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Stage 5 - Science


Course Overview

Science is of increasing importance and integral to our rapidly changing world. A student’s sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural and made world is fostered through actively engaging in the processes of Working Scientifically. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationships between science and technology, and the significance of their contribution to and influence on society.

Scientific inquiry is a distinct way of finding answers to interesting questions and solutions to important problems about the natural world locally, nationally and globally, including shaping sustainable futures. Scientific knowledge provides explanations for a variety of phenomena and enables sense to be made of the Natural Environment and the Made Environment. As students engage in posing questions, testing ideas, developing and evaluating arguments based on evidence, they demonstrate honesty and fairness in using the skills of Working Scientifically.

Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically, students use scientific inquiry to develop their understanding of science ideas and concepts, and the importance of scientific evidence in making informed decisions about the uses of science and technology in their lives. They recognise that science advances through the contributions of many different people.

The study of Science enables students to develop a positive self-concept as learners, as well as confidence in and gain enjoyment from their learning. They become self-motivated learners through active participation in challenging and engaging experiences, in order to develop innovative solutions.

Course Content and Skills

1. Content - The content requirements of Stage 5 is covered through the teaching of a number of units which cover aspects of the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and geology.

  • Units specific to biology include diseases, coordination, ecology, genetics and natural selection.
  • Units specific to chemistry include materials, reaction types and the periodic table.
  • Units specific to physics include heat, light, sound, electromagnetic radiation, motion and energy changes.
  • Units specific to geology includes plate tectonics.

2. Skills - The activities of Stage 5 Science rely heavily on the development of Working Scientifically skills including:

  • Questioning and Predicting
  • Planning and Conducting Investigations
  • Processing and Analysing Data and Information
  • Problem Solving
  • Communicating

The development of the Working Scientifically outcomes will enhance a student’s critical thinking skills and creativity and form a sound foundation for the study of Science in Stage 6.

Course Assessment

The units of work completed for Stage 5 will be assessed in a variety of ways including through:

  • Unit tests
  • Second hand data investigations
  • Projects
  • Practicals (First hand data investigations)
  • Final Examination
Possible Subject Pathways in Stage 6

Subjects available to students are Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

BACK TO SUBJECT OPTIONS

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119 Avondale Rd, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia

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