Science - Curriculum Information

Year 7

This unit is an introduction to science and focuses on scientific skills. It emphasises safety procedures, correct use of equipment and recording of science experiments. Skills covered include sketching diagrams; interpretation of tables, graphs, flow charts and data; constructing flow charts, graphs, tables and models; concept mapping; research; simple calculations and measuring physical quantities.

Topics covered include:-

Working Scientifically - identification and use of scientific equipment; identification of safe laboratory techniques
Understanding Matter - identification and use of scientific equipment; identification of safe laboratory techniques
Cells of Life - investigation of cells as the basic unit of living things and how the structure and function of cells are related to their function
Mysterious Attractions - investigation into the existence, properties, behaviour and uses of magnets
Mixing and Separating - investigating the range of different methods used for separating pure substances from mixtures and the applications of these techniques in industry and medicine.
Electric Circuits - explaining the meaning of current, voltage and electric circuits; recognize and draw symbols for common components of a circuit; understand the difference between series and parallel circuits and the relationship between current and voltage in a series circuit.
Classification - investigate the biological basis of classification of organisms into major groups and touch briefly on the interactions between living things and their non-living surroundings
Our Place in Space - Investigate the major features of the solar system

Year 8

The unit emphasises the problem-solving nature of science, and how scientists through their ability to work systematically and solve problems, help to provide a better quality of life and often an easier way of life for many people within the community. It also focuses on the different types and applications of energy while also investigating the natural phenomenon of magnetism and the chemistry of acids and bases.

Skills covered include sketching graphs and drawing tables; collection of data; interpretation of tables, graphs, flow charts and data; constructing flow charts; modeling and construction; concept mapping; problem-solving; research; mathematical calculations and measuring physical quantities using a variety of techniques.

Topics covered include:-

Systems of Survival - observation of living things in terms of obtaining, transporting and using nutrients
Keeping Healthy - looks at the body's requirements to stay healthy: hygiene; a balanced diet; exercise and the effects of the environment
Sensational Waves - describe the similarities and differences between heat, light and sound; the ways they are transmitted and reflected from plane and curved mirrors; explain the transfer of heat by radiation, conduction and convection
Rock of Ages - investigate the properties of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and relate this to their uses; describe the formation, composition and cycling of rocks.
Chemical Reactions - investigate physical and chemical changes and the evidence of chemical changes; investigate the factors that increase the rate of a chemical reaction and investigate the role that acids and bases have in our community
Ecosystems - investigate the interactions between living things and their non-living surroundings by looking at food chains and food webs and the effect of extinction and introduced species.
Making Life Easier - exploration into the use of simple and complex machines that use inclines planes, gears, pulleys and levers as a method of modifying force
The Universe Exposed - define the universe, its major components and the possibility of traveling across it; design a space colony or station that demonstrates the challenges of living and working in space as well as space travel.

Middle School - Core

Year 9

This unit aims to develop students' problem-solving and analysis skills while investigating various forms of energy, and the energy transformations that will occur under certain conditions. It aims to increase student awareness and understanding of the diverse nature of the physical and biological scientific worlds.

Topics covered include:

Understanding Atoms - investigate the structure of the atom, elements and compounds, and the periodic table.
Under Control - coordination and regulation in plants and animal; hormonal and nervous systems.
Forced to Move - concepts of distance, velocity, acceleration, force.
The Forensic Files - DNA fingerprinting, blood typing and other techniques to solve crimes.
Light Effects - light, refraction, reflection, lenses, eye sight.
Balancing Environmental Systems - the sun, producers, consumers, food webs, getting energy into cells, cycling matter, and the water cycle.
Structure and properties of Matter - ions and molecules; bonding; properties of materials.
The Earth's Moving Crust - earthquakes, landforms, plate tectonics; extraction of resources.

Year 10

This unit focuses on "real life" application of scientific principles in our everyday life - in our homes and the environment. It will also focus on experiments, observations, evidence and logic to test ideas related to materials commonly used in society and the Laws of Motion. Advances in the field of biotechnology are examined and related issues are discussed. It provides students with an understanding of the way science and scientists work in the community. The physical, and chemical and biological scientific worlds will be examined.

