SCIENCE FACULTY

In the science learning area, students learn to investigate, understand and communicate about the physical , biological and technological world and value the processes that support life on our planet. Science helps students to become critical thinkers by encouraging them to use evidence to evaluate the use of science in society and the application of science in daily life.

SCIENCE FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Exposure of students to visiting science shows e.g Questacon and Startrek. Above average results in all science TEE subject. Spaghetti Bridge competition. Selection of several year 9 students to attend the "Science Siemens Experience" at various Tertiary institutions around the state. Results well above average in MSE 9. Very good results in the "2006 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools in Science" with 6 distinctions and 11 credits from 52 participants.

SCIENCE FACULTY ACTIVITIES Zoo visit for year 11 Human Biology students. Bird netting at the Capel wetlands and cave excursions for year 12 Biology students. Spaghetti bridge competition for year 12 Physics students. Laboratory classes at MREC for year 11 and 12 Chemistry students. Visiting science shows for lower school students e.g Questacon, Startrek and Scitech.

LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE ASSESSMENT POLICY

The science courses for year eight, nine and ten are Outcomes based following the guidelines of the Curriculum Framework.

Year eight students have four hours contact in semester one and two hours contact in semester two, during which they cover the Science outcomes:

• Investigating Scientifically
• Life and Living
• Natural and Processed Materials
• Energy and Change
• Earth and Beyond

Year nine students have two hours contact in semester one and four hours contact in semester two, during which they cover the Science outcomes:

• Investigating Scientifically
• Life and Living
• Natural and Processed Materials
• Energy and Change
• Earth and Beyond

Year ten students have four hours contact throughout the year during which they cover the Science outcomes:

• Investigating Scientifically
• Life and Living
• Natural and Processed Materials
• Energy and Change

The Investigating Scientifically outcome is assessed throughout the year and incorporated into the other Science outcomes.

Assessment Types

Each outcome will have specific assessment items including:

• Investigations
• Open ended tasks
• Project or assignment work
• Vocabulary exercises
• Verification tests

Each outcome should have at least one investigation and three other assessment items with a concise levelling rubric associated with each item. In year ten some of the outcomes are unit based with assessment items and rubrics associated within each unit. The final level for each outcome is derived from the level achieved in each assessment item and this is done with the aid of in school moderation and cross school "Making Consistent Judgements" exemplars.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to complete all work set, in order to provide the teacher with enough information to determine an overall level of achievement. Work not completed in class as expected is to be completed at home. If this is not done the student will be provided with time at lunch or recess to complete the task. Some assignment / project work will be allocated as homework but the majority of homework should be study or revision of class work. Diaries are encouraged to enhance study skills. Communication with parents will take place if there is a consistent problem with regard to completion of work.