Science Curriculum Introduction of New WACE Courses Mr Cyrus Naseri Head of Science
Year 12 Science courses: In 2016 there were new Year 12 Science courses introduced across all disciplines. Teachers have worked hard to gather resources tailoring tasks and assessment which are based on the new syllabus. The review of course documentations took place in November of 2016. Year 11 Inaugural Aviation Course (General): Year 11 students have been offered the opportunity to study the General Aviation course in 2017 and it will be progressed into the Year 12 course in 2018. Further resources will be developed for both Years 11 and 12 Aviation courses. 2016 INCURSIONS AND EXCURSIONS Year 10 Forensic Science Incursion: Year 10 students participated in two incursions in the area of Forensic Science with guest presenters using real-life forensic problems to further stimulate their interest. Astronomy excursions: Astronomy and Space science continued to expand and to engage students under the guidance of Mr Bill Cooper. During the year, astronomy students in Years 9 and 10 attended two camps to launch a high altitude balloon at Dowerin and a rocket at Perth Advanced Rocketry in Toodyay. Students enjoyed and experienced the tracking and recovery of the balloon and rocket. The high altitude balloon collects particles from the upper atmosphere and once it is recovered, Mr Cooper and his students downloaded and analysed data and images using a specific software.
Year 11 Biology field trips: Biology students in Year 11 explored and camped in the wildlife at Dryandra and the Stirling Ranges and studied the conservation management plans in certain hot spots. We are determined to continue to look for opportunities to use resources outside the school, to enhance our learning program. The Biology excursions consisted of two day trips and one extended trip over four days. Year 7 Sustain Our Swan incursion: During this incursion, students examined the water quality of the adjacent Swan River using data-logging equipment. This course was facilitated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and was coordinated by Mr Michael Slack-Smith. This activity was an excellent introduction to environmental awareness and students developed a sense of stewardship of the river for the future. Year 7 Dolphin Watch incursion: Students were offered an opportunity to learn and study the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins found in the iconic Swan and Canning river system. The aim of this activity was to engage students in recognising the dolphins’ potential as indicators of river health and to provide information on dolphin ecology and interactions with human activities in the Swan River and Canning River, upstream of Perth waters. This project was part of the River Guardians program, a community engagement initiative within the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
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