Science Electives
Science Electives
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Evolution, Disease and Immunity
Duration One Semester
Brief Description:
In this elective, students will explore issues surrounding infectious disease through a social, political, biological and evolutionary framework. They will use the principle of ‘backward by design’ support the development of language, concepts and skills required for Units 1 & 2 Biology. The teaching and learning activities in this elective will be of significant benefit to Year 10 students choosing Biology as an advanced placement.
Students are required to write practical reports on different research techniques used throughout the unit. Within their practical reports, students must construct a step-by-step procedure written in past tense. Students will incorporate inferential strategies to draw on prior knowledge and identify relevant text clues when answering comprehension questions.
Students will perform in a variety of team roles and accept responsibility as a team member and team leader, assessing how well they support other members of the team . They will use a ‘collaborative stamp sheet’ for ongoing formative assessment of collaborative skills during practical tasks and a Peer Assessment Rubric tool to set up a peer feedback structure.
Assessment
Students will answer a series of ethical questions about a lawyer who is fired from his firm because he is HIV positive
Natural Selection Simulation Practical Report Students will use the PhET natural selection simulation to generate population data and answer questions relating to how different traits affect survival and adaptability
End of unit test consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions, covering all concepts explored.
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
Forensic Science
Duration One Semester
Brief Description:
This subject will provide students with a pathway into VCE Science by reinforcing several cross-curricular links (command terms, scientific writing skills, literacy and numeracy skills). It will engage students in Science using practical tasks and real-world applications. Students will be required to write practical reports on different research techniques used throughout the unit. Within their practical reports, students must construct a step-by-step procedure written in past tense. Students are required to read and analyse contemporary criminal cases utilising various Forensic Science techniques.
Students will be required to construct their own tables, record accurate results, and display data in an appropriate graph. They will use numeracy skills in a practical context, such as: measuring liquids and solids, calculating angles of projection, when completing practical work. They will also interpret data from past scientific studies and draw conclusions.
Assessment
Research task to identify cases where forensic science was a significant factor in the investigation and prosecution of a criminal offence
Practical task involving the collection and analysis of forensic evidence
Test based on the curriculum developed and taught throughout the course.
Contact Teacher: Ms Sharon Jones
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