SCIENCE

Science

CORE SUBJECT – TWO SEMESTERS

Learning Focus

Year 9 Science entails a study of units in Biological, Chemical, Physical and Earth sciences. Students consider the operation of a number of systems. They explore ways in which the human body as a number of interrelated systems responds to its external environment and the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. Students are introduced to the structure of the atom as a system of protons, electrons and neutrons, and how different atoms, ions and isotopes display different characteristics. They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and are introduced to the concept of the conservation of matter. Students learn about continental movement through the study of plate tectonics and how a simple electrical circuit works; as well as how magnets can be used in the generation of electricity.

Victorian Curriculum Strands at Level 9:

The Science discipline has two interrelated strands, each with their own sub-strands:

Science Understanding

Science has a human endeavour

● Scientific understanding, including models and theories, are contestable and are refined over timethrough a process of review by the scientific community.

● Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries.

● The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research.

Biological Sciences

● Multicellular organisms rely on coordinated and interdependent internalsystems to respond to changes to their environment.

● An animal’s response to a stimulus is coordinated by its central nervous system (brain and spinalcord); neurons transmit electrical impulses and are connected by synapses.

Chemical Sciences

● All matter is made of atoms which are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons; Natural radioactivity arises from the decay of nuclei in atoms.

● The atomic structure and properties of elements are used to organise them in the periodic table.

● Chemical reactions involve rearranging atoms to form new substances; during a chemical reactionmass is not created or destroyed.

Physical Sciences

● Electric circuits can be designed for diverse purposes using different components; the operation ofcircuits can be explained by the concepts of voltage and current.

● The interaction of magnets can be explained by a field model; magnets are used in the generationof electricity and the operation of motors.

Earth & Space Sciences

● The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activityand continental movement.