SCIENCE The study of science encourages students to better understand and explain the complex world around them. Problem solving is based on concepts which are more challenging and abstract than those experienced in earlier years. Students engage in more formal thought processes and respond to greater intellectual challenges, including higher levels of mathematical procedures. They are expected to plan and conduct investigations and interpret their results. SUBJECT STRUCTURE Year 7
Science 7
Year 8
Science 8
Year 9
Science 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Chemistry 1 & 2
Chemistry 3 & 4
Physics 1 &2
Physics 3 & 4
Science 10 Biology 1 & 2 Biology 3 & 4 Biology 3 & 4
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ASSESSMENT
Notebook computers are used extensively in Science as a research tool to investigate the applications of Science in the real world. The use of simulation software complements practical activities. Students use the Microsoft Office package to draft and present reports and assignments. Classes use the online Schoology learning management system to submit assignments.
Science is assessed using a range of activities, including practical reports, research investigations, homework, class activities and tests. Students are assessed on their knowledge and application of Scientific concepts complemented by production of reports and homework assignments.
Year 9 Science The Scientific Approach: This unit discusses the nature of Science, the relationship between science and technology, experiment design and reporting, measurement errors, significant figures, logical thinking, creativity and problem solving. Students conduct practical experiments requiring effective experimental design and undertake a major individual research project. The concepts are reinforced with STELR investigations into wind turbines and solar panels. Ecosystems: This unit explores the complexity of life and the varied interactions of living things within their environment. Students study energy transfer and cycling of matter through the Earth’s biosphere, the connection between biotic and abiotic factors, the pressure of human population growth and the growing awareness of the interdependency of all organisms. Body Systems: Multicellular Organisms are clusters of specialised cells that perform distinct roles. All organisms receive a myriad of changing internal and external stimuli, the rapid reaction to which ensures their survival. Students will investigate the importance of homeostasis and the roles of the nervous and hormonal systems to maintain this delicate balance.
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YR 9 & 10 CURRICULUM GUIDE 2021
Light, Sound and Radioactivity: Students study the properties of light and the electromagnetic spectrum, refraction, reflection and colour mixing. Applications of this technology include the eye, spectacles, camera, microscope and projectors. They also study the processes of radioactivity and its effects on human populations. Chemistry: A range of chemical reactions is observed as students study the chemical and physical properties of the first 20 elements. Students see the links and trends within the periodic table and predict possible reactions. By learning chemical language, they can write chemical formulas and balance equations. Astronomy: This unit looks at the position of stars and deep space objects in the night sky, the positional changes over a day or year and the use of major constellations in the Southern Sky for direction finding. The Starry Night software is used to assist in the location and movement of space objects. Students learn of the evidence for the Big Bang theory of cosmology. Plate Tectonics: This unit uses Plate Tectonics theory to discuss major geological building processes on earth: volcanoes and earthquakes. Students investigate seismic waves and discover how to locate an earthquake epicenter and its Richter rating from seismic data.
