Junior Science

Year 7 - Science

In Year 7 Science, student learning focuses on developing fundamental knowledge and inquiry skills. Students make accurate measurements and control variables in experiments to analyse relationships between system components and explore and explain these relationships using appropriate representations. They make predictions and propose explanations, drawing on evidence to support their views.

Key learning areas in Science include the strands of ‘Science Understanding’ focusing on Science as Human endeavour and the different disciplines of science and the development of ‘Science Inquiry Skills’.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 8 Science.

Year 8 - Science

In Year 8 Science, student learning focus is on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. Students classify different forms of energy, and describe the role of energy in causing change in systems, including the role of heat and kinetic energy in the rock cycle. Students link form and function at a cellular level and explore the organisation and interconnectedness of body systems. Similarly, they explore changes in matter at a particle level, and distinguish between chemical and physical change. Students make accurate measurements and control variables in experiments to analyse relationships between system components and explore and explain these relationships using appropriate representations. They make predictions and propose explanations, drawing on evidence to support their views.

Future Directions
This unit leads to Year 9 Science and can lead to VCE Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

Year 9 - Science

In Year 9 Science, student learning focus is on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. Students consider both classic and contemporary science contexts to explain the operation of systems at a range of scales. At a microscopic scale, they consider the atom as a system of protons, electrons, and neutrons. They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and that these changes play an important role in many systems. At a macroscopic scale, they explore ways in which the human body as a system responds to its external environment and investigate the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. They develop a more sophisticated view of energy transfer by applying the concept of the conservation of matter in a variety of contexts. Atomic theory is used to understand relationships within the periodic table of elements. Students understand that forces are related by applying physical laws.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Science electives.

Year 9 - Science: Into the Galaxy (Elective)

This course will allow students to further develop their knowledge within the earth and space science domain, as well as having links to physical and chemical science. There will be an emphasis on the use of scientific inquiry and research skills as students explore various aspects of space. Students will also learn about the human endeavours that lead to our current understanding of the universe and how this has changed over time. There will be the opportunity for students to be involved in practical activities and excursions to foster a deeper understanding of the content.

Future Directions
The practical investigation and science inquiry skills covered in this subject will provide a good foundation for students to proceed to study Year 10 Science.