Science Extension

Course Description

The Science Extension Stage 6 Syllabus focuses on the nature, development and processes of Science. The course requires students to engage with complex concepts and theories and to critically evaluate new ideas, discoveries, and contemporary scientific research. They are challenged to examine a scientific research question drawn from one or more of the scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environment Science and Physics. In doing this, students extend their knowledge of the discipline/s, conduct further analysis and authentic investigations and, uniquely for this course, produce a detailed scientific research report that reflects the standards generally required for publication in a scientific journal. Through designed and conducting their own scientific research, initially using small data sets, students deepen and build upon their understanding of analyzing and interpreting data

The course is designed for students who have attained a high level of achievement in one or more of the science disciplines in Year 11 and are planning to pursue further study in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) based courses offered at the tertiary level.

Main Topics Covered

Particular Course Requirements

Throughout the course students select and develop a research question and develop evidence based responses in the form of a Scientific Research Report that is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio. The Scientific Research Report is a result of the student’s own work and must adhere to the principles and practices of good scholarship. While students may collaborate with and draw upon the expertise, knowledge and data held by others in developing their scientific research, it must be sensitive to community expectations in relation to the question being interrogated and students must adhere to ethical practices in the collection and analysis of data and publishing results of the scientific research.

Assessment: HSC Course