning. The intended design of this worksheet is student’s first exposure before participating in simple practical activities.
This resource aligns with:
Australian Curriculum v9- Foundation Science
Participate in guided investigations
Using senses to observe and describe
Exploring safe practices in science