SCIENCE RESEARCH Student Research in Science By Dr Kristie Spence, Head of Learning Area – Science
Pymble’s intrepid Science explorers, the inaugural cohort of Science Extension students and teachers in 2019
In 2018, our girls first experienced the new Higher School Certificate syllabuses for the Sciences, including the introduction of a Science Extension course and a new course called Investigating Science. Science Extension is a wonderful new addition to the suite of Science subjects on offer for the HSC, allowing our keenest young scientists to conduct their own research and experience the joys and frustrations associated with conducting scientific research.
28
|
Illuminate EDITION 4 2020
A
ll Science syllabuses now have a much larger focus on problem solving. Furthermore, there is now time allocated to a Depth Study in each of the Sciences in both Years 11 and Year 12. This allocation of 15 hours to a deep dive into one aspect of each subject has been particularly beneficial to development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Having time to prototype, struggle and find solutions to the problems Science students face in an experimental setting has allowed our students to further develop their skills and build the confidence only gained by working through problems by oneself. The following insights from past and current Year 12 Science and Science Extension students give readers a window into the types of topics our student researchers are exploring and the foundational experimental and research skills Depth Studies and Science Extension Research Projects are developing. We are excited to see how our Senior Science students are responding to the recent changes brought upon the world by the COVID-19 virus, and look forward to watch them enhance their thinking and problem-solving skills and become part of the next generation of scientists who will take our society into the future.
Pymble Ladies’ College
