Science

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

On television shows like “Crime Scene Investigation”, viewers get to watch as investigators find and collect evidence at the scene of a crime, making blood appear as if by magic, swabbing mouths and analysing DNA.

But does Hollywood get it right? Do crime scene investigators follow DNA samples into the lab? Do they interview suspects and catch the bad guys, or is their job all about collecting physical evidence? In this elective we will examine what really goes on when a crime scene investigator processes a crime scene.

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Define and demonstrate the principles of Forensic Science

• Give examples of forensic science applications

• Hypothesising, predicting, collecting, recording, analysing and drawing conclusions.

• Complete a crime scene lab report from a fictional crime scene.

ASSESSMENT:

• Written Test                                                        

• Practical Exam                                             

• Research Task    

Course fee: $20.00 

MARINE STUDIES

Australia’s population is concentrated near our vast coastline. The marine environment is especially important to Australia in terms of its use by all Australians. This Marine Studies elective will introduce students to some of the aspects of the marine environment associated with our use of it, as well as the environmental features. The topics that will be studied include:

• Dangerous Creatures and

• Rock Platforms

The final Module of study will be elected by student choice.

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Research a dangerous marine creature

• Appreciate marine life

• Measure and describe physical features of the marine environment

• Complete a food web for a marine ecosystem

• Recreation in marine environments

ASSESSMENT:

• Research Task                                                

• Excursion worksheet                                       

• Practical Assessment / Field Work Task         

• Topic Examinations and Practical Activities    

Course Fee: $20.00 Excursions incur additional costs throughout the course            

INNOVATION STATION:  An introduction to STEM and problem solving 

This year we will be offering a brand new single semester elective for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This course will set you up with the foundational problem solving skills that will prepare you well for a continuation of STEM subjects in Stage 5. 

You will have the opportunity to solve a range of exciting problems and challenges, compete against other students in classroom competitions and explore the innovative world of STEM.

This elective runs in both semester 1 and 2 and you will study two modules

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Houstin, we have a problem!

  • This first module will introduce you to the amazing world of STEM. You will conduct a range of mini projects to solve a variety of problems, including riddles, physical challenges and even escape rooms! Some of the challenges include designing, building and testing catapult systems, hydraulic lolly claws and water filtration systems. 

  • This module is full of fun, hands on activities that will get you thinking!

• From zero to spHERO! 

  • During this unit you will learn how to code mini Sphero robots with coding apps. You will compete against peers to complete a range of fun challenges such as maze navigation and sphero races, as well as designing mini chariots for your sphero to deliver goods in a race against the clock. May the best nerd win!

  • * Hero capes optional

ASSESSMENT:

• Practical Experimentation 

• Practical coding challenge 

Course fee: $20.00