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Subject Pathway
SCIENCE SUBJECT PATHWAY
YEAR 7
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Core Subject
Science YEAR 8
Core Subject
Science YEAR 9
Core Subject
Science
* Please see (page 41) Senior School Pathways for VCE & VET Application Requirements. YEAR 10
Semester Base Elective
Science
Psychology/Biology
Chemistry/Physics
Consolidation Science YEAR 11
Units 1 & 2
All VCE Subjects (Below)
Psychology Units 1 & 2
Biology Units 1 & 2
Chemistry* Units 1 & 2
Physics* Units 1 & 2 YEAR 12
Units 3 & 4
All VCE Subjects (Below)
Psychology Units 3 & 4
Biology Units 3 & 4
Chemistry* Units 3 & 4
Physics* Units 3 & 4
SCIENCE OVERVIEW
Science is a dynamic field that teaches a systematic approach to solve complex global problems. It is a discipline that requires both an independent and collaborative approach to find creative solutions to existing and new challenges. The knowledge gained in Science is constantly revised, refined and extended as new evidence comes to light.
There are six key Science Understanding concepts that underpin the curriculum; Patterns, order and organisation; Form and Function; Stability and Change; Scale and Measurement; Matter and Energy; and Systems. The concepts can be further divided into Biological, Chemical, Earth and Space and Physical Sciences.
These key concepts are taught both from a theoretical viewpoint but also explored through scientific investigations. Investigations include activities where an idea, prediction or hypothesis is tested and conclusions are drawn in relation to a question. During the investigation the collection, analysis and interpretation of data is a key skill.
Both the Science Understanding and Science Inquiry Skills strands are intrinsically linked and taught together.
SCIENCE YEAR 7
SCIENCE
Length: Year Long Unit: 2
Overview
In year 7 Science students are introduced to working safely in a laboratory using the correct equipment and writing investigative reports. Students will investigate chemical sciences such as states of matter and the separation of mixtures. During biological sciences, the classification of organisms and the study of ecosystems is explored. The students study forces and how simple machines can be made and used. Additionally, they explore how the Earth, Sun and Moon interact to create predictable phenomena and research the Earth’s renewable and non-renewable resources.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination.
Key concepts
• Students learn how to write a scientific report and how to interpret and present their findings. Areas of study involve Biology, Chemistry,
Physical Science, and Earth and
Space. • Year 7 Science is designed to introduce students to the joy of scientific discovery and the application of fundamental laws in their world.
SCIENCE YEAR 8
SCIENCE
Length: Year Long Unit: 2
Overview
In year 8 Science students revise the safe and correct use of the laboratory and practical skills and during Biology learn about cells and body systems. During chemical sciences, the Year 8s expand on prior knowledge of matter and apply this to chemical reactions and change. In physical sciences the students look into energy in particular in the form of sound and light and they explore the rock cycle and water cycle in Earth and space sciences.
Key concepts
• Areas of study include rocks and minerals, energy, light and sound, the physical and chemical change of substances, and cells and the human body and reproduction. • Students develop their understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and their ability to use a range of scientific inquiry methods, including questioning, planning and conducting experiments, collecting and analysing data, evaluating results, and drawing critical, evidence-based conclusions.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination.
SCIENCE YEAR 9
SCIENCE
Length: Year Long Unit: 2
Overview
Students explore concepts related to the four fields of Science; Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Earth and Space through laboratory and field based experiments. Within the Biology unit students research ecosystems and the control and coordination of the human body. Students continue to learn about the atom and chemical reactions in a deeper understanding of chemistry. In Earth and Space science the Year 9s learn about plate tectonics and the evidence supporting the theory. Physical science is about electricity and magnetism and how they can be used together in real world applications.
Key concepts
• An analysis of how species interact within various ecosystems in extended through student designed investigation and independent research. • Concepts covered include ecosystems, photosynthesis, tectonic plates, • Students also explore electricity and electromagnetism, the hormonal and nervous system of the human body, as well as the history of atomic science discoveries. • Research extends the ability to communicate scientific understanding and findings, to justify ideas on the basis of evidence, and to evaluate scientific arguments and claims.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination.
