To provide learning experiences through which students will:
- acquire scientific knowledge and skills and develop understanding about phenomena within and beyond their experience
- develop an appreciation of science as a human activity and apply their understanding to their everyday life
- develop positive values about and attitudes towards themselves, others, lifelong learning, science and the environment.
- Students commence the course by learning laboratory skills and safety procedures in preparation for a range of practical based activities. This is followed by an introduction to the procedures required to accurately record data in tables and graphs. Computers and electronic monitoring are used in some experimental investigations. Students are introduced to scientific controls and correct experimental procedures.
- Students investigate the nature of mixtures by considering their components and methods for separation. This is further developed so that the students are able to appreciate the particle model for matter. Forces in the natural world such as gravity, electrostatic forces, magnetism and friction are studied through a variety of practical activities. Grouping of plants and animals and the use of dichotomous keys are used to explain the biological background for classification. The five kingdom system for classification is studied as is the fossil record. Cell structure and the use of microscopes is introduced and students prepare their own microscope slides for examination. Finally the students learn about Earth and its place in the solar system.
- In year 8, students learn about major organ systems within organisms with a major focus on nutrition, transport and reproduction in animals. Practical classes help to illustrate the more abstract concepts of acids and bases, simple chemical changes and factors which affect reaction rates. Students learn about different chemical groups, and the nature of matter is introduced through chemical reactions. Foods are analysed chemically to determine their composition. Other topics include the study of electric circuits and ecology, including plant communities and food chains. Computers and electronic monitoring will be used in some experimental investigation. The continued development of observational and practical skills is also an important focus. Students are introduced to scientific controls and proper experimental procedures.
- In year 9 and year 10 the contents – objectives to be accomplished are distributed into Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Values and Attitudes.
1. Knowledge and Understanding
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:
- the history of science
- the nature and practice of science
- applications and uses of science
- implications of science for society and the environment
- current issues, research and development
- models, theories and laws, and structures and systems related to the physical world, matter, the living world, Earth and space
- interactions within the physical world, matter, the living world and Earth and space
Students will develop skills in working scientifically through:
- planning investigations
- conducting investigations
- communicating information and understanding
- developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques
- working individually and in teams.
3. Values and Attitudes
Students will develop positive values and attitudes towards themselves, others, learning as a lifelong process, Science and the environment.