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 all to understand and interpret the world we live in and to better cope with the inevitable changes the future will bring.
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 use and influence of science.
• Science Inquiry Skills: Questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analysing data and information, evaluating and communicating.
In the Middle Years Science course, students can experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them. In the process, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific methods.
In Year 8, students are introduced to cells as microscopic structures that explain macroscopic properties of living systems. They link form and function at a cellular level and explore the organisation of body systems in terms of flows of matter between interdependent organs. Similarly, they explore changes in matter at a particle level, and distinguish between chemical and physical change. They begin to classify different forms of energy, and describe the role of energy in causing change in systems, including the role of heat and pressure in the rock cycle and plate tectonics. Students use experimentation to explain relationships, and make predictions and propose explanations, drawing on evidence, to support their views while considering other points of view.
Scientific experiment reports, research reports, group projects and exams.
Mr John Fitzgerald
jfitzgerald@mfac.edu.au
