Course description:
This is an immersive science coursed designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding in the diverse realms of biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences. Through hands-on experiments, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative projects, students will explore the wonders of the natural world, developing critical thinking skills and a foundation for advanced scientific studies.
Course objectives:
• Cultivate a scientific mindset through inquiry-based learning, fostering curiosity and independent investigation.
• Integrate knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences to appreciate the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines.
• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing scientific phenomena, interpreting data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Term 1: Chemistry
Key Topics
• Working scientifically
• Structure and physical properties of matter
• Distinguishing Elements, compounds and mixtures
• Discovering aqueous mixtures
• Separation techniques
• Practical applications of filtration
Term 2: Physics
Key Topics
• Working scientifically
• Introduction to forces
• Contract and field forces
• Electrostatic charge and forces
• Investigation into gravity
• Magnetism and friction
Term 3: Biology
Key Topics
• Classification systems; Linnean Classification
• Features of living things; plants, animals, fungi, bacteria
• Survival and reproductive adaptations
• Human impacts on food cycles and recycling
• Cell theory and types
• Hierarchy of life
• Cellular respiration, photosynthesis, osmosis
• Exploration of cell division
Term 4: Earth Sciences
• Models of the solar system
• Connection of the moon to daily phenomenon
• Technologies in astrology
• Renewable and non-renewable resources
• Water cycle
• Water management and desalination
• Layers of the earth and erosion
| School | Offered | Reserved |
|---|---|---|
| James Ruse AHS | 46 | 10 |
| North Sydney Girls HS | 19 | 5 |
| Baulkham Hills HS | 35 | 17 |
| North Sydney Boys HS | 21 | 4 |
| Normanhurst Boys HS | 15 | 7 |
| Sydney Boys HS | 23 | 9 |
| Hornsby Girls HS | 15 | 5 |
| Sydney Girls HS | 14 | 1 |
| Fort Street HS | 9 | 3 |
| Penrith Selective HS | 4 | 1 |
| Girraween HS | 5 | 1 |
| NBSC Manly Campus | 3 | 1 |
| St George Girls HS | 2 | 1 |
| Hurlstone Agriculture HS | 15 | 1 |
| Others | 14+ |
| School | Offered | Reserved |
|---|---|---|
| Beecroft Public School | 9 | 6 |
| North Rocks Public School | 8 | 5 |
| Ermington Public School | 7 | 3 |
| Artarmon Public School | 7 | 2 |
| Matthew Pearce Public School | 6 | 4 |
| Dural Public School | 7 | 1 |
| Waitara Public School | 4 | 1 |
| Hurstville Public School | 3 | 2 |
| Ryde Public School | 4 | 1 |
| Ironbark Ridge Public School | 6 | 4 |
| Chatswood Public School | 7 | 3 |
| Woollahra Public School | 5 | 0 |
| Neutral Bay Public School | 6 | 0 |
| Others | 25+ |
| School | Offered | Reserved |
|---|---|---|
| James Ruese AHS | 7 | 1 |
| Baulkham Hills HS | 5 | 1 |
| North Sydney Girls HS | 4 | 2 |
| North Sydney Boys HS | 1 | 1 |
| Hornsby Girls HS | 3 | |
| Normanhurst Boys HS | 5 | 2 |
| Sydney Boys HS | 4 | |
| Sydney Girls HS | 3 | 2 |
| Penrith Selective HS | 1 | |
| Girraween HS | 2 | |
| NBSC Manly Campus | 3 | |
| Fort Street HS | 1 | |
| Others | 3 |