Invitation Only:

The accelerated Science program is an invitation only course. This course is designed for students who have achieved at an extensive level in Stage 4 Science. The acceleration course allows students to complete the Stage 5 Science course in Year 9 and offers entry into the Year 11 Investigating Science course in Year 10.

Rationale:

Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. Scientific knowledge is contestable and is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises or existing evidence is re-conceptualised. The study of Science is a collaborative, creative endeavour and has led to a dynamic body of knowledge organised as an interrelated set of models, theories, laws, systems, structures and interactions. It is through this body of knowledge that science provides explanations for a variety of phenomena and enables sense to be made of the natural world.

As students actively engage in the processes of Working Scientifically, they gain an increased appreciation and understanding of the importance of science in their own lives and society, locally and globally. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationships between science and technology and its importance in the current and future practice of science.

Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically, students use scientific inquiry to develop their understanding of science ideas and concepts, as well as the importance of scientific evidence. They demonstrate honesty, ethical principles and respect for differing viewpoints on scientific issues. By engaging in scientific inquiry, students develop a deeper appreciation of the unique nature and development of science as an evolving body of knowledge, of the provisional nature of scientific explanations and of the complex relationship between evidence and ideas. Providing opportunities for students to continue to strengthen these scientific capabilities, helps them further develop as scientifically literate citizens.

The study of Science enables students to develop a positive self-concept as learners and gain confidence in and enjoyment from their learning. Through active participation in challenging and engaging experiences they become self-motivated, independent learners. Their understanding of science and its social and cultural contexts provides a basis for students to make reasoned evidence-based future choices and ethical decisions, and to engage in finding innovative solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues, including sustainable futures.

Aim:

The aim of the Science Years 7–10 Syllabus is to develop students’:

• interest in and enthusiasm for science, as well as an appreciation of its role in finding solutions to contemporary science-related problems and issues

• knowledge and understanding of the nature and practice of scientific inquiry, and skills in applying the processes of Working Scientifically

• scientific knowledge of and about phenomena within the natural world and the application of their understanding to new situations and events

• appreciation of the development and dynamic nature of scientific knowledge, its influence in improving understanding of the natural world and the contribution of evidence-based decisions in informing societies’ use of science and technology.

Objectives:

Values and Attitudes

Students:

• develop an appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future

• develop a willingness to use evidence and reason to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective citizens.

Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

Students:

• develop knowledge, understanding of and skills in applying the processes of Working Scientifically

• develop knowledge of the Physical World, Earth and Space, Living World and Chemical World, and understanding about the nature, development, use and influence of science.

Content:

Topics include:

Chemical Reactions

• Students develop an understanding of chemical reactions and factors affecting the rate of reactions through inquiry, scientific research, and literature.

Genetics and Ecosystems

• Students explore bioelectrogenesis and the potential use of bioelectrogens in our society through a 10-week investigation, including an excursion focused on genetics. Students participate in a scientific research project run by 'Communities for Bioelectrogen Discovery'.

Waves, Motion and the Universe

• Students explore waves, motion, and force through the context of our universe. Students use global telescopes and apply numerical procedures and mathematical concepts to develop an understanding of exoplanets.

Student Research Project

• Students undertake their own research project to investigate a question of their choosing and evaluate their data to form evidence-based conclusions. Students use their understanding, research, and critical thinking skills to suggest possible solutions to real-world problems.