Our everyday lives are surrounded by science. Scientific processes can be applied to understand the natural world, to solve problems and to develop modern technologies. A study of Science helps us to understand and interpret the world we live in and better cope with the inevitable changes the future will bring. The Science course allows students to experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them. In doing this, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific methods.
The Australian Science Curriculum is divided into three strands:
• Science Understanding: An understanding of Biological Science, Chemical Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science.
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Nature and development of science, and the use and influence of science.
• Science Inquiry Skills: Questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analysing data and information, evaluating and communicating.
In Year 7, students explore the diversity of life on Earth and continue to develop their understanding of the role of classification in ordering and organising information. They use and develop models such as food chains, food webs and the water cycle to represent and analyse the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems and explore the impact of changing components within these systems. They consider the interaction between multiple forces when explaining changes in an object’s motion. Students develop skills to conduct experiments and they use laboratory methods to assimilate scientific knowledge and test natural phenomena. Year 7 students have the opportunity to apply knowledge in real world contexts, including earthy, practical applications of science during field work at the on-campus half-hectare Flinders Farm.
Scientific experiment reports, extended writing tasks, group projects and exams.
Mr John Fitzgerald
jfitzgerald@mfac.edu.au
