Science
The below units are available for Senior School students interested in studying Science.
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level A
SCA10: Science Skills for the Future
Science Skills for the Future provides students with an introduction to laboratory safety and the skills involved in handling equipment such as Bunsen burners, balances, glassware and measuring equipment whilst trying out some experiments. Students describe the structure and properties of solids, liquids and gases in terms of a simple particle model. They devise and demonstrate methods of separating mixtures and investigate filtration, evaporation, crystallisation and distillation to separate substances in solution.
SCA11: How Does Your Garden Grow?
This unit explores the wonderful world of plants! Students are introduced to the process of classification and explore the major categories of plants in the plant kingdom. They explore the structure and function of the flowering plant, and learn the many processes by which a flowering plant may be reproduced – both naturally and by propagation techniques. Students cultivate a garden plot and undertake laboratory work gaining practical skills as they do so.
SCA14: Air Force 1
Have you ever wondered how magnets work, why boats float, what causes lightning? Well, now you can find out. This unit explores Forces and Energy in their many interesting forms. Students investigate the movement of energy through designing and carrying out experiments. They will discuss forces such as magnetism, gravity and buoyancy and why these ideas are important in the modern world. Through exploration and research, pupils will find out how energy efficiency is achieved to help reduce our impact on the environment.
Level B
SCB11: All Creatures Great & Small
The rich diversity of animal life on Earth is a focus of this unit. Students learn how to classify living things, explaining how the physical structures and appearance of different animals are related to the environment and habitats. They investigate cells, organs and body systems such as digestion, circulation and respiration. Micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses are investigated.
SCB12: Forensic Science
How does science solve crime? Students search for the evidence, gathering clues and investigating mysteries. Students examine chromatography techniques, facial identification, finger prints, foot prints, genetic material, entomology, fabrics, fibres, handwriting analysis and dental models. Students thus understand how materials and substances can be identified, what events have taken place and who is involved, leading to the discovery of the perpetrators.
SCB13: Into Space
Students undertaking this unit become astronomers and Earth scientists. They examine the planets and other bodies in our solar system and how the Earth’s position gives us the tides, seasons and eclipses. Students will follow the efforts mankind has made to travel throughout the universe. Comparisons are drawn between Earth’s structure and atmosphere and those of the planets that make up our solar system. They consider their place in space and how they need to look after their own planet to support its unique properties that support life.
SCB15: Chemistry Rocks!
In Chemistry Rocks students become geologists and chemists. They examine the Earth’s structure and how we derive materials such as minerals, oil, gems and precious metals from the ground. Students recognise our dynamic planet with a look at earthquakes and volcanos. While the main focus is geological, students also examine the chemistry of materials extracted from the Earth for their value.
Level C
SCC13: Science snapshot
Students studying this unit will gain an understanding of the science that lies behind everyday life. They will look at body systems, some basic chemistry, and physics. Students will undertake many exciting experiments to investigate the world around them. They will research how things work, such as mobile phones and radios. This unit will give students a taster of the strands of science that they may wish to carry into further studies.
SCC17: Science of the Sea
This unit will appeal to lovers of the oceans and the wonderful assets that make up this marine environment. Students investigate life in the sea and the biology of the organisms that make the sea their home. Students consider the Worlds Oceans and how the impact they have on driving weather, regulating temperature and ultimately supporting living organisms. They will examine some of the issues that threaten and challenge this precious environment such as resource management, pollution and mining.
SCC19: Sustaining Our Planet
This unit focuses on Environmental Science with the emphasis on sustaining and managing our current resources to aid the survival and longevity of our planet. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity, ecosystems, alternative energy sources, waste and recycling, and sustainable design are explored. Students gain an understanding of the structure, function and diversity of ecosystems on this planet and evaluate the impacts of human activities upon them, as well as examining the application of science to ecologically sustainable management and development.
SCC20: Making tracks
How did you get to school today? This unit explores the history and science behind the inventions that get us places. Students will discover how cars, train, planes and drones work by studying the physics and chemistry of turning fuel into movement. They will also examine the environmental impact of this process. Students will think about the science behind the transport solutions we use today and will investigate future possibilities including electric and flying cars!
Level D
SCD10 Microbiology
In this unit students investigate the role microbiology plays in the production of food, the preservation of food items, methods of food preparation and food additives. They gain the laboratory skills of microbiologists, including safe handling of biological samples. Students also examine the role microbes play in human diseases and health, such as plague, botulism and bioterrorist weapons. Basic biology such as cell structure and the function of cell components are also explored.
SCD12: Lights, Sound, Action
Students completing this unit investigate a wide variety of physical concepts including energy and forces. They investigate kinetic and gravitational potential energy associated with motion and kinematics, the nature and behavior of light and sound, and the characteristics and uses of different types of waves. Students complete practical work involving the interpretation of the outcomes of a variety of simple investigations in terms of energy transformations and the conservation of energy. This provides an introduction to some of the theory studied in VCE and IB Physics.
SCD15: All in the Mind
This introductory unit focuses on the scientific nature of psychology as well as the roles and responsibilities of practising psychologists. Students investigate Sports Psychology, examining what motivates athletes, professional accounts of sports psychologists, goal setting, stress and relaxation and mental skills for peak performance. They also investigate aspects of Forensic Psychology, including the functioning of the legal and criminal justice system, roles of a forensic psychologist and criminal profiling.
SCD16: Chemistry of Life
This unit investigates a range of chemical structures and how they are involved in our bodies. Students will receive an excellent introduction to Chemistry and Biology prior to entering VCE or IB. Topics covered will include some basic chemistry then investigations of proteins, carbohydrates and industrial polymers. Students will research some of the chemicals associated with drugs in sport, human growth and reproduction as well as chemicals in our food.
SCD20: Just Genes
This unit investigates in detail the genes that make us who we are. It looks at the structure and role of DNA in determining life processes and the genetic basis of inheritance. Students explore the use of genetic language to explain specific traits in Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals. They will also look at Darwin’s theory of natural selection as evidence for evolution of species. An understanding of the current techniques and uses of Biotechnology will be gained through discussion and research. This provides an introduction to some of the theory studied in VCE and IB Biology.
Level E
SCE12: World of Chemistry
Students gain a strong grounding for studies of Chemistry at VCE level by undertaking this unit. The unit introduces students to the Periodic Table and enables them to describe simple patterns in the arrangement of elements based on their knowledge of atomic structure and the formation of molecules and ions. Students study a range of chemical equations, solubility quantities in chemistry, nanotechnology and metals.
SCE16: The Big Bang
Do you want to unravel the mysteries of the universe? Then this unit is for you. You will gain a starter in Astronomy and Astrophysics and study the wonders of the night sky and the origins of the universe. You will investigate how the study of light gives us a way to study the stars and galaxies. The processes behind the shining of the sun are explored and discussed. Students studying ‘The Big Bang’ will gain a taste of the Physics they will encounter in VCE and IB.
