SCIENCE

SCIENCE SUBJECTS - YEAR 10 TO YEAR 12

SCIENCE Learning Leader: Mrs Innika Ackerley

STAGE 1 CHEMISTRY

YEAR 10 SCIENCE (GENERAL) STAGE 1 BIOLOGY)

STAGE 1 PHYSICS

STAGE 1 PSYCHOLOGY

STAGE 2 CHEMISTRY

STAGE 2 BIOLOGY

STAGE 2 PHYSICS

STAGE 2 PSYCHOLOGY

Year 10 Science

Length of Course: 2 semesters (compulsory)

Aims: This course is based on the Australian Curriculum.

During the Year 10 course, students explore systems at different scales and connect microscopic and macroscopic properties to explain phenomena. Students explore the biological, chemical, and physical evidence for different theories, such as Darwin’s theory of natural selection and Ohm’s Law. Atomic theory is developed further to understand relationships within the periodic table. Understanding motion and forces are related by applying physical laws and students use these to predict the motion of objects. Relationships between aspects of the living, physical and chemical world are applied to systems on a local and global scale, and this enables students to predict how changes will affect equilibrium within these systems. Students will analyse how the models and theories they use have changed over time and discuss the factors that led to their review.

There is a strong focus on experimental design and analysis of data in experimentation and the selection of appropriate methods to communicate scientifically as well as analyse the validity of claims in secondary sources.

Students consider Science as a Human Endeavour, and complete Design and Deconstruct tasks in preparation for Stage 1 Science subjects.

Content: • Biological Sciences: with a focus on Genetics and the transfer of heritable characteristics in addition to a discussion of the theories around

Natural Selection. • Chemical Sciences: focusing on atomic structure and the arrangement of elements on the Periodic

Table as well as different types of chemical reactions. • Earth Science: where students undertake a selfdirected analysis of regenerative agriculture, the carbon and nitrogen cycles and the indigenous perspective or farming and clearing land. • Physical Sciences: with a focus on energy conservation in systems explained via energy transfers and transformations as well as electrical circuits, Ohm’s Law and resistivity.

Stage 1 Biology

Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters (10 or 20 credits)

Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living things. In particular the relationship between structure and function on a micro and a macro level, and the identification and taxonomy, the growth and reproduction of organisms, evolution of favourable characteristics, and ecosystem sustainability. Biology recognises the cell as the basic unit of life, that genes as the smallest unit of heredity and the Theory of Evolution as pivotal in the diversification of species over time. It is also understood that all organisms survive by transforming energy, initially from the sun, into useable forms and by maintaining a constant, internal environment via homeostasis. Students extend their skills with their knowledge and understandings to find solutions to biological issues and understand how biological science can impact their lives, society and the environment. In the study of Biology students inquire into and explain biological phenomena and draw evidence-based conclusions from investigations into biology related issues and innovations. This is of note in the production of genetically engineered materials, implementation of disease control methods, the maintenance of human health, the preservation of habitats and sustainability of species. The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding. Prerequisites: C grade or higher in Year 10 Science.

Content: In Stage 1 students learn to implement practical skills of microscopy to study the cellular basis of life and to use this understanding to learn about infectious diseases. The hierarchy of cells to organisms are studied by highlighting the efficiency of different body systems. Cellular processes and relationships between organisms are investigated at an ecosystem level.

Biology A: Cells and Microorganisms, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Dynamics, Infectious Diseases. Biology B: Cells and Microorganisms, Multicellular Organisms.

Students studying one semester of Biology will not be able to choose which semester they study.

Assessment: Assessment at Stage 1 is school-based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types: • Investigation Folio – including practical investigations, research assignments, presentations and excursion reports. • Skills and Application Tasks – tests, examinations.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS - YEAR 10 TO YEAR 12

Stage 1 Chemistry

Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters (10 or 20 credits)

The study of Chemistry, develops and extends students understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. Students explore examples of how scientific understanding may involve the application of new technologies and consider examples of the benefits and risks of chemical knowledge to the wider community, along with the capacity of chemical knowledge to inform public debate on social and environmental issues. The study of Chemistry helps students to make informed decisions about interacting with and modifying nature, and explore options such as green or sustainable chemistry, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of chemical products and processes.

The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding.

Students wishing to study Stage 2 Chemistry must complete both semesters of Stage 1 Chemistry.

Prerequisites: C grade or higher in Year 10 Science. Content: Through the study of Chemistry, students develop the skills that enable them to be questioning, reflective, and critical thinkers; investigate and explain phenomena around them; and explore strategies and possible solutions to address major challenges now and in the future (for example, in energy use, global food supply, and sustainable food production).

Students integrate and apply a range of understanding, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills that encourage and inspire them to contribute their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges, and pursue future pathways, including in medical or pharmaceutical research, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and innovative product design.

