Year+10+Curriculum

= Year 10 Science 2010 =

At Year 10 level, students have 5 Science subjects to choose from. All subjects are one semester in duration. If a student wishes to pursue Science subjects at VCE level, they must ensure they have completed the appropriate Year 10 Science subject. These are outlined below:


 * Chemistry** (Life Science or Accelerated Science)
 * Physics** (Physical Science or Accelerated Science)
 * Biology** (Life Science or Accelerated Science)

Students may wish to combine the above subjects with other offerings such as Sports Science and Science in Society. Students wishing to undertake a traditional Year 10 Science program to ensure all VCE science options are available to them would undertake Life Science and Physical Science.

Life Science:
This subjects presents students with the ability to explore in detail the chemical and biological processes and concepts that are essential to life. The topics covered are outlined below:


 * **Patterns in Chemistry: Students study trends in the periodic table and relate these to atomic structure. They investigate valencies and use these to write ionic formulae and balance chemical equations. Through practical investigation, ionic, metallic and covalent bonding are explored. Students also investigate the formation of precipitates in reactions and use ionic solubilities to predict precipitate reactions. **
 * **Uses of Chemistry: Students use concepts learnt from Patterns in Chemistry to describe a range of industrial and manufacturing applications. They investigate different types of reactions including Redox and Combustion and apply these to everyday situations. Practical work involves exploring the processes of Electrolysis and investigating Electrochemical cells. **
 * **Genetics: Students describe and explain human reproduction and early development. They use modeling to explain the processes of Mitosis and Meiosis and investigate how traits are inherited and passes down over generations. Students explore the structure of DNA and genes and research genetic diseases and cures for these through cloning. **
 * **Evolution: A discussion based topic, students look at variation among and within groups of living organisms and explain why this is essential for the survival of a species. Students explore the concepts of natural selection and the many different forms of evidence for evolution. They also research extinct animals and relate this to the geological history of the Earth. Students debate controversial topics such as Genetically modified food and applications of new gene technologies. **

Physical Science:
This subject provided students with the opportunity to study in detail the important concepts in Physics, Earth and Space Sciences and explore the applications of new technologies to these and the quest for sustainability. The topics covered are outlined below:


 * **Physics and the Car: Students develop their understanding of forces by investigating using practical activities the concepts of velocity, mass, and acceleration. They use data gathered in these activities to draw graphs to show the motion of objects. Safety features of modern cars are explored and modeled. Students also research and analyse crash and collision data. **
 * **Future Energy: This topic focuses on the costs and benefits of the uses of fossil fuels as energy sources and investigates the alternatives to the use of these fuels. Australia’s energy consumption is investigated and the technology used to produce renewable energy is explored. Students research and model ways that we can all reduce our energy consumption at work, school and home. **
 * **Going into Space: Students investigate what it is like for astronauts in space. They study the motion of rockets and investigate the effects of weightlessness on the human body. They consider the requirements for astronauts living in space and look at the past and future of space exploration and research, including the quest to visit the red planet, Mars. **
 * **Waves: In this topic, students investigate the behaviours of light and sound waves and apply these to uses in communications and other technologies. They use practical activities to describe reflection, refraction and polarization and explore energy transfer processes. **

__Accelerated Science__:
As its name suggests, Accelerated Science is a fast paced unit that aims to cover all key components of the Yr 10 Science program in one semester. This unit would suit students with a keen interest in a range of science disciplines and a well developed ability to work in a motivated and consistent manner. Students must have demonstrated competency in Year 9 Science and sound organizational skills. The topics covered are outlined below:


 * **Patterns in Chemistry** (see outline as per Life Science)
 * **Using Chemistry** (See outline as per Life Science)
 * **Genetics** (See outline as per Life Science)
 * **Diseases** - Students investigate a range of pathogens of humans and other animals, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. They study the diseases and methods of transmission of these pathogens and research future methods of control of these diseases.
 * **Physics and the Car** (See outline as per Physical Science)

Sports Science:
This subject is aimed to apply a range of scientific concepts to a number of different sports. This subject would suit students with a keen interest in physical education and sport as many of the practical activities are sport based. Students must also demonstrate a keen interest in Science and sound organizational and practical skills.

Topics covered may include:
 * **Nutrition**
 * **Exercise Physiology**
 * **Velocity/Motion/Forces in sport**
 * **Biomechanics of movement**
 * **Training plans**
 * **Science and Technology in Spor**t

Science in Society :
This subject provides students with the opportunity to focus on some important ways that Science impacts of their lives. This unit is best suited to students who enjoy practical work and applying scientific concepts to their everyday situations. This subject is not designed to lead into VCE science units, so may need to be taken in sequence with another of the above units. Topics covered include:


 * **Forensic Science: - Students develop a range of skills and knowledge of techniques used by forensic scientists to solve crimes. They the procedures and processes that take place after a crime has been committed and apply this to a real life situation. **
 * **Consumer Science: Students develop their knowledge of factors that effect consumer demand for everyday products such as food and cosmetics. They make and test a range of common cosmetic products and research the latest in manufacturing and new generation materials. **
 * **Energy Efficient Homes: Students investigate the issues of climate change and the need to develop an alternative energy source. They investigate how they can make changes in their own lives to reduce their impact on the environment. They research and model features of energy efficient homes and how these can be further improved in the future. **
 * **Environmental Case studies: Following on from the previous topic, students take an in depth look at human impact on the environment. They investigate many different issues using a case study approach, such as: Global warming, oil spills, and mining. They evaluate and present different strategies for minimizing human impact. **