The Science department offers a wide range of units that are designed to develop students’ ability to apply scientific concepts so that they can explain why things happen in the biological and physical world around them. Students will learn to think and work scientifically so that they become scientifically literate citizens who have an understanding of the world around them, issues that affect them and the impact of human activity on the environment.

Students complete a compulsory foundation unit in year 8, and then a compulsory unit in Semester I, Year 9 and Semester 2, Year 10. If students have a high interest and ability in Science they are able to study additional science units.

Junior Science Subjects.

All students in year 8 complete a compulsory foundation science unit that introduces students to the scientific method, and the use of microscopes, bunsen burners and other laboratory equipment.

Year 8

· Foundation Science

Year 9

· Chemistry and Circuits

· Earth and Beyond

· Human Body and Forensics

Year 10

· Marine Studies

· Introduction to Chemistry

· Physics in Action

· General Science

Senior Science Subjects.

The subjects offered in the senior school provide a foundation for students who are interested in pursuing a possible career in science.

· Biology

· Chemistry

· Physics

· Multistrand Science

· Engineering Technology

Biology

Students learn about:

· Cell Biology

· Diversity of organisms

· Ecology and the Environment

· Organisms, Populations and Communities

· Physiology of Plants and Animals

· Genetics and Biotechnology

· Reproduction, growth and development

· Theory of Evolution

Chemistry

Students learn about:

· Measurement, error, graphs

· Atomic theory and atomic structure

· Bonding and molecular structures

· Energy and rates of chemical reactions

· Chemical equilibrium and solubility

· Oxidation and Reduction

· Acids and Bases

· Organic chemistry

· The Periodic Table

· Kinetic Theory of Matter

· Gas laws.

Physics

Students learn about:

· Measurement, error, graphs.

· Motion - distance, speed, acceleration, vectors

· Forces including gravity

· Circular motion, projectile motion, simple harmonic motion

· Energy, Work, Power, Momentum

· Heat and temperature and their effects

· Electricity, electronics

· Magnetism and electromagnetism - generators and motors

· Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Multistrand Science

Students learn about:

· Forensic Science · Yeast, Fermentation & Wine

· Disease · Science future and science fiction

· Environmental studies and issues · Oceans

· Metals · Resource Management

· Space and the future · Dermatology

· Photography

Engineering Technology

Students learn about:

· Technology, Industry and Society.

· Engineering Mechanics.

· Engineering Materials

· Control systems.

SCI 401 Foundation Science

Students will be introduced to the scientific method of investigation and safe practices in the laboratory. Students will learn to use microscopes, Bunsen burners and other scientific equipment. Simple chemistry of atoms and compounds, types of forces and geology are also studied.

SCI 501 Chemistry and Circuits

Students will gain an understanding of the atomic structure and chemistry of elements, compounds and solutions, and how to generate electricity by chemical and mechanical means. They will design and construct electrical circuits.

SCI 502 Earth and Beyond

Students will gain an understanding of the Earths structure, plate tectonics, earthquake and volcanic activity, formation of rocks, and weather and climatic changes such as El Nino and global warming. Space exploration he origin of the universe, features of planets, moons, asteroids, meteors and comets, and the interaction between the Earth, moon and sun (tides, seasons, orbits and rotations) will also be studied.

SCI 503 Human Body and Forensics

Students will gain an understanding of the organ systems of humans and plants, how they function and contribute to a healthy body. They will practice the forensic science techniques used to solve crimes such as fingerprinting, DNA extraction and ink chromatography.

SCI 601 Marine Studies

Students will gain an understanding of the ecology of marine ecosystems, marine organisms’ adaptations and the interactions between them. The impact of human activity on marine environments such as coral reefs, and mangroves will be investigated. Students will dissect a range of marine organisms and participate in a field excursion.

This unit is a prerequisite for students intending on studying Biology in Year 11 & 12.

SCI 602 Introduction to Chemistry

Students will gain an understanding of chemical elements, mixtures and compounds, be able to identify chemical symbols and apply them to solve chemical equations. They will also explore acids and bases and chemical reactions. Students will conduct a wide range of practical investigations.

This unit is a prerequisite for students intending on studying Chemistry in Year 11 & 12.

SCI 603 Physics in Action

Students will gain an understanding of some basic principles of physics such as friction, energy, forces, gravity, velocity, speed and acceleration by investigating the science of rocket propulsion and winged aircraft flight. Students will design, make and conduct experiments with model aircraft and rockets.

SCI 604 General Science

Students will investigate a wide range of science topics such as light and colour, reproduction and genetics, circulatory and immune system, and acids and bases.

This unit is for students intending on studying Multistrand Science in Year 11 & 12 or would like a greater understanding of the world around them.