Chemistry A: Materials and Their Atoms, Combinations of Atoms, Molecules Chemistry B: Mixtures and Solutions, Acid and Bases, Redox Reactions

Assessment: Assessment at Stage 1 is school-based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types: • Investigation Folio – including practical investigations, research assignments and presentations. • Skills and Application Tasks – Tests and examinations.

Stage 1 Physics

Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters (10 or 20 credits)

The study of Physics is constructed around using qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them. Physics seeks to explain natural phenomena, from the subatomic world to the macro cosmos, and to make predictions about them. The models, laws, and theories in physics are based on evidence obtained from observations, measurements, and active experimentation over thousands of years. As they explore the interaction between science and society, students recognise that the knowledge and understanding of physics is constantly changing and increasing through the application of new ideas and technologies. The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding.

Students wishing to study Stage 2 Physics must complete both semesters of Stage 1 Physics.

Prerequisites: B grade or higher in Year 10 Science and a B grade or higher in Year 10 General Mathematics. Content: In Stage 1 students learn to interpret physical phenomena through a study of motion in two dimensions, electricity and electrical circuits, heat, energy, waves, and nuclear models. They apply their knowledge to solve problems, develop investigation skills through practical and other learning activities.

Physics A: Linear Motion and Forces, Electric Circuits, Heat. Physics B: Energy and Momentum, Wave models and Light, Radioactivity.

Assessment: Assessment at Stage 1 is school-based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types: • Investigation Folio – including practical investigations, research assignments and presentations. • Skills and Application Tasks – Tests and examinations.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS - YEAR 10 TO YEAR 12

Stage 1 Psychology

Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters (10 or 20 credits)

Psychology is the systematic study of thoughts, feelings and behaviours and the factors that influence these. Psychologists gather empirical data through conducting investigations and for this reason it is taught as a scientific discipline. Stage 1 Psychology comprises both compulsory and negotiated topics, reflecting current affairs and student interests. Students are taught to analyse behaviour using the biopsychosocial model.

The Stage 1 Psychology course is designed to: • Extend student understanding of themselves and their social environment through the analysis of psychological function and behaviour. • Involve students in the ethical collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. • Prepare students for a Stage 2 Psychology course.

Prerequisites: A C grade or higher in Year 10 Science and a C grade or higher in Year 10 English.

Content: In Stage 1 students study Cyber Psychology, the psychological considerations regarding the interaction between humans and technology. Further elements of human behaviour and emotion are studied in the topics of Psychological Wellbeing and Emotion. Criminal Psychology delves into the links between the psyche, personality disorders and the prevalence of crime. Students consider the anatomical structures of the brain and nervous system in Neuropsychology and study cognitive, social and emotional development from birth to death in Lifespan Psychology.

Psychology A: Cyberpsychology, Lifespan Psychology, Neuropsychology. Psychology B: Criminal Psychology, Emotion, Psychological Wellbeing

Assessment: Assessment at Stage 1 is school-based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types: • Skills and Applications Tasks (including tests and assignments) • Investigation Tasks (including one Science as a Human Endeavour task and one Design and

Deconstruct task)

Stage 2 Biology

Length of Course: 2 semesters (20 credits)

Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living things. Of particular highlight is the: relationship between structure and function on a micro and a macro level; identification and taxonomy; growth and reproduction of organisms; evolution of favourable characteristics; and ecosystem sustainability. Biology recognises the cell as the basic unit of life, that genes as the smallest unit of heredity and the Theory of Evolution as pivotal in the diversification of species over time. It is also understood that all organisms survive by transforming energy, initially from the sun, into useable forms and by maintaining a constant, internal environment via homeostasis. Students extend their skills with their knowledge and understandings to find solutions to biological issues and understand how biological science can impact their lives, society and the environment. In the study of Biology students inquire into and explain biological phenomena and draw evidence-based conclusions from investigations into biology related issues and innovations. This is of note in the production of genetically engineered materials, implementation of disease control methods, the maintenance of human health, the preservation of habitats and sustainability of species. The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding.

Prerequisites: C grade or higher in a Stage 1 Science subject.

Content: The following topics provide the framework for learning in Stage 2 Biology: • Topic 1: DNA and Proteins • Topic 2: Cells as the Basis of Life • Topic 3: Homeostasis • Topic 4: Evolution

Assessment: Electronic examination. The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Biology: School Assessment (70%) • Investigations Folio (30%) • Skills and Applications Tasks (40%) External Assessment (30%) • Electronic Examination (2 hours) (30%)

SCIENCE SUBJECTS - YEAR 10 TO YEAR 12

Stage 2 Chemistry

Length of Course: 2 semesters (20 credits)

The study of Chemistry, develops and extends students understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. Students explore examples of how scientific understanding may involve the application of new technologies and consider examples of the benefits and risks of chemical knowledge to the wider community, along with the capacity of chemical knowledge to inform public debate on social and environmental issues. The study of Chemistry helps students to make informed decisions about interacting with and modifying nature, and explore options such as green or sustainable chemistry, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of chemical products and processes.

