May · Heat energy
Australian Curriculum v9.0 · Physical sciencesYear 3 Physics — May Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2nd week (Physics) | — | — | — | — |
| May 3rd week (Physics) | — | — | — | — |
| May 4th week (Physics) | — | — | — | — |
Australian Curriculum · Year 3 Physics · Primary
Year 3 Physics Lesson Plan & Curriculum Map
The physical sciences unit from our Year 3 Australian Curriculum (v9.0) science lesson plan: heat energy. Week-by-week lessons for 1, 2, 3 or 4 lessons a week, showing when each pace covers this unit; a dash means that pace is on a different science unit that week. For the full year, see the Year 3 Science lesson plan.
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Year 3 Physics learning map
Choose a term, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.
1 day/week · steady pace2–3 days/week · guided practice
June · Heat energy
Australian Curriculum v9.0 · Physical sciencesYear 3 Physics — June Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1st week (Physics) | — | — | — | Sources of Heat Energy 1. Natural sources of heat (e.g. the sun, fire) 2. Made/artificial sources of heat (e.g. a stove, a heater) 3. Practice: sorting heat sources into natural and made Temperature vs Heat 1. The difference between temperature and heat (heat is energy transferred; temperature is a measure) |
| June 2nd week (Physics) | — | — | — | Temperature vs Heat 1. Practice: explaining a real scenario using both terms correctly 2. Practice: identifying which term applies in 3 different everyday statements Heat Transfer — Hot to Cold 1. How heat energy transfers from a hotter object to a cooler object 2. Understanding that heat always flows from hot to cold, never the reverse |
| June 3rd week (Physics) | — | — | — | Heat Transfer — Hot to Cold 1. Practice: an experiment observing heat transfer between 2 objects Changes in Temperature 1. How an object's temperature changes as heat is transferred to or from it 2. Practice: measuring and recording a temperature change over time 3. Practice: representing a temperature change on a simple graph |
| June 4th week (Physics) | — | — | — | Materials & Heat — Conductors 1. Materials that transfer heat well (conductors) 2. Practice: an experiment comparing how quickly different materials conduct heat 3. Real examples of conductive materials in everyday objects Materials & Heat — Insulators 1. Materials that resist heat transfer (insulators) |
July · Heat energy
Australian Curriculum v9.0 · Physical sciencesYear 3 Physics — July Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1st week (Physics) | — | — | Sources of Heat Energy 1. Natural sources of heat (e.g. the sun, fire) | Materials & Heat — Insulators 1. Practice: an experiment testing which material insulates best 2. Real examples of insulating materials in everyday objects Real Applications of Heat Conductivity 1. Real uses of conductive materials (e.g. cooking equipment) 2. Real uses of insulating materials (e.g. clothing, building insulation) |
| July 2nd week (Physics) | — | — | Sources of Heat Energy 1. Made/artificial sources of heat (e.g. a stove, a heater) 2. Practice: sorting heat sources into natural and made Temperature vs Heat 1. The difference between temperature and heat (heat is energy transferred; temperature is a measure) | Designing for Heat — A Playground Case Study 1. Understanding the problem: playground equipment can become too hot in the sun 2. Designing a playground or piece of playground equipment that limits heat impact, using knowledge of conductors/insulators Investigating Heat Energy 1. Developing an investigable question about heat transfer or temperature change 2. Planning the investigation using a provided scaffold, including fair-test elements and safety |
The learning framework
Anatomy of a focused lesson
Each session moves from a clear focus to guided practice and a quick check for understanding.
10 minutes
Wonder and question
Start with an everyday question about the week’s topic that links to what your child already knows.
25 minutes
Explore and investigate
Explain the idea with pictures and simple models, then observe, test or record a small investigation together.
10 minutes
Check for mastery
Finish with a short quiz or explain-it-back task that shows what is secure and what to revisit.
Student learning toolkit
Resources for Year 3 Physics
Concept lessons
Clear, visual lessons on each Australian Curriculum physics topic.
Practice activities
Short questions and checks matched to each week’s focus.
Science inquiry
Investigation, observation and recording skills built into each unit.
Progress notes
A clear record of what your child has mastered and what comes next.
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