Science

Aim

To foster a fascination with the natural world and with the application of scientific understanding to solve problems.
To foster an appreciation of the value of science in solving problems and so making the world a better place.
To foster an appreciation of the ethical issues which inevitably accompany the application of science to real world problems.
To develop students knowledge, skills and ability to think critically and solve problems and so to provide a basis for further education and/or participate effectively as a member of society.

Some of the important emphases of the science teaching at Arndell are:

Students are shown the relevance of what they learn to everyday life and the world around them.
As students learn about their world they are also taught a whole range of skills which relate to the processes of science. These skills help them to become independent thinkers but also enable them to become valuable team players and enable them to work safely in the laboratory environment.
Assessment in science involves a variety of tasks and is not confined to measuring achievement but is an important part of the learning process as students work towards achieving tasks and take on board the feedback provided by their teachers.
An emphasis is placed on safety, with students being well informed of risks and the necessary precautions that need to be taken. Teachers are also careful to ensure unsafe activities do not take place.
Teachers take the responsibility of their role seriously; ensuring that the syllabus requirements are carefully adhered to and that the individual needs of students are met to the greatest extent possible. They also try to ensure that they teach the content of the course in a manner which students will find interesting and challenging.

Science in Years 7 – 10

In each year students will cover about eight topics. These topics cover each of the main branches of science including chemistry, physics, biology and earth science. As students work through these topics they will move from basic principles in year 7 to more advanced concepts in years 9 and 10 where they are prepared for senior science studies. Each topic explores science concepts through a variety of teaching and learning strategies with practical experiences playing an important role.

The topics currently being taught in years 7 – 10 are set out below:

	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10
Term 1	Topic 1: Intro to Science	Topic 1: Working Scientifically	Topic 1: Chemistry - Atomic Theory	Topic 1: Motion
Term 1	Topic 2: Solids, Liquids and Gases	Topic 2: The Human Body	Topic 2: Dynamic Earth	Topic 2: Diseases
Term 2	Topic 3: Energy (Heat, Light & Sound)	Topic 3: Atoms	Topic 3: Light	Topic 3: Chemistry
Term 2	Topic 4: Mix and Separate	Topic 4: Electricity	Topic 4: Chemistry Part 2- Reactions	Topic 4: Genetics & Biotechnology
Term 3	Topic 5: Living Things & Classification	Topic 5: Microbes	Topic 5: Senses and Coordination	Topic 5: Waves & Communication
Term 3	Topic 6: Forces	Topic 6: Plants	Topic 6: Astronomy – The Universe	Topic 6: Evolution
Term 4	Topic 7: Earth	Topic 7: Ecology	Topic 7: Reproduction	Topic 7: Revision
Term 4	Topic 8: Astronomy – Planets	Topic 8: Astronomy – Way Out in Space	Topic 8: Energy and Ecosystems

The Textbook currently being used in Science (Years 7 – 10) is the “Science Focus” series published by Pearson Longman.

Assessment

Students in years 7 – 10 Science currently undertake two assessment tasks per semester, one a formal exam or test and one being in the form of a take home assignment or in-class practical task. Take home tasks include things such as experiments, research essays/reports, collections, model-making tasks.

Science in Years 11 and 12

There are four science subjects offered to senior students at Arndell:

Biology

Biology is the study of living things. In this course students learn about the human body, plants, microorganisms, genes and heredity, diseases, evolution and biotechnology.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and the atoms that make it up. Students studying this course will learn about metals and non-metals, water, fuels, acids, chemical processes used in industry and forensics.

Physics

A lot of physics is concerned with the study of energy and forces. It looks at things such as motion, light, waves, space, electricity, magnetism and various forms of technology that utilizes energy such as telephones, batteries and electric motors

Earth and Environmental Science

In this subjects students learn about the makeup of the earth, including the rocks, soils, water and air. They will also learn about how the natural processes that have formed and continue to reshape the earth and they learn about the various ways humans have impacted on the earth and some of the problems we have created such as the greenhouse effect, soils erosion, soil salinity, and introduces pests.

Structure of the Senior Courses

All senior science courses are composed of a Preliminary course (Year 11, terms 1-3) and the HSC course (Year 11, term 4 to Year 12, term 3). Four topics will be covered in the Preliminary course and another four in the HSC course.

Assessment in the senior courses is based on a variety of tasks including examinations, first-hand investigations and research tasks in which students utilize various mediums in their presentation of their findings.

Extra-curricular Activities

Students at Arndell have the opportunity to participate in two science-based extra-curricular activities.

Space Club: Mr Young takes this group on Wednesday afternoons. Activities are varied but all with a space theme. They include: Building and launching model rockets, making various types of working models making astronomical observations, making videos, conducting experiments, making and working with various computer simulations.

Stream Watch: This group is taken by Mr Allerton. Stream Watch is a program sponsored by Sydney Water which seeks to monitor water quality at various creeks and rivers in the Sydney area. Students monitor water quality in a creek near the school. Samples are collected on a weekly basis. These samples are tested for a range of chemicals and micro- organisms. The results of these tests are then emailed to a central register with Sydney Water. If any worrying results are obtained Sydney Water is notified so that further investigations can be carried out.

Excursions

Excursions are organised for Arndell students on a fairly regular basis with students usually attending an excursion each year. Such excursions enrich students’ learning and stimulate their interest in Science. Some of the excursions which have taken place over the past few years have included:

Year 7: Taronga Zoo

Year 8: Sydney Aquarium

Year 9: University of Western Sydney for “Science in the Suburbs”

Year 10: The Powerhouse Museum

Year 11: Biology: Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Year 12 Biology: North Richmond Water Filtration Plant

Year 12 Chemistry: Australian National Maritime Museum

Year 11 and 12 Physics: Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Last Update: 24/08/2009 9:55:01 AM by Bryan Allerton | Page Responsibility: Bryan Allerton
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