Science

Science provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.

Through a study of science, students learn to apply scientific skills through working scientifically to test, collaborate, investigate, explain, and validate information.

Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

Science at Marrickville

At Marrickville High School the Science Faculty places an emphasises on inquiry-based learning and problem solving. We believe that students need to be continuously challenged to develop innovative ways to solve problems and think critically.Students undertake a range of assessment tasks throughout their schooling including prototyping, model-making, practical assessments, fieldwork, and scientific design.

Technology in Science

Science has a range of technologies that allow students to collect, present and interpret data. Resources such as aiPads, Sphero Robotics, Data Sensors and a digital microscope allow students to collect and analyse large real-time data sets and accurately change and control variables in simulations and in the real world.

Science Facilities

Marrickville High School has six new state of the art Science laboratories fitted with the latest furniture and equipment, offering Marrickville students a modern and enhanced learning space.

Stage 6 Science Extension

This course is a one-unit Year 12 only course, with a focus on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report generally acceptable for publication.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create a Scientific Research Report, which is supported and evidenced by a Scientific Research Portfolio. The four modules integrate the skills of Working Scientifically within the course content to form the framework for the Scientific Research Project.

Biology

Stage 6

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a basis for understanding the way in which multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. Exploring variations in the structures and functions of organisms provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and on biodiversity.

The Year 12 course investigates reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation in both plants and animals. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and various genetic technologies are explored in the light of their uses in the treatment, prevention and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Chemistry

Stage 6

The Year 11 course develops the knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the properties and structures of matter, the types and drivers of chemical reactions and how we measure the quantities involved in these processes.

The Year 12 course builds on the concepts introduced in Year 11 by examining particular classes of chemicals, processes and a variety of chemical reactions which incorporate organic compounds and acid/base equilibrium reactions. The course challenges students to apply this knowledge to the investigation of a range of methods used in identifying and measuring quantities of chemicals, which leads to an understanding of the structure, properties and trends of and between classes of chemicals.

Earth and Environmental Science

Stage 6

The Year 11 course investigates compositional layers of the Earth, the origins of minerals, tectonic movements and energy transformations and includes the study of human impact on the Earth’s resources and its surface.

The Year 12 course investigates how the processes of plate tectonics, the formation of water and the introduction of life interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and climate. Investigation of hazards, the mitigation of their effects and resource management are also considered, which leads to an understanding of the need to centralise the theme of sustainability for the long-term welfare of our planet and all forms of life dependent upon it.

Physics

Stage 6

The Year 11 course develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion, how we describe it and what causes it. The course also examines energy in its different forms, and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and their interrelated effects.

The Year 12 course provides avenues for students to apply the concepts introduced in Year 11 and to motion in two dimensions, electromagnetism, the nature of light, and the atomic properties of matter.

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