Science Extension
What is Science Extension?
This course focuses on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report. Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create their Scientific Research Report which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio
Science Extension starts in the first term in Year 12 (Term 4).
Science Extension is 1 unit ATAR subject
Course requirements
Prerequisite courses for entry into Science Extension Year 12 are one of, or a combination (up to 6 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11.
Co-requisite courses for Science Extension Year 12 are one of, or a combination (up to 7 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 12.
Students must propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses in the form of a Scientific Research Report, which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio.
What do you do in Science Extension
Choose an area of science that you have an interest and passion to investigate further. May be something that during your other science course grabbed your curiosity and thinking.
Create your own inquiry research question from the topic of your interest.
Design, conduct experimental or theoretical research to collect evidence to answer you inquiry question.
Analyse the data collected using statistical tools and software.
Write a final research paper to be submitted to NESA by Term 3.
What do we study in Science Extension
Module 1
The Foundations of Scientific Thinking
You explore historic and cultural observations, the way scientific research has changed over time, and how ethical frameworks have influenced this process. We are going to consider philosophical arguments in relation to the nature of science to deepen your understanding and refine your own views of and about science.
Module 2
The Scientific Research Proposal
You will learn to develop a question that enables scientific research by exploring peer-reviewed published literature for guidance. You are provided with opportunities to use established scientific methods to gather, process, analyse and represent valid, accurate and reliable quantitative and qualitative data.
Module 3
The Data, Evidence and Decisions
You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the analytical techniques for accessing, storing and analysing high-volume unstructured secondary-sourced publicly available data set(s).
Module 4
The Scientific Research Report
You will create a scientific research report which follows a specific format that ensures that the scientific community can readily access and examine its contents, including related data, and to repeat methodologies, if required, to evidence claims made or conclusions drawn.
Previous and current research in Science Extension at GHS
How do wombats produce squared poo pellets?
The effectiveness of the gardasil vaccine on the prevention of cervical cancer.
The bioaccumulation of pesticides in honey.
The effect of temperature on the reproduction rate of guppy fish.
The effect of nanoplatics on the mortality rate of Daphnia magna.
How page colour affects memory retention?