Topics studied include:

Chemical Interactions - types of chemical reactions, writing formulae and balancing equations;
Genetics - the double helix, genes and chromosomes, inheritance of characteristics;
Electronics - resistors, variable resistors, transistors, magnetic switches, capacitors, electronic circuits, designing and constructing circuits.
The Origin of the Universe and Evolution - investigation of the theories of the origin of the universe.
Materials and Technology - chemical properties of metals, non-metals plastics, acids and bases.
Motion - speed, velocity and acceleration; laws of motion; forces and gravity.
Biotechnology - gene technology, genetically modified organisms; environmental and social implications.
Our Precious Resources - extraction of materials from Earth's curst; environmental and social implications.
The Mind and Human Behaviour - explain what makes psychology a science; describe the nature of different specialities in psychology; applying and evaluating research principles when investigating psychological questions; explain how the brain influences behaviour and the impact of brain damage on behaviour

VCE

Biology Unit 1 - Unity and Diversity

This unit examines the cell as the structural and functional unit of the whole organism. It investigates the needs of individual cells, how specialised structures carry out cellular activities and how the survival of cells depends on their ability to maintain a dynamic balance between their internal and external environments. Technological applications and implications of bioscientific knowledge are also investigated.

Areas of Study

Cells in Action

This area of study focuses on the activities of cells and the relationship between specialised structures of cells and the processes that maintain life.

Functioning Organisms

This area of study focuses on the relationship between features of organisms and how organisms meet their requirements for life.

Biology Unit 2 - Organisms and Their Environment

This unit examines how organisms are part of the integrated and naturally self-sustaining systems in which energy flows and matter is cycled between the living and non-living components of the environment. It investigates what changes have taken place in selected ecosystems, how ecological principles can be applied to conserve natural ecosystems, to restore damaged ones and to ensure sustainability of the biosphere. The application of technologies to monitor natural ecosystems will also be considered.

Areas of Study

Adaptations of Organisms

This area of study focuses of the kinds of environmental factors that are common to all habitats and the adaptations of organisms that enable them to exploit resources of their ecological niche.

Dynamic Ecosystems

This area of study focuses on the complex and finely balanced relationships that exist between living things and the resources in their particular habitat.

Biology Unit 3 - Signatures of Life

This unit examines the molecules and biochemical processes that are indicators of life. Advances in proteomics applied to medical diagnosis and the development of new pharmaceuticals is considered. Cell communication and the immune response of organisms against pathogens are investigated. The contribution of technological advances to our knowledge and understanding of molecular biology is also examined.

Areas of Study

Molecules of Life

This area of study examines the activities of cells at molecular level, the synthesis of biomolecules, the role of enzymes and energy transformations in cells. DNA and proteins as key molecules of life forms are investigated. Applications of molecular biology in medical diagnosis and the design of new pharmaceuticals are explored.

Detecting and Responding

This area of study focuses on how cells detect biomolecules that elicit particular responses and how signalling molecules assist in coordinating and regulating cell activities. The mechanisms of organisms that protect them from invasion and infection by pathogenic organisms are also examined.

Biology Unit 4 - Continuity and Change

This unit examines evidence for evolution of life forms over time. It investigates how the study of molecular genetics has expanded into genomics - the study of whole sets of genes possessed by an organism. Mechanisms of inheritance and the causes of variation, both genetic and environmental are explored. The interrelationships between biological, cultural and technological evolution are examined. Issues raised by the application of gene technologies and their implications are considered.

Areas of Study

Heredity

This area of study focuses on molecular genetics and the investigation of individual units of inheritance and the genomes of individuals and species. The process of meiosis in accounting for variations in offspring, the significance of mutations in DNA and the relationship between alleles is examined. Techniques and technologies used to amplify DNA, identify genetic profiles and modify the genomes of organisms are explored.

Change Over Time

This area of study focuses on the change to genetic material that occurs over time and the changing nature of evidence that supports the concept of evolution. Changes to species and the process of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution is examined. Applications of gene technologies and the bioethical, environmental and legal issues are considered.

Chemistry Unit 1 - The Big Ideas of Chemistry

This unit examines the building of the Periodic Table from speculation, debate and experimental evidence. The Periodic Table provides a unifying framework for studying the chemistry of elements using their chemical and physical properties to locate their position. The electron configuration of an element, its tendency to form a particular bond type and its ability to behave as an oxidant or reductant can all be linked to its position in the Periodic Table. Students will developed their understanding about the internal structure of the atom, study models for ionic, metallic and covalent bonding and the use of polymers in their everyday lives. Students will also focus on the uses of materials and how they have changed by looking at corrosion prevention, alloys, fibres, ceramics, biopolymers, films, coatings and the use of synchrotron science.

Areas of Study

The Periodic Table

This area of study focuses on the historical development of, and the relationship between, the Periodic Table and atomic theory.

