Cronulla High School

Telephone02 9523 4017

Emailcronulla-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science

Year 7-10

Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions. The study of Science is a collaborative, creative endeavour and has led to a dynamic body of knowledge. It is how we explain what happens in our world.

By engaging in scientific inquiry, students develop a deeper appreciation of the unique nature and development of science. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the importance of science in their own lives and society, locally and globally.

The study of Science enables students to develop a positive self-concept as learners and gain confidence in and enjoyment from their learning. Through active participation in challenging and engaging experiences they become self-motivated, independent learners. Their understanding of science and its social and cultural contexts provides a basis for students to make reasoned evidence-based future choices and ethical decisions, and to engage in finding innovative solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues, including sustainable futures.

In senior years students can study

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Physics
  • Investigating Science
  • Science Extension

The study of senior courses involves students working individually and with others in practical, field and interactive activities that are related to investigative and problem-solving skills, effective communication and understanding the contribution Science makes to their understanding of the world.

Biology

The study of biology recognises that, while humans are part of nature, they continue to have a greater influence on the environment than any other species. Students study the concepts explaining the functioning, origins and evolution of living things.

Chemistry

Chemistry focuses on investigating the physical and chemical properties of substances, chemical reactions and processes, and the interaction of energy and matter.

Earth and environmental science

Earth and Environmental Science is the study of the Earth and its processes. Earth and Environmental Science is built on the premise that the natural environment is the host to all local environments and that, therefore, an understanding of the natural environment is fundamental to any analysis of more specific local environments.

Physics

Physics focuses on investigating natural phenomena and then applying patterns, models (including mathematical ones), principles, theories and laws to explain the physical behaviour of the universe. It uses an understanding of simple systems to make predictions about a range of objects from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe and aims to reveal the simplicity underlying complexity.

Investigating science

Investigating Science looks at scientific process and examines the human tendency to draw inferences and make generalisations from these observations. Students learn about the development and use of scientific models and the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws. Students conduct their own scientific investigations and communicate their findings in scientific reports. Students are provided with the opportunity to examine the interdependent relationship between science and technology and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to scientifically examine a claim.

Science extension Year 12

Science Extension is a new 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 their Scientific Research Report which is supported 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.