Science

Core Science

This course is designed to provide students with a depth of science knowledge, skills and techniques to allow them to relate science to their lives.

Content

This course covers the following main areas of study:

Science Understanding – Understanding of symbols and equations, energy changes in chemical, physical, biological and earth science contexts, the linking of chemical physical, biological and earth sciences to solve problems. Students cover this through the investigation of the topics of Forensics, Control & Coordination, Energy in Ecosystems, Inside the Atom, Chemical Change, Reproduction The dynamic Earth, and Energy transmissions.
Science as a Human Endeavour – Nature and development of science and scientific understanding, including models and theories, are contestable and are refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community.
Science Inquiry Skills – Questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analysing data and information, evaluating and communicating.

This course covers the following main areas of study:

Research, relationships and experimental design.
Exploration of key concepts which are pivotal to Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science and Biology.

Assessment

Inquiry based learning, research tasks and topic tests.

Enhancement Science

In Enhancement Science, students will develop advanced scientific knowledge, practical laboratory skills and analytical thinking, while making connections between science and real-world issues. The course encourages curiosity, independence and collaboration through a range of challenging and engaging learning experiences.

Content

This course covers the following main areas of study:

Science Understanding

Students explore scientific concepts in greater depth and complexity across Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Earth Science. There is a strong focus on applying scientific thinking to explain phenomena, solve problems and interpret evidence. Students will investigate topics including:

Forensics
Control and Coordination
Energy in Ecosystems
Inside the Atom
Chemical Change
Reproduction
The Dynamic Earth
Energy Transmission

Students will further develop their understanding of scientific symbols, equations, models and systems, while examining the links between different scientific disciplines.

Science as a Human Endeavour

Students investigate how scientific knowledge develops over time and how discoveries, models and theories are refined through research, evidence and collaboration within the scientific community. They will examine the role of science in society and consider ethical, environmental and technological implications of scientific advancements.

Science Inquiry Skills

Students will strengthen their skills in:

Designing and conducting investigations
Researching scientific issues
Analysing and interpreting data
Evaluating evidence and drawing conclusions
Communicating scientific ideas using a range of formats

Students will complete a variety of assessment tasks that may include practical investigations, research projects, scientific reports, presentations, data analysis tasks and collaborative problem-solving activities.

STEM Elective

Love solving problems, building things and exploring how the world works? This exciting STEM elective is designed for curious and creative students who want to dive deeper into the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Throughout the semester, students will investigate fascinating real-world topics such as food gastronomy, how heavy things can fly, biodegradable plastics and innovative engineering challenges. Through hands-on experiments, design projects and collaborative teamwork, students will think like scientists and engineers while developing their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students will have the opportunity to combine mathematical thinking with scientific design through engaging classroom activities, practical investigations and exciting excursions. If you enjoy asking questions, testing ideas and creating solutions, this elective is for you!