We are all curious about the world we live in, wonder why it is that way, and ask about our place in it. The goal for Science at Yarra Hills is to stimulate that curiosity, wonder and questioning.
Our world is faced by many challenges and it is important that our students understand those challenges, how science is changing to meet them and how this will impact on our lives.
A major goal of our science program is to develop scientifically literate citizens who are capable of taking part in intelligent debate about science and its use in our world.
Our topics inspired by the Victorian Curriculum span areas of biology, chemistry, physics, earth and space science, environmental science, forensics, animal studies, health sciences, neuroscience, psychology, experimental design and genetics.
The science classroom can be a hazardous place so there is a major focus on working safely.
Science program summary:
Years 7 & 8
- 2 lessons per week
Topics:
Laboratory safety, elements, mixtures & compounds, states of matter, chemical and physical change, gravity, plate tectonics, rocks, simple machines, water cycle, forces and motion, energy, renewable & non renewable resources, cells, body systems, reproduction, ecology &classification.
Excursions:
The Melbourne Zoo and Rock ID Parade (Incursion).
Years 9 & 10
- 2 lessons per week
Topics – Yr 9:
Body systems, energy, atoms, periodic table, radiation, chemical reactions, conservation of mass, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, experimental design.
Excursions:
Quantum – 3D Printing and Forensic Science & Melbourne Museum Mind and Body Exhibit (Psychology Elective)
Yr 10 four full term topics:
- Chemistry
- Physics – Motion and Energy
- Biology – Genetics & Evolution
- Experimental design
VCE – Years 11 & 12
- 6 lessons per fortnight
The junior science curriculum provides an excellent scaffold into Units 1 & 2 and 3 & 4:
Yarra Hills SC currently offers VCE Science studies in the following subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
Accelerated studies for some VCE science subjects is available for Yr 10 students who meet the criteria.