SCIENCE YEAR 10
SCIENCE
Length: Semester Unit: 1
Overview
In this elective, students are introduced Biology, Chemistry and Earth and Space Science. Within Chemistry they are introduced to the periodic table and a range of chemical reactions. During Biology students study the role of genetics on and evidence for evolution. Within the Earth and Space science unit, students explore the universe and the theory of the Big Bang.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination. CONSOLIDATION SCIENCE
Length: Semester Unit: 1
Overview
This elective is an application of Science to real world issues. The students explore global systems and energy use and production. A central focus of this class is to create solutions to real world problems. This elective is not applicable to those students who wish to study a VCE Science.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination. PSYCHOLOGY/BIOLOGY
Length: Semester Unit: 1
Overview
Students study the four main types of biomacromolecules. They explore the production of protein from the instructions in DNA and examples of how genes are regulated. In Psychology, students study the history and types of measurements of intelligence. Finally, students explore the science of personality and how it has been measured and described by psychologists over time.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination. CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS
Length: Semester Unit: 1
Overview
In this elective, students will study both Chemistry and Physics. The Chemistry unit reintroduces students to the periodic table. The unit also challenges students to identify different chemical reactions and be able to correctly balance chemical equations. During Physics, the students will look at the three laws of motion and how energy is transferred and transformed.
Assessment
Students are assessed through topic tests, practical reports, research tasks and an examination.
SCIENCE VCE BIOLOGY
Scope Of Study
Biology seeks to understand and explore the nature of life, past and present. VCE Biology enables students to investigate the dynamic relationships between organisms, their interactions with the non-living environment, and the processes of life, from the molecular world of the cell to that of the whole organism, that maintain life and ensure its continuity
An important feature of VCE Biology is the opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks both collaboratively and independently. Inquiry methodologies can include laboratory experimentation, fieldwork, microscopy, local and remote data logging, simulations, animations, literature reviews and the use of global databases and bioinformatics tools. Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings.
Rationale
VCE Biology enables students to investigate the processes involved in sustaining life at cellular, system, species and ecosystem levels. In undertaking this study, students examine how life has evolved over time and understand that in the dynamic and interconnected system of life all change has a consequence that may affect an individual, a species or the collective biodiversity of Earth. In VCE Biology students develop their inquiry, analytical and communication skills. They apply critical and creative thinking to analyse contemporary biology-related issues, and communicate their views from an informed position.
Entry Requirements
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. However, student achievement in learning is optimised by studying Year 10 Biology/ Psychology prior to Units 1 and 2 and Units 1 and 2 prior to Unit 3. Students entering Unit 3 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to attend a College Pathways Meeting and undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher. Students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a sequence.
STRUCTURE There are four units of study:
Unit 1: How do organisms regulate their functions? Unit 2: How does inheritance impact on diversity? Unit 3:How do cells maintain life? Unit 4: How does life change and respond to challenges? challenges over time?
SCIENCE VCE CHEMISTRY
Scope Of Study
VCE Chemistry enables students to explore the relationship between materials and energy through four themes: the design and composition of useful materials, the reactions and analysis of chemicals in water, the efficient production and use of energy and materials, and the investigation of carbon-based compounds as important components of body tissues and the materials used in society.
An important feature of VCE Chemistry is the opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks both collaboratively and independently. Inquiry methodologies can include laboratory experimentation, modelling, site tours, fieldwork, local and remote data-logging, simulations, animations, literature reviews and the use of global databases. Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings. As well as an increased understanding of scientific processes, students develop capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical, social and political contexts of scientific endeavours.
Rationale
VCE Chemistry enables students to explore the nature of chemicals and chemical processes. In undertaking this study, students apply chemical principles to explain and quantify the behaviour of matter, as well as undertake practical activities that involve the analysis and synthesis of a variety of materials.
Entry Requirements
Units 1 & 2: An overall result of at least 75% in Core Science, 85% in Core Mathematics or at least 70% in Advanced Mathematics. Student achievement in learning is optimised by studying Year 10 Chemistry/ Physics prior to Units 1 and 2.
