Accelerated
Accelerated
Investigating Science
Investigating Science
Science Faculty
Embedded Files
Course Description
Course Description
The Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives. The course complements the work done in Stage 5 Science and Stage 6 Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of scientific concepts, their current and future uses, and their impacts on science and society. Investigating Science encourages the development of a range of capabilities that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological landscape.
The knowledge, understanding and skills gained from this course are intended to support students’ ongoing engagement with science, and to form the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries.
As this is an accelerated HSC course, students must have performed at a high level in Stage 4 Science and must have demonstrated a strong understanding of the Stage 5 skills. Students must possess well developed organisational skills, and have demonstrated a commitment to their own learning.
Note: The Investigating Science Stage 6 course may be studied as a stand-alone course or in combination with any TWO other HSC science course(s) studies in Yr 11 and 12. Students studying Investigating Science may also elect to study Science Extension in Year 12.
IMPORTANT: Students may only study a maximum of six units of Year 11 Science courses and seven units of Year 12 Science to satisfy pattern of study requirements for the HSC.
What will students learn about?
What will students learn about?
The Year 11 course focuses on the centrality of observation in initiating the scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalisations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws.
The Year 11 course consists of four modules:
Module 1 Cause and Effect – Observing, Module 2 Cause and Effect – Inferences and Generalisations, Module 3 Scientific Models and Module 4 Theories and Laws
The Year 12 course builds on the skills and concepts learnt in Year 11 with students conducting their own scientific investigations and communicating their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.
The Year 12 course consists of four modules:
Module 5: Scientific Investigations; Module 6: Technologies; Module: 7 Fact or Fallacy?;Module 8: Science and Society.
The course promotes interdisciplinary science, by allowing students to investigate a wide range of STEM concepts in depth. Students will examine the relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim. The course concludes with students exploring the ethical, social, economic and political influences on science and scientific research in the modern world.
What will students learn to do?
What will students learn to do?
In this course students and teacher can select content from any scientific discipline to develop skills in Science. These skills lay the foundation for all Stage 6 Science courses. Students are provided with 30 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.
Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year.
Selection Criteria and application process
Selection Criteria and application process
Students need to complete an application
A maximum of 24 students will be selected
Students will be selected based on their performance throughout Year 8 in assessment tasks, students’ work ethic, attitudes towards learning, and teacher professional judgement.
Students must maintain a high level of performance in order to continue in the accelerated course.
Cost
Cost
$60 (this includes an online ATOMI subscription).
RoSA Information
RoSA Information
This course will appear on your HSC instead of your RoSA.
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