YEAR
7, 8 & 9
Science, within the Australian curriculum, provides
opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science
concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of
science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our
lives. The curriculum is organised in four core areas:
- biological sciences
- chemical sciences
- earth and space sciences
- physical sciences
YEAR 10
Science and Science Extension
In the Year 10
curriculum students develop questions and hypotheses and independently design and carry out
appropriate methods of investigation. When designing and undertaking investigations they take into account
the need for accuracy, safety, fairness, ethical actions and collaboration. They identify where digital
technologies can be used to enhance the quality of investigations and they communicate
using scientific
language and representations appropriate to the content.
The course covers four key topics:
· Biological sciences
The transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involves DNA and genes.
The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence.
· Chemical sciences
The atomic structure and properties of elements are used to organise them in the Periodic Table.
Different types of chemical reactions are used to produce a range of products and can occur at different rates.
· Earth and space sciences
The universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems and the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin the universe.
Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
· Physical sciences
Energy conservation in a system can be explained by describing energy transfers and transformations.
The motion of objects can be described and predicted using the laws of physics.
YEAR 11 & 12
Biology – General Senior Subject
Biology provides opportunities for students to engage with living
systems. Students develop their
understanding of cells and multicellular organisms. They engage with the
concept of maintaining the internal environment. They study biodiversity and
the interconnectedness of life. This knowledge is linked with the concepts of
heredity and the continuity of life.
Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge and skills of the
discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and research skills),
understand how it works and how it may impact society. They develop their sense
of wonder and curiosity about life; respect for all living things and the
environment; understanding of biological systems, concepts, theories and
models; appreciation of how biological knowledge has developed over time and
continues to develop; a sense of how biological knowledge influences society. Students plan and carry out fieldwork,
laboratory and other research investigations; interpret evidence; use sound,
evidence-based arguments creatively and analytically when evaluating claims and
applying biological knowledge; and communicate biological understanding,
findings, arguments and conclusions using appropriate representations, modes
and genres.
Chemistry – General Senior Subjects
Chemistry is the study of materials and their properties and structure.
Students study atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the structure and
properties of elements and compounds. They explore intermolecular forces,
gases, aqueous solutions, acidity and rates of reaction. They study equilibrium
processes and redox reactions. They explore organic chemistry, synthesis and
design to examine the characteristic chemical properties and chemical reactions
displayed by different classes of organic compounds. Students develop their appreciation of
chemistry and its usefulness; understanding of chemical theories, models and
chemical systems; expertise in conducting scientific investigations. They
critically evaluate and debate scientific arguments and claims in order to
solve problems and generate informed, responsible and ethical conclusions, and
communicate chemical understanding and findings through the use of appropriate
representations, language and nomenclature.
Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge and skills of the
discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and research skills),
understand how it works and how it may impact society.
Physics – General Senior Subject
Physics provides opportunities for students to engage with classical and
modern understandings of the universe. Students
learn about the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, electricity and nuclear
processes; and about the concepts and theories that predict and describe the
linear motion of objects. Further, they explore how scientists explain some
phenomena using an understanding of waves. They engage with the concept of
gravitational and electromagnetic fields, and the relevant forces associated
with them. They study modern physics theories and models that, despite being
counterintuitive, are fundamental to our understanding of many common
observable phenomena. Students develop
appreciation of the contribution physics makes to society: understanding that
diverse natural phenomena may be explained, analysed and predicted using
concepts, models and theories that provide a reliable basis for action; and
that natter and energy interact in physical systems across a range of scales.
They understand how models and theories are refined, and new ones developed in
physics; investigate phenomena and solve problems; collect and analyse data;
and interpret evidence. Students use accurate and precise measurement, valid
and reliable evidence, and scepticism and intellectual rigour to evaluate
claims; and communicate physics understanding, findings, arguments and
conclusions using appropriate representations, modes and genres. Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge
and skills of the discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and
research skills), understand how it works and how it may impact society.
Psychology – General Senior Subject
Psychology provides opportunities for students to engage with concepts
that explain behaviours and underlying cognitions. Students examine individual development in
the form of the role of the brain, cognitive development, human consciousness
and sleep. They investigate the concept of intelligence; the process of
diagnosis and how to classify psychological disorder and determine an effective
treatment; and the contribution of emotion and motivation on individual
behaviour. They examine individual thinking and how it is determined by the
brain, including perception, memory, and learning. They consider the influence
of others by examining theories of social psychology, interpersonal processes,
attitudes and cross-cultural psychology.
Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge and skill of the
discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and research skills),
understand how it works and how it may impact society.
Physics - General Senior Subject
Physics provides opportunities for students to engage with classical and modern understandings of the universe.
Students learn about the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, electricity and nuclear processes; and about the concepts and theories that predict and describe the linear motion of objects. Further, they explore how scientists explain some phenomena using an understanding of waves. They engage with the concept of gravitational and electromagnetic fields, and the relevant forces associated with them. They study modern physics theories and models that, despite being counterintuitive, are fundamental to our understanding of many common observable phenomena.
Students develop appreciation of the contribution physics makes to society: understanding that diverse natural phenomena may be explained, analysed and predicted using concepts, models and theories that provide a reliable basis for action; and that natter and energy interact in physical systems across a range of scales. They understand how models and theories are refined, and new ones developed in physics; investigate phenomena and solve problems; collect and analyse data; and interpret evidence. Students use accurate and precise measurement, valid and reliable evidence, and scepticism and intellectual rigour to evaluate claims; and communicate physics understanding, findings, arguments and conclusions using appropriate representations, modes and genres.
Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge and skills of the discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and research skills), understand how it works and how it may impact society.
Science in Practice – Applied Senior Subject
Science in Practice develops critical thinking skills through the
evaluation of claims using systematic reasoning and an enhanced scientific
understanding of the natural and physical world. Students learn through a contextual
interdisciplinary approach that includes aspects of at least two science
disciplines — Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science or Physics.
They are encouraged to become scientifically literate, that is, to develop a
way of thinking and of viewing and interacting with the world that engages the
practical and analytical approaches of scientific inquiry. Students plan investigations, analyse
research and evaluate evidence. They engage in practical activities, such as
experiments and hands-on investigations. Through investigations they develop
problem-solving skills that are transferable to new situations and a deeper
understanding of the nature of science.
Certificate II Sampling and Management & Certificate III Laboratory Skills
The Certificate II Sampling and Management and the Certificate III Laboratory Skills will teach the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of sampling and measurements activities as part of laboratory, production and field operations in the construction, manufacturing, food process, resources and environmental industry sectors.
The course is online and students are required to attend a practical full day learning in the school science laboratory, demonstrating their skills, once a term.
If you require any further details, please contact:
Meagan Ferguson – Head of Department
(Science)
on
3714 2333 or mferg109@eq.edu.au