SCIENCE

In Science our aim is to provide students with strategies for answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical, chemical and technological world.

Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world through exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems.

Classroom tasks link Science to real life theoretical and practical problems. Whilst teaching the Western Australian Science Curriculum we strive to link the Science Understanding strand’s learning experiences to current local interests and global events through the Science Inquiry and Science as a Human Endeavour strands.

There are opportunities for students to develop their scientific skills and knowledge using the content strands below.

 

SCIENCE UNDERSTANDING

The Science Understanding strand comprises of four sub-strands. The content is described by year level.

  • Biological Sciences: The biological sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding living things. Students are introduced to the cell as the basic unit of life and the processes that are central to its function. They investigate living things, including animals, plants, and micro-organisms, and their interdependence and interactions within ecosystems.
  • Chemical Sciences: The chemical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the composition and behaviour of substances. Students recognise that all substances consist of atoms which can combine to form molecules, and chemical reactions involve atoms being rearranged and recombined to form new substances.
  • Earth and Space Sciences: The Earth and space sciences sub-strand is concerned with Earth’s dynamic structure and its place in the cosmos. The key concepts developed are Earth is part of a solar system that is part of a larger universe; and Earth is subject to change within and on its surface, over a range of timescales as a result of natural processes and human use of resources.
  • Physical Sciences: The physical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy. The two key concepts developed within this sub-strand are that: forces affect the behaviour of objects; and that energy can be transferred and transformed from one form to another.

 

SCIENCE AS A HUMAN ENDEAVOUR

There are two sub-strands of Science as a Human Endeavour. These are:

  • Nature and Development of Science: This sub-strand develops an appreciation of the unique nature of science and scientific knowledge, including how current knowledge has developed over time through the actions of many people.
  • Use and Influence of Science: This sub-strand explores how science knowledge and applications affect peoples’ lives, including their work, and how science is influenced by society and can be used to inform decisions and actions.

 

SCIENCE INQUIRY SKILLS

Science Inquiry involves identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting and reflecting on investigations; processing, analysing and interpreting evidence; and communicating findings.

There are five sub-strands of Science Inquiry Skills. These are:

  • Questioning and Predicting: Identifying and constructing questions, proposing hypotheses and suggesting possible
    outcomes.
  • Planning and Conducting: Making decisions regarding how to investigate or solve a problem and carrying out an investigation, including the collection of data.
  • Processing and Analysing Data and Information: Representing data in meaningful and useful ways; identifying trends, patterns and relationships in data, and using this evidence to justify conclusions.
  • Evaluating: Considering the quality of available evidence and the merit or significance of a claim, proposition or conclusion with reference to that evidence.
  • Communicating: Conveying information or ideas to others through appropriate representations, text types and modes.

 

The Science Learning Area integrates e-learning tools into the teaching and learning program via Connect and students
have access at school and at home to an eBook.

 

In class, staff use digital technologies in their lessons including interactive whiteboards, eBoards and online resources. Our dedicated staff provide meaningful, positive and engaging learning experiences in a supportive environment, to maximise the achievement and allow students to develop a positive attitude toward Science and to become lifelong learners.

LOWER & UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

Links and Info Coming Soon…

UPPER SCHOOL

Find out more about ATAR and upper school subjects.

Yanchep Secondary College Campus