Materials

This area of study focuses on the structure, properties and applications of materials.

Chemistry Unit 2 - Environmental Chemistry

This unit examines living things on earth which have evolved to use water and the gases of the atmosphere in the chemical reactions that sustain them. Water is used by both plants and animals to carry out their energy-producing reactions, dissolve their nutrients and transport their wastes. The atmosphere supplies life-giving gases, provides temperature that sustains life, and gives protection from harmful radiation. Students will investigate how chemistry is used to respond to the effects of human activities on our environment. Quantitative chemical calculations play an essential role in these tasks and students are introduced to the types of calculations used every day by analytical chemists. Students will also be introduced to new, cleaner and more efficient chemical processes that have been designed using green chemistry principles.

Areas of Study

Water

This area of study focuses on the study of water. It explores the special properties of water which make it so important to living things and relate the properties to chemical bonding characteristics.

The Atmosphere

This area of study focuses on the interaction between living things and gases of the atmosphere.

Chemistry Unit 3 - Chemical Pathways

This unit examines the scope of techniques available to the analytical chemist. Chemical analysis is vital in the work of the forensic scientist, the quality control chemist at a food manufacturing plant, the geologist in the field, and the environmental chemist monitoring the health of a waterway. Each technique of analysis depends on a particular property or reaction of the chemical being investigated. Students investigate organic reaction pathways, the chemistry of particular organic molecules and the role of organic molecules in the generation of biochemical fuels and forensic analysis. A detailed knowledge of the structure and bonding of organic chemicals is important to the work of the synthetic organic chemist. The role of organic molecules in the generation of biochemical fuels and forensic analysis will also be investigated.

Areas of Study

Chemical Analysis

In this area of study students use a variety of analytical techniques to analyse products in the laboratory.

Organic Chemical Pathways

In this area of study students investigate systematic organic chemistry including production of starting materials for particular reaction pathways.

Chemistry Unit 4 - Chemistry at Work

This unit examines the industrial production of chemicals and the energy changes associated with chemical reactions. Students will explore the affect that rate, yield and equilibrium positions have in the industrial production of a selected chemical. They will explore how an understanding of these features is used to obtain optimum conditions in the industrial production of a chemical. Students will investigate how energy is produced from available resources and consider the efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages of each energy resource. Galvanic cells and electrolytic cells operate by transforming chemical and electrical energy. Students investigate their operating principles, both in the laboratory and in important commercial and industrial applications including fuel cells.

Areas of Study:

Industrial Chemistry

This area of study focuses on the factors that affect the rate and extent of a chemical reaction. Students study energy profiles and how equilibrium law is applied to homogeneous equilibria.

Supplying and Using Energy

This area of study focuses on use of different energy resources.

Physics Unit 1

This unit focuses on the study of Physics as a human endeavour in which observations and ideas about the physical world are organised and explained. In this unit students will use simple mathematical modelling to organise data and make predictions (including the use of graphics calculators and/or computer programs); are given extensive and regular practical work; are asked to explain and test predictions, identify, select and reorganise variables; and will also be asked to apply a given method in a simple experiment, record raw data and analysis this to reach valid conclusions.

The unit is broken up into two sections prescribed areas of study which must be completed by all students in all schools and non-prescribed areas of study which will be selected by the VCE teachers at the Academy for students to study.

Prescribed Areas of Study:

Wave-like Properties of Light

A wave model is applied to light phenomena. Light phenomena are examples of the interaction of the physical world with human biology.

Nuclear and Radioactivity Physics

The particle model of matter and ideas about energy transfers and transformations are relevant to the study of nuclear and radioactivity physics.

Non - Prescribed (Detailed) Areas of Study:

Three detailed studies are available in Unit 1. One detailed study is to be selected from:

Astronomy

This detailed study enables students to understand the modern interpretation of the Universe as we see it.

Medical Physics

This detailed study extends the study of radioactivity and wave phenomena to applications in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Energy from the Nucleus

This detailed study develops students' understanding of models of nuclear transformation and their capacity to evaluate critically the use of nuclear technologies.

Physics Unit 2

The students' understanding of physics is further developed through the application of models to more complex phenomena. Newtonian ideas of motion already studied as part of the general science curriculum are extended to a greater range of movements and more abstract ideas. Electricity and electronics is broadened and deepened and the use of simple mathematical modelling, including calculations, to organise data and make predictions is further developed and applied to more extensive data. Students continue to undertake extensive practical work in the laboratory. They design and undertake more complex investigations involving at least one independent investigation that is of their own design. They will also continue to develop skills in using graphic calculators and/or computer programs for completing data analysis.

