Science
200 hours
Overview
The new Australian Curriculum Year 9 Science program at All Saints Grammar aims to ensure that students continue to develop and maintain an interest in Science as a means of expanding their natural curiosity, their understanding of the nature of living things, their knowledge of the earth and its geology, as well as the chemical and physical processes that explain the behaviour of all material things.
The new course also serves to assist students to learn the essential knowledge and further develop the relevant skills that will form the cornerstones of their senior high school and tertiary studies in Science. Ultimately, students should become independent, life-long learners who are not only scientifically literate but also responsible citizens of the world.
Structure
The new Australian Curriculum Year 9 Science program has three interrelated strands: Science Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills.
Together, the three strands of the Science curriculum provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world. Students are challenged to explore Science, its concepts, nature and uses through clearly described inquiry processes.
1. Science Understanding
The Science Understanding strand comprises four sub-strands, each divided further into several learning areas:
Biological Science
➢ Body Systems, Disease, Ecosystems
Physical Science
➢ Heat, Light and Sound, Electromagnetic Radiation, Electrical Energy
Chemical Science
➢ The Atom, Materials, Reactions
Earth Science
➢ Plate Tectonics
2. Science as a Human Endeavour
There are two sub-strands of Science as a Human Endeavour. These are:
Nature and development of Science: This sub-strand develops an appreciation of the unique nature of science and scientific knowledge, including how current knowledge has developed over time through the actions of many people.
Use and influence of Science: This sub-strand explores how Science knowledge and applications affect peoples’ lives, including their work, and how Science is influenced by society and can be used to inform decisions and actions.
3. Science Inquiry Skills
Science inquiry involves identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting and reflecting on investigations; processing, analysing and interpreting evidence; and communicating findings. This strand is concerned with evaluating claims, investigating ideas, solving problems, drawing valid conclusions and developing evidence-based arguments.
Assessment
Students studying Science in Year 9 are required to complete the following assessments:
Research and Practical Assignments
Topic Tests
Student Research and Experimentation Project (SRP) – including presentation