Science | 
In the Science learning area students learn to investigate, understand and communicate about the physical, biological and technological world and value the processes that support life on our planet. Science helps students to become critical thinkers by encouraging them to use evidence to evaluate the use of science in society and the application of science in daily life. Curriculum Framework 1998 Head of Learning Area
Mr Peter Mountford | Year 7 | Students in Year 7 are introduced to the skills of science and to the use of scientific equipment. The course focuses on the importance of investigation in science and the relevance of scientific ideas to everyday life. The Biology unit provides an introduction to the environment, ecosystems and the importance of plants to our survival. In Chemistry the students examine physical and chemical changes, the differences between solids, liquids and gases as well as simple separation processes. The Earth Science unit has a focus on the importance of the atmosphere in our daily lives and the elements of weather and climate. In the Physics unit the concept of energy is examined and the importance of energy conservation investigated.In Year 7 all students cover a common course and complete common assessment tasks. | Year 8 | Students in Year 8 are introduced to the skills of science and to the safety procedures involved in working in a laboratory. The course provides an introduction to basic concepts in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Earth Science. The focus is on the relevance of these concepts in everyday life and in the importance of investigating as means of solving practical problems. In Chemistry students learn about the structure of matter, chemical symbols, chemical and physical changes and the safe use of equipment. The Biology unit provides an introduction to plants and animals, classification, the characteristics of living things and microscope use. In Physics the key ideas involve energy and how it may be transformed and used in everyday situations. The Earth Science component examines the structure of the Earth, day and night, the seasons, the moon and its influence on the Earth as well as a brief coverage of the other planets of our solar system. In Year 8 all students cover a common course and complete common assessment tasks.
| Year 9 | In Year 9 the students have a greater focus on investigating and problem solving in science. The course extends on the ideas developed in Year 8 in all areas of Science. The Biology unit deals with the systems of the human body with an emphasis on the skeletal, respiratory and circulatory system and the role each plays in our well-being. Some coverage is also given to ecology and the environment. The Earth Science unit focuses on the important processes occurring within the Earth as students investigate volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics as well as studying the different types of rocks found within the Earth’s crust. The Chemistry part of the course deals with the key concepts of atomic structure, formation of ions, reactions of elements and introduces the key skills of writing chemical formulae and balancing of equations. In the Physics unit the areas studied involve concepts of motion including speed, acceleration, force and energy. Students are introduced to simple calculations as part of their work in this area. Some work on electrical circuits, current, voltage and resistance is also included in this unit of work. In Year 9 all students cover a common course and complete common assessment tasks. | Year 10 | There are three different courses (streams) offered in Year 10 Science. Students are allocated to the courses on the basis of their results in Year 9 though movement between courses may occur during Year 10. The courses are Advanced Science, General Science and Foundation Science. All three courses still provides an emphasis on investigating as a key aspect of the scientific process. Each of these courses still provides coverage of Chemistry, Biology and Physics but differ in the level of complexity of the specific concepts covered during the year. The higher level course (Advanced) is designed for those students who will probably study Chemistry, Physics or Biology at Year 11 level. The General Science course also provides an adequate preparation for those subjects but lacks the coverage of more sophisticated calculation skills. The Foundation Science course is designed to cater for those students who have experienced difficulty in Year 9 Science and who would benefit from a modified science program which is suited to their specific needs. | Year 11 | Biological Sciences 2A/2B Students explore the ideas related to diversity, classification, the organism and its environment, plant and animal structure, growth and reproduction. Chemistry 2A/2B Students investigate the physical and chemical properties of substances, the nature of matter, chemical reactions and processes, applied chemistry and chemical calculations. Human Biological Science 1A/1B and 2A/2B Students study cell structure, systems of the human body, growth and development of humans from conception to death as well as comparisons with other primates. Physics 2A/2B Students investigate the importance of matter and energy in the physical world by examining heat, electricity, nuclear technology and the principles of motion. | | | | Year 12 | Biology E402
Students investigate cell structure and function, genetics and man’s impact on the ecosystems and the environment. Chemistry E403
Students investigate the concepts of equilibrium, bonding, reactions of acids and bases, redox reactions and basic organic chemistry as well as volumetric techniques. Human Biology E406
Students study control of body systems, human populations, genetics and evolution as well as man’s impact on the environment. Physics E409
Students investigate the interaction of matter and energy through the study of sound, electromagnetism, atomic physics and motion in two dimensions.
| Associated
Co-curricula activities | - Rio Tinto Big Science Competition (Year 8-10)
- Siemens Science Experience (Year 9)
- National Chemistry Quiz (Year 11 and 12)
- RACI Titration Stakes (Year 12)
- National Youth Science Forum (Year 11)
- Science Talent Search (Year 8-10)
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