Units 3 & 4: Students entering Units 3 and 4 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to attend a College Pathways Meeting and undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher. Students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a sequence. STRUCTURE There are four units of study:
Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained? Unit 2: What makes water such a unique chemical? Unit 3: How can chemical processes be designed to optimise efficiency? Unit 4: How are organic compounds categorised, analysed and used?
SCIENCE VCE PHYSICS
Scope Of Study
Physics seeks to understand and explain the physical world, both natural and constructed. It examines models and ideas used to make sense of the world and which are sometimes challenged as new knowledge develops.
VCE Physics provides students with opportunities to investigate questions related to selected areas within the discipline including atomic physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and waves. Students also have options for study related to astrobiology, astrophysics, bioelectricity, biomechanics, electronics, flight, medical physics, nuclear energy, nuclear physics, optics, sound and sports science. An important feature of VCE Physics is the opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks both collaboratively and independently. Inquiry methodologies can include laboratory experimentation, local and remote data logging, simulations, animations and literature reviews. Investigation in physics is diverse and may include: the design, building, testing and evaluation of a device; the investigation of the operation of a device; creating a solution to a scientific or technological problem; and the investigation of a physical phenomenon.
Rationale
Physics is based on observations, experiments, measurements and mathematical analysis with the purpose of finding quantitative explanations for phenomena occurring from the subatomic scale through to the planets, solar systems and galaxies in the Universe. Whilst many scientific understandings in Physics have stood the test of time, many other areas continue to evolve. In undertaking this study, students develop their understanding of the role of careful and systematic experimentation, and modelling, in the development of theories and laws. They undertake practical activities and apply physics principles to explain both natural and constructed phenomena. In VCE Physics students develop their analytical and communication skills. They apply critical and creative thinking to analyse physics-related issues, and communicate their views from an informed position.
Entry Requirements
Units 1 & 2: An overall result of at least 75% in Core Science, 85% in Core Mathematics or at least 70% in Advanced Mathematics. Student achievement in learning is optimised by studying Year 10 Advance Chemistry/Physics prior to Units 1 and 2.
Units 3 & 4: Students entering Units 3 and 4 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to attend a College Pathways Meeting and undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher. Students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a sequence. STRUCTURE There are four units of study:
Unit 1: What ideas explain the physical world? Unit 2: What do experiments reveal about the physical world? Unit 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity? Unit 4: How can two contradictory models explain both light and matter?
SCIENCE VCE PSYCHOLOGY
Scope Of Study
VCE Psychology enables students to explore how people think, feel and behave through the use of a biopsychosocial approach. Students explore the connection between the brain and behaviour by focusing on several key interrelated aspects of the discipline: the interplay between genetics and environment, individual differences and group dynamics, sensory perception and awareness, memory and learning, and mental health.
An important feature of VCE Psychology is the opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks both collaboratively and independently. Inquiry methodologies can include laboratory experimentation, observational studies, self-reports, questionnaires, interviews, rating scales, simulations, animations, examination of case studies and literature reviews. Students pose questions, formulate research hypotheses, operationalise variables, collect and analyse data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings.
As well as an increased understanding of scientific processes, students develop capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical, social and political contexts of scientific endeavours.
Rationale
VCE Psychology provides students with a framework for exploring the complex interactions between biological, psychological and social factors that influence human thought, emotions and behaviour. In undertaking this study, students apply their learning to everyday situations including workplace and social relations. They gain insights into a range of psychological health issues in society.
Entry Requirements
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. However, student achievement in learning is optimised by studying Year 10 Biology/ Psychology prior to Units 1 and 2 and Units 1 and 2 prior to Unit 3.
Students entering Unit 3 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to attend a College Pathways Meeting and undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher. Students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a sequence. STRUCTURE There are four units of study:
Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped? Unit 2: How do external factors influence behaviour and mental processes? Unit 3: How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes? Unit 4: How is wellbeing developed and maintained?
