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The Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus is designed to assist students of all abilities engage with scientific processes, and apply those processes to investigate relevant personal, community and global scientific issues.
The Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus is designed to assist students of all abilities engage with scientific processes, and apply those processes to investigate relevant personal, community and global scientific issues.
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 Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives.
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 Stage 6 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the value of evidence-based investigations and the use of science-based inquiry in their lives.
Investigating Science encourages the development of a range of capabilities and capacities that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological landscape. The course forms the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries.
Investigating Science encourages the development of a range of capabilities and capacities that enhance a student’s ability to participate in all aspects of community life and within a fast-changing technological landscape. The course forms the foundation for further studies and participation in current and emerging STEM-related post-school activities and industries.
Who should do this course?
Who should do this course?
Students who:
gain a Grade A to C in Year 10 Science course
have an interest in investigating and experimental science through theoretical work, fieldwork, research and practical work.
Note: Consider combining this course with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth & Environmental Sciences if you are considering tertiary studies in Science.
Student reflections
Student reflections
All science subjects demand the use of adequate written skill and comprehension to be able to successfully answer assessment questions.
Here are some comments made by students currently studying Investigating Science:
Here are some comments made by students currently studying Investigating Science:
“Investigating Science is about everything around us. We cover a small part of each of the Sciences. There are a lot of interesting practicals to be done in this course as well as a large amount of information to learn. You need to be hardworking, focussed and creative in order to succeed in this subject. I found out quickly that a background knowledge of all the sciences was needed for this subject. But if you like general sciences then I recommend this subject!”
“Investigating Science is really fun and it has lots of practicals. It requires a lot of group work. Even though there is a lot of practicals involved there is also large amounts of theory. Most of the theory work involves individual research task. If you do not do the homework, study and focus in class it will be very difficult for you to do well or even pass. I was surprised with how long it takes to do all the assessments. They are extremely difficult to do and takes a large amount of outside of class time. The teacher is very helpful though and communication is important.”
“Investigating science requires a high amount of writing, computer research and collaboration. I was surprised at how much writing there was to do. You need to perfect your lab report skills and be good at studying by yourself with all the depth studies. It is easy to fall behind if you don’t take it seriously. Sometimes having freedom in choosing your own depth study is good but then it can be hard to think of something to research too. The assessments were fun but difficult. I have really enjoyed the subject this year”
How is this course taught
How is this course taught
The subject has a Preliminary course and a HSC course. The courses are organised into 8 modules.
The Preliminary Course Studies Cause and Effect – Observing, Inferencing and Generalisations, Scientific models and Theories and Laws. This is a 120 hours’ course with 30 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours.
The HSC course builds on the preliminary course. It includes the study of Scientific Investigations, Technologies, Fact or Fallacy, Science and Society. This is a 120 hours’ course with 30 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours.
Scientific investigations include both practical investigations and secondary-sourced investigations. Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 course and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time, including time allocated to practical investigations in depth studies.
How is the work assessed
How is the work assessed
60% Skills in working scientifically
40% Knowledge and understanding of course content
What are Depth Studies
What are Depth Studies
A depth study is any type of investigation/activity that a student completes individual or collaboratively that allows the further development of one or more concepts found within or inspired by the syllabus. It may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities.
Requirements for Depth Studies:
A minimum of 15 hours of in-class time is allocated in both Year 11 and Year 12.
At least one depth study must be included in both Year 11 & Year 12.
The two Working Scientifically outcomes of Questioning and Predicting and Communication must be addressed in both Year 11 and Year 12.
A minimum of two additional Working Scientifically skills outcomes, and further development of at least one Knowledge and understanding outcome, are to be addressed in all depth studies.
What should I be able to do at the end of this course
What should I be able to do at the end of this course
Understand and critically evaluate basic concepts in modern Physics.
Apply experimental skills in observation, manipulation, measurement and experimental design including fieldwork..
Engage in solving equations based on models, make predictions, and analyse the interconnectedness of physical entities.
How will this subject help me in the future?
How will this subject help me in the future?
Career opportunities for students interested in any science disciplines, Forensics, agriculture, Health, STEM related careers, architecture, optometry, meteorology, astronomy, chiropractic, aviation and space engineering, engineering and medicine.
What does this course cost?
It may cost a charge for an e-book/workbook.
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