The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding.

Prerequisites: A B grade or higher at Stage 1 Chemistry A and B is essential for a study of Stage 2 Chemistry since this course builds on topics studied at Stage 1 Chemistry. Content: Through the study of Chemistry, students develop the skills that enable them to be questioning, reflective, and critical thinkers; investigate and explain phenomena around them; and explore strategies and possible solutions to address major challenges now and in the future (for example, in energy use, global food supply, and sustainable food production).

Students integrate and apply a range of understanding, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills that encourage and inspire them to contribute their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges, and pursue future pathways, including in medical or pharmaceutical research, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and innovative product design.

The topics for Stage 2 Chemistry are: • Topic 1: Monitoring the Environment • Topic 2: Managing Chemical Processes • Topic 3: Organic and Biological Chemistry • Topic 4: Managing Resources.

Assessment: The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Chemistry: School Assessment (70%) • Investigations Folio (30%) • Skills and Applications Tasks (40%) External Assessment (30%) • Examination (2 hours) (30%)

Stage 2 Physics

Length of Course: 2 semesters (20 credits)

The study of Physics is constructed around using qualitative and quantitative models, laws, and theories to better understand matter, forces, energy, and the interaction among them. Physics seeks to explain natural phenomena, from the subatomic world to the macro cosmos, and to make predictions about them. The models, laws, and theories in physics are based on evidence obtained from observations, measurements, and active experimentation over thousands of years.

As they explore the interaction between science and society, students recognise that the knowledge and understanding of physics is constantly changing and increasing through the application of new ideas and technologies. The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: • science inquiry skills • science as a human endeavour • science understanding.

In Physics, students integrate and apply a range of understanding, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills that encourage and inspire them to contribute their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges.

Prerequisites: A B grade or higher at Stage 1 Physics A and B is essential for a study of Stage 2 Physics since this course builds on topics studied at Stage 1 Physics. It is recommended also that students have successfully completed Stage 1 Mathematical Methods.

Content: The course continues the introduction of students to the processes and principles of Physics concentrating on the three main areas below: • Topic 1: Motion and Relativity • Topic 2: Electricity and Magnetism • Topic 3: Light and Atoms.

Assessment: The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Physics: School Assessment (70%) • Investigations Folio (30%) • Skills and Applications Tasks (40%) External Assessment (30%) • Electronic Examination (2 hours) (30%)

SCIENCE SUBJECTS - YEAR 10 TO YEAR 12

Stage 2 Psychology

Length of Course: 2 semesters (20 credits)

Psychology is the systematic study of thoughts, feelings and behaviours and the factors that influence these. Psychologists gather empirical data through conducting investigations and for this reason it is taught as a scientific discipline. In Psychology, students study various investigation designs and analyse data obtained from their own cohort. Ethical guidelines are considered, as are the variety of both qualitative and quantitative methods utilized by psychologists. Students reflect upon the attitudes and behaviours of others and how these phenomena are inextricably linked. Learning theories are covered, including Classical and Operant conditioning methods. Historical and current Personality theories are considered, as well as disorders than can affect an individual’s personality. Students study the link between Biology and Psychology when they investigate stress, sleep patterns and mental health issues.

In Psychology, students work both collaboratively and independently to gather and analyse investigative data using a variety of methods. They learn to explain the behaviours of others and to consider their own thoughts and feelings. Students critically reflect on psychological theories and contrast the beliefs of key theorists.

Prerequisites: A C grade or higher in a Stage 1 Science subject. Content: Psychology of the Individual: Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory, Maslow’s Humanistic Theory, Costa and McCrae’s Trait Theory Psychological Health and Wellbeing: Biopsychosocial influences on mental health, diagnosis of mental health conditions, social media, sleep and stress. Organisational Psychology: Uses an evidence-based approach to understand the factors that affect an organisation’s performance and the work performance and job satisfaction of its employees. Social Influence: Factors affecting obedience and conformity with links to the Stolen Generation, the structure of attitudes and methods of persuasion. The Psychology of Learning: Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Observational Learning.

Assessment: Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types: School Assessment (70%) • Investigations Folio (30%) • One Science as a Human Endeavour task • One Design and Deconstruct task • Skills and Applications Tasks (40%) • Based upon Psychology of the Individual, Psychological Health and Wellbeing and Organisational Psychology. External Assessment (30%) • Examination (2 hours) (30%) • Only examining Social Influence and The Psychology of Learning.