Investigating Science

2 units for each of Year 11 and Year 12 Board Developed Course

Course Description:

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 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 ongoing study of Science, the specific Working Scientifically skills, and their application have led humans to accumulate an evidence-based body of knowledge about human interactions – past, present and future – with the world and its galactic neighbourhood. The course is focused on developing the Working Scientifically skills, as they provide a foundation for students to value investigation, solve problems, develop and communicate evidence-based arguments, and make informed decisions.

The course promotes active inquiry and explores key concepts, models and phenomena. It draws and builds on the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes gained in Science Stage 5. The Investigating Science course is designed to complement the study of the Science disciplines by providing additional opportunities for students to investigate and develop an understanding of scientific concepts, their current and future uses, and their impacts on science and society. The course draws on and promotes interdisciplinary science, by allowing students to investigate a wide range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related issues and concepts in depth.

Main Topics Covered:

Year 11 Course

The Year 11 Course modules include:

  • Module 1 – Cause and Effect Observing

  • Module 2 – Cause and Effect – Inferences and Generalisations

  • Module 3 – Scientific Models

  • Module 4 – Theories and Laws

Year 12 Course

The Year 12 course builds upon the knowledge from the Year 11 Course.

The Year 12 Course modules include:

  • Module 5 – Scientific Investigations

  • Module 6 – Technologies

  • Module 7 – Fact or Fallacy?

  • Module 8 – Science and Society

Particular Course Requirements:

  • 30 hours in Year 11 and 30 hours in Year 12 will be allocated to a depth study. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts. A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

  • Practical investigations including both first-hand practical investigations and secondary-sources investigations are mandatory in Year 11 and Year 12. These must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year. Students are required to keep records of all scientific investigations.

  • All science courses have presumed knowledge requirements from Years 7 – 10.

  • Students selecting Investigating Science will need to have achieved strong results in Year 10. Students also need to be proficient in Mathematics

School Fees: Nil