Science Information

Year 7 are busily engaged in the science transition program. Students in science learn that science is a “hands” on occupation that involves us in testing out our ideas using experimentation.

Year 8  are working on the first of our revised units of work. Last year the science faculty where very busy writing more modern and hopefully much more interesting teaching programs. One of the topics is called “On your Bike” the essential theme of energy and energy transformations is explored using the bike as a familiar context to assist the students in their understanding. The students’ major assignment required them to design a vehicle that could negotiate some sort of extreme environment. They needed to justify the design using the scientific principles about energy that they learnt during the topic. There were some absolutely fantastic and imaginative designs the demonstrated deep understanding of the concepts of energy.

Senior Science

The Senior Science course caters for students requiring a broad overview across all disciplines of science and focuses on encouraging them to become scientifically literate citizens. The course emphasises skill development and is particularly suited to students who have achieved Elementary to Substantial Achievement in the School Certificate in Science

The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the collection, storage and conservation of water resources, and the structure and function of plants, with an emphasis on Australian native plants. It examines issues associated with the protection of the body in the workplace and the interactions between organisms in local ecosystems.

The HSC course investigates the importance of a range of biological molecules found in humans and other organisms, the physical and chemical properties of chemicals used by people on and in their bodies, and information systems. The options draw on the increased information and understanding provided by improved technology to examine a variety of interest areas.

The Science Fair

All students are invited to submit their student research projects in the Highlands Science Fair. The fair is the celebration of our work in science. Last years’ fair was a roaring success with the Science faculty winning the Bill Rose Award. It requires the students to perform an authentic scientific investigation and then report on it in the form of a large display. The students that are involved in the fair in previous years found it highly rewarding and enjoyable. I strongly urge all parents to encourage their students to be involved in the fair.

Stay tuned for more information…….

Why do we have to learn this for Miss?

This is a very common question that students ask their science teachers. Science at times can seem too hard and too abstract for many kids and many fail to see its relevance. One of the major challenges that science teachers face is ensuring that the lessons we deliver are relevant and interesting to our students. Understanding why learning science is important to everyone in society is often very difficult for a young teenage mind. Here is a little bit of what the NSW Science Syllabus Rational has to say:

                  “An understanding of science and its social and cultural contexts provides a basis for future choices and ethical decisions about local and global applications and implications of science. …

… The study of science provides students with the opportunity to examine the impact on their lives of scientific knowledge and its application to their communities and surroundings. This study provides opportunities for students to become independent learners and promotes their development of informed attitudes towards science and the environment. “

Being informed and knowledgeable about science is empowering for the individual and ultimately paramount in maintaining a democratic and ethical society.

Big ideas for your teenager to ponder.