Alexandria Park Community School

Community Opportunity Success

Telephone02 9698 1967

Emailalexparkcs-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science and technology

Science and technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Science is mandatory for students up to Year 10.

In science and technology, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.

Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.

Science is a mandatory course that is a requirement for completion of Stage 5.

Science develops students' knowledge, understanding and skills to explain and make sense of the biological, physical and technological world, enabling them to make informed choices and responsible decisions as individuals and part of the community.

What will students learn about?

Through their study of science students develop a knowledge and understanding about the living and non-living world. Students examine the historical and ongoing contribution of scientists and the implications of this research on scientific knowledge, society, technology and the environment.

What will students learn to do?

Students work individually and in teams in planning and conducting investigations. They evaluate issues and problems, identify questions for inquiry and draw evidenced-based conclusions from their investigations. Through this problem-solving process they develop their critical thinking skills and creativity. They are provided with experiences in making informed decisions about the environment, the natural and technological world and in communicating their understanding and viewpoints.

Course Requirements

Practical experiences which emphasise hands-on activities will occupy a substantial amount of course time. All students will be required to undertake at least one research project during each of Stage 4 and Stage 5. At least one project will involve ‘hands-on' practical investigation. At least one Stage 5 project will be an individual task.

Early Stage One

By the end of Early Stage 1, students engage in the processes of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production to make sense of the world around them. They explore their immediate surroundings and ask questions about their observations and experiences. They collect data and communicate their ideas and observations in a variety of ways. Students investigate possibilities and solutions, individually and in collaboration with others, and use the design process to develop solutions. They effectively use a range of classroom equipment and learn to work safely when using resources and materials.

Stage One

By the end of Stage 1, students engage in the processes of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production. They participate in guided investigations, pose and respond to questions and make predictions. Students collect and represent information using a variety of methods. They safely manipulate equipment and materials, making sustainable and time-efficient choices. Students generate and develop design ideas and solutions that they communicate with labelled drawings and models and through the use of digital technologies where appropriate. They provide explanations about what they have done and evaluate their ideas using predetermined criteria.

Stage Two

By the end of Stage 2, students engage in the processes of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production by asking questions, predicting outcomes and undertaking guided investigations with increasing independence. Students make and record observations, using formal units where appropriate, and compare results with predictions. They reflect on whether methods undertaken are fair and identify ways to improve subsequent investigations. Students organise and identify patterns in data and create tables to organise and represent information.

Stage Three

By the end of Stage 3, students have developed an appreciation of the role of Science and Technology in local, national and global issues relevant to their lives and a sustainable future. Students engage in the skills of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production independently and collaboratively. They pose questions for investigation, predict likely outcomes, and demonstrate accuracy and honesty when collecting, recording and analysing data and information. Students plan and conduct fair tests, isolate variables and select appropriate measurement methods. They construct tables and graphs to organise data and are able to identify patterns, using evidence to compare with predictions, draw conclusions and develop explanations. Students develop criteria to evaluate success based on their intended outcome. They examine needs and opportunities for design projects, using research and existing solutions to inform their ideas. Students are able to reflect on their processes to identify risks and improve their design ideas, methods and findings. They communicate their ideas in tables, graphs, diagrams and multimodal texts, using digital technologies where applicable.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Investigating Science
  • Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.