Science
| Course Information |
Science provides a way of thinking about the world. An understanding of science provides students with the ability to make informed decisions about many things, both now and in the future.
Science is a compulsory subject for all students from Year 7 to Year 10. The units of work studied are built around contexts that relate scientific concepts to real life situations and applications, while still maintaining a strong focus on specific disciplines.
The topics range between 4 and 8 weeks in duration. At the beginning of a topic, each student will be provided with an outline that lists the content and skills that will be covered. Each unit of work has a core and extension activities. The extension activities allow students to explore concepts in greater depth and develop skills in teamwork, problems solving and working scientifically.
The units to be covered are as follows:
Year 7
1. Introduction to Science
2. Living Things
3. Chemistry
4. Forces and Energy
5. Our Place in Space
Year 8
1. Our Environment
2. Chemistry
3. The Human Body
4. Electrical Energy
5. Rocks in Space
6. Working Scientifically
Year 9
1. Electricity & Machines
2. Coordination and Control
3. Chemistry
4. Climate Change
5. Plate Tectonics
6. Waves & Radiation
Year 10
1. Cosmology and Motion
2. Chemistry
3. Genetics & Evolution
4. Our Energy Future
A variety of assessment tasks will be conducted throughout the year to inform teachers, students and parents on student progress towards the attainment of course outcomes. Students will be assessed through their performance in a variety of tasks including written exams, research tasks, first-hand scientific investigations and written and oral presentations. Reports are sent home for Semester 1 and Semester 2. Science reports contain information on student progress towards particular outcomes including:
• Knowledge and Understanding
• Skills in working scientifically and problem solving
• Skills in gathering processing and presenting information
First hand investigation skills are progressively developed through independent student research projects in Year 8 and Year 10.
In 2009, all the science laboratories were completely upgraded providing much needed improvements to the teaching environment. All laboratories now have interactive white boards and are fully networked. This greatly enhances the flexibility of activities can that be conducted in these classrooms. Students will learn to use computer-based technologies for a variety of applications including first hand data gathering, research, processing information, presenting information, communication and simulation activities.
The science faculty is keen to develop strong links with parents and the community to provide enrichment opportunities for our students. We are aware that many parents are either professionals, or have contacts, in scientific fields. If parents feel that they can contribute in any way, big or small, to the enrichment of science education at this school, please feel free to contact Mr Jon Re, Head Teacher Science.
| Subjects Studied |
Science is a mandatory subject for students from Year 7 to 10.
The Stage 6 courses offered for Year 11 and 12 students are 2 Unit Biology, 2 Unit Chemistry and 2 Unit Physics.
| Staff |
Mr Jon Re (Head Teacher)
Mrs Donna Gamble
Mrs Ros Mort
Ms Rebecca Smyth
Dr Paul Stokes
Mrs Sue Tarran
| Excursions |
Year 7:
Excursion to Taronga Zoo, Participation in ASTA Spectra Awards
First Lego League
Year 8:
Excursion to Gibberagong Field Study Centre
Participation in the Young Scientist Competition.
First Lego League
Year 9:
Excursion to Power House Museum
Year 10:
Participation in the Young Scientist Competition.
Science and Engineering Challenge.
University Visits in conjunction with careers.
Students will be addressed by a number of guest speakers throughout the year, both live and via video conference.
2 Unit Physics:
Excursion to ANSTO
2 Unit Biology:
Field Study trip to Homebush Bay Field Study Centre
2 Unit Chemistry:
Excursion to Australian Maritime Museum
Whole School
ISCS Australian Schools Science Competition
RACI Chemistry Quiz
Rio Tinto Big Science Competition
Other Competitions and Events - individual entry. Watch Science Notice board for details:
Professor Harry Messel International Science School Yr 11 and 12
Honeywell Engineering Summer School – Yr 11
Siemens Science Experience for Year 9
National Youth Science Forum Year 11
| Internet Links |
HSC Online
http://hsc.csu.edu.au/physics/index.htm
http://hsc.csu.edu.au/chemistry/index.htm
http://hsc.csu.edu.au/biology/index.htm
Uniserve Science
http://science.uniserve.edu.au/school/curric/stage6/
Useful General Science Sites
http://www.science.org.au/nova/
