Junior Science

Course Overview: Year 9 Science is a half-year compulsory course designed to introduce students to scientific thinking and the tikanga in the laboratory, while enabling them to develop an understanding of the world around them. The course covers three main units: Energy in Chemistry (changing states, chemical reactions and structure of the atom), Energy in Plants (why plants are essential living organisms for our planet), and Energy in Physics (energy transformations, conduction, convection and radiation, fair testing).

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open entry - Compulsory subject.

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 2 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Science, a compulsory full-year course designed to further advance practical investigation skills, critical thinking, and foundational scientific concepts.

Course Overview: This half-year option involves chemical experiments to test for macronutrients and food energy. We will study the digestive system of humans and mammals, including dissections. We will delve into the body’s nutritional requirements for health and optimal function, as well as explore the Science behind the benefits and dangers of fad diets. Students will choose an inquiry topic that may include the preparation of a pre- or post-exercise meal in the food technology kitchen.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: NOT AVAILABLE

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 2 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Science, a compulsory full-year course designed to further advance practical investigation skills, critical thinking, and foundational scientific concepts.

Course Overview: Forensic Science is the application of many scientific disciplines to the investigation of crimes. In this half-year option course, students will use Biology, Chemistry and Physics to analyse and interpret crime scene evidence. We will begin with an introduction to scientific inquiry and the process of forensic investigation. Knowledge of investigation is then applied to the analysis of trace evidence such as hair, fibre, fingerprints and DNA.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list

Recommended Prior Learning: Open entry

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 2 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Science and/or 10 Forensic Science, optional courses designed to further advance practical investigation skills, critical thinking, and specialised scientific concepts.

Course Overview: This half-year option course investigates the perils our planet faces from human impacts, natural cycles as well as surviving meteorite impacts in the future. We study our solar system and explore planets and dangers beyond our solar system. Students will launch a high-speed water rocket and look for answers to questions including: “Does extraterrestrial life exist?" and “Is it practical to travel to the stars?”

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Open entry

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 2 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to Year 10 Science, a compulsory full-year course designed to further advance practical investigation skills, critical thinking, and foundational scientific concepts.

Course Overview: Year 10 Science is a compulsory full-year course that builds on students' knowledge from Year 9 and develops thinking skills to grow capable citizens who can think scientifically. Students will gain an understanding of the world through the knowledge of how science works, how human organ systems work, and how sustainability and climate change can be analysed critically to solve problems in our community.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Completion of Year 9 Science or equivalent modules.

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 4 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to any science course, including specialised Level 1 options like SCA100, SCB100, 100SCC, or SCD100.

Course Overview: This half-year option course will introduce students to the basic concepts of forensic psychology and pathology. Topics will include cults, psychopaths, crime prevention, wounds, and how to run an autopsy.

Equipment/Stationery: See stationery list.

Recommended Prior Learning: Completion of Year 9 Science or equivalent modules.

Assessment Information: Learning Task 1 and 2 each term for 2 terms. 

Next Steps: Students can progress to Science 100, senior full-year courses designed to deepen investigation mechanics and scientific concepts.