Prescribed Areas of Study

Movement

Students learn about the models used to explain movement from the early theories of Aristotle and the work of Galileo and Newton. These theories are developed through the examination of aspects of movement including transport, games and sport.

Electricity

Students develop circuit models to analyse electrical phenomena and undertake practical investigations of circuit components.

Non - Prescribed (Detailed) Areas of Study

Three detailed studies are available in Unit 2. One detailed study is to be selected from:

Astrophysics

This detailed study focuses on the development of cosmology over time, but with a particular emphasis on the twentieth century. The study looks at the nature of stars, galaxies and their evolution, as well as evidence about the steady state and 'Big Bang' models of the Universe.

Investigations: Aerospace

This detailed study allows students to apply skills of experimental investigation to the task of designing, carrying out and reporting on a practical investigation into an aspect of aerospace technology.

Investigations: Alternative Energy Sources

This detailed study enables students to investigate the potential for the development and implementation of a renewable energy resource to provide a portion of our energy needs.

Physics Unit 3

This unit focuses on ideas that underpin much of the technology found in areas such as communications, commerce and industry. Motion in two dimensions is introduced and applied to moving objects on Earth and in space. Another of Newton's theories, that the gravitational effect of the Earth reaches out into space, is introduced and applied to analyse the motion of the Moon, the planets and satellites. Circuit models are applied to further aspects of electricity and electronics, and the operation and use of photonics devices introduced. Mathematical modelling is applied to all areas of study to organise data and make predictions. Computer and/or graphics calculator programs are used in the analysis of data. Students continue to have regular experience in experimental investigation in the laboratory. They design and carry out an extended practical investigation involving at least two independent, continuous variables. They collect accurate data, evaluate the quality of data and measurement processes, and make conclusions based on the data

Prescribed Areas of Study:

Motion in One and Two Dimensions

Newtonian theories give important insights into a range of motions, and contribute towards safety considerations. This study focuses on everyday motion.

Electronics and Photonics

Photonics is the science of using light to manipulate information and energy and involves all facets of visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Students will use electronic and photonic devices and systems in domestic and industrial contexts.

Non - Prescribed (Detailed) Areas of Study:

Three detailed studies are available in Unit 3. One detailed study is to be selected from:

Einstein's Relativity

This detailed study focuses on Einstein's model of special relativity.

Investigating Structures and Materials

This detailed study aims to develop students' practical skills to enable them to better understand the structures of the natural world and the restrictions of design in the technological world. Students will gain knowledge of the forces acting upon a material, and learn to interpret the data resulting from the changes to the material.

Further Electronics

This detailed study focuses on the understanding of electronic systems through basic building blocks.

Physics Unit 4

In Unit 4, the development of models to explain the complex interactions of light and matter is considered. A field model of electromagnetism is applied to the generation, distribution and use of electric power. The detailed studies provide examples of innovative technologies used for research and communication. Mathematical modelling continues to be used to organise data and identify trends in data. Computer and/or graphical calculator programs are used in the analysis of data. Students continue to have extensive and regular experimental work in the laboratory. They design and carry out investigations involving at least two independent, continuous variables. They collect accurate data, evaluate the quality of data and measurement processes and make conclusions based on the data

Prescribed Areas of Study:

Interactions of Light and Matter

The generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power are crucial to modern life. Students will use evidence and models of electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic effects in the contexts of electric motors, generators, alternators and transformers, and electric power transmission and distribution.

Electric Power

Light has been described both as a particle and as a wave. The electron has wave-like properties too. Students will use models and explanations to interpret evidence about the interactions of light and matter.

Non - Prescribed (Detailed) Areas of Study:

Three detailed studies are available in Unit 4. One detailed study is to be selected from:

Synchrotron and Applications

This detailed study applies and extends physics ideas from electromagnetism and the quantum interactions of light and matter. The basic physics concepts underlying the operation and use of the synchrotron are explored.

Photonics

This detailed study in Photonics draws together core ideas developed from 'Electronics and Photonics' and 'Interactions of Light and Matter'. Students will use evidence and models about light and its use in photonic devices in the contexts of domestic, scientific and industrial applications.

Recording and Reproducing Sound

This detailed study extends student understanding of waves together with aspects of electromagnetism to the recording and reproducing of sound. Ideas of sound and electromagnetism combine to aid understanding of the operation and use of microphones and speakers, control of sound level, need for hearing protection and acoustic properties of recording and performance spaces.