YEAR 10 | SCIENCE OPTIONS

Gene Science (1 unit)

What is the difference between DNA, chromosomes and genes? How are characteristics passed on from parent to offspring? What tools do humans use to manipulate DNA? How do organisms change over time?

In this unit students investigate questions like these from a biological perspective. Students look at the structure and function of DNA and how it codes for the proteins that control the characteristics of organisms. They learn about Mendelian genetics and use Punnett squares to predict the outcome of genetic crosses as well as read pedigrees. They explore different DNA technologies and the techniques used to manipulate DNA, as well as learning about Darwin’s theory of natural selection and evidence for evolution.

Gene Science provides a solid foundation for future studies of VCE Biology.

Test Your Metal (1 unit)

What makes a metal a metal? What are the properties unique to metals? What makes metals so useful in our everyday lives?

The use of metals has had such an impact on humans that we refer to whole eras of history as the iron or bronze age. Metals are still incredibly important in the modern world as technology demands increase and we look for alternative sources of energy. In this unit, students investigate the chemistry behind metals to learn why they have their unusual properties.

They investigate the reactivity of a selection of metals and understand how differences can lead to the production of electricity. In physics -based topics, students will build motors and generators to increase their understanding of how to exploit electromagnetic effects.

Test your Metal provides a solid foundation for future studies in VCE Physics and VCE Chemistry.

Mind and Body (1 unit)

Why do people think, feel and behave the way that they do? What’s the link between our physical brain and nervous system, and our mind? What brain structures influence the formation and development of our emotions, personality and intelligence? What does it mean to be mentally healthy and how does resilience influence this? Why is Psychology considered a science and what does a career in Psychology look like?

In this unit, students investigate these types of questions through a scientific lens and explore how biological, environmental and social influences impact on the development of who we are and how we think. Mind and Body provides a solid foundation for future study.

Mind and Body provides a solid foundation for future studies of VCE Psychology.