Year 9 Subject Guide 2020

SCIENCES Subject Summary:

The Year 9 Sciences at Somerset College provide an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, chemical, physical and technological world. A study in the Sciences aims to contribute to the development of students as inquirers. The Sciences programme promotes scientific inquiry to develop analytical and critical thinking, and challenges all students to: • be confident and curious learners • develop a scientific way of knowing that enables students to investigate, understand, explain and evaluate the world they live in • recognise links between Sciences and other disciplines • consider multiple perspectives in regards to social and national cultures • reflect on their own learning • develop decision-making and ethical reasoning skills The Australian Curriculum for Science has three interrelated strands: • Science Understanding – selection and integration of scientific knowledge to explain and predict phenomena, and application of knowledge to new situations • Science as a Human Endeavour – the development and role of science in decision making and problem solving, the ethical implications of decisions and the contributions of individuals and cultures • Science Inquiry Skills – evaluating claims, investigating ideas, solving problems, drawing conclusions and developing evidence based arguments As part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, the Sciences programme also incorporates: • Conceptual Understanding – the ‘big ideas’, principles or notions that are enduring and significant. • Global Contexts – direct teaching and learning, and exploration of the relevance of the inquiry. • Statements of Inquiry and Inquiry Questions - frame classroom inquiry and direct purposeful learning. • Approaches to Learning - encompass thinking, social, communication, self-management, research and mathematical skills. These areas are naturally interwoven throughout the Sciences curriculum, providing a vehicle through which to examine the content and contextualise the students’ knowledge and skills. The Year 9 Sciences course covers a range of topics which span the four sub-strands of Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences and Physical Sciences. Exploration of these disciplines encourages students to find possible answers to a range of inquiry questions. Assessment Outline: Students will be assessed throughout the two semesters using a range of tasks, including practical investigations, assignments and examinations, covering all criteria. These criteria include: • Criterion A - Knowledge and Understanding

• Criterion B - Inquiring and Designing • Criterion C – Processing and Evaluating • Criterion D – Reflecting on the Impact of Science

26