Science Extension (HSC only)

1-unit HSC Board Developed Course

Course Description:

Science Extension is a course with a focus on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report generally acceptable for publication. It 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. Students are challenged to examine a scientific research question influenced by their study of one or more of the scientific disciplines. In doing this, students extend their knowledge of the discipline(s), conduct further analysis and authentic scientific investigations, and uniquely for this course, produce a detailed scientific research report that reflects the standards generally required for publication in a scientific journal.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create a Scientific Research Report, which is supported and evidenced by a Scientific Research Portfolio. The four modules integrate the skills of Working Scientifically within the course content to form the framework for the Scientific Research Project.

Students interrogate and refine their ideas of and about science through analysing historic and cultural observations and significant scientific research within the relevant ethical frameworks and philosophical arguments of the time.

Science Extension is designed for students with an interest in scientific research. The course lays a foundation for students planning to pursue further study in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) based courses offered at the tertiary level, and to engage in new and emerging industries.

Main Topics Covered:

The Science Extension course modules include:

• Module 1 – The Foundations of Scientific Thinking

• Module 2 – The Scientific Research Proposal

• Module 3 – The Data, Evidence and Decisions

• Module 4 – The Scientific Report

Students are also required to establish and area for scientific research, formulate the hypothesis for research, find or generate the data and apply methodologies to analyse the data and develop the Scientific Research Report and respond to the hypothesis.

Particular Course Requirements:

• Prerequisite Study of at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11 and continue the study of at least one of these science courses throughout Year 12.

• Co-requisite 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.

• The Scientific Research Report is a result of the student’s own work and must adhere to the principles and practices of good scholarship, as identified in the HSC: All My Own Work course. While students may collaborate with and draw upon the expertise, knowledge and data held by others in developing their Scientific Research Report and Portfolio, this assistance must be referenced using accepted protocols.

• All scientific research must be sensitive to community expectations and individual school requirements in relation to the question being interrogated. Students must adhere to ethical practices in the collection and analysis of data and the communication of results.

School Fees: Nil