2011 YR 8 & 9 Curriculum Handbook FINAL - Indooroopilly State ...

ScienceSCIENCEYear 8OverviewWhat is Science?Science is challenging, fun, and important to ourpresent and future life-styles, health and environment.It helps us to understand the world we live in. As acareer, it offers many current and future problemsolving situations and involves working within a localand international community of scientists.Why study Science?The science program has been written to promote thedevelopment of successful, self-directed learners. Itbuilds on the science studied in primary school. Eachunit of work is designed to develop new levels ofknowledge and understanding of scientific topics. Youwill use an investigative approach, solving problems,and developing practical skills through laboratory andresearch activities. You will have opportunities toreflect on your learning and evaluate the influencethat people and culture have on applications ofscience.You will use the essential ways of working todemonstrate your knowledge and understanding of:• Science as a human endeavour• Earth and beyond• Energy and change• Life and living• Natural and processed materialsCourse OutlineYear 8Semester 1• Working scientifically• Chemistry in our lives• Our living worldSemester 2• Energy and forces on Earth• Our environment• Our EarthSCILearning ExperiencesAs you work with other students and teachers, youwill be working scientifically. This reflects the waypractising scientists solve problems in the real world.It includes researching and investigating questionsand problems, undertaking laboratory and field work,and communicating and reflecting on the work youhave undertaken.Preferred Pre-RequisitesThere are no pre-requisites. The study of JuniorScience follows on from the Science taught inQueensland primary schools. Students entering frominterstate will handle the subject successfully.AssessmentYour teacher will be keen to allow you to show whatyou have learnt. You will demonstrate your newknowledge of Science and the investigative andpractical skills you have developed in a variety ofways which may include written tests, extendedwriting, research and experimental reports, orals anddigital presentations e.g. Powerpoint, webpages etc.Future OptionsWhether you choose a career in Science or simplylive in today’s world you need to be scientificallyliterate. You are only limited by your imagination.Be a Vet, Doctor, Technician, Repairperson,Computer Whiz, Food Technologist, Reporter,Builder, Electrician, Lawyer, Nurse, Engineer, Parent.Whatever you want to be, you will need Science.In the senior school the study of Science is replacedby the study of separate subjects: Physics, Chemistryand Biology.Year 9Semester 1• Investigating Matter• Ecosystem Earth• Life Goes OnSemester 2• Investigating heat and electricity• Our Origins• Living with acids and base15