Science in Practice is practical, with experiments and hands-on investigations at its core. Practical activities engage students, producing excitement and curiosity. Investigations develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science and of a particular topic or context.
Science in Practice is a dynamic, collaborative and future-focused field of human endeavour that has emerged from a need to understand natural phenomena. It contributes to the development of a sense of wonder and engagement with the natural world. To have an informed voice in charting the future of society and to effectively participate in society and everyday life, where science and technology play significant and increasing roles, students need to be scientifically literate. Scientific literacy is a way of thinking and a way of viewing and interacting with the world that is developed through engaging in the practical and analytical approaches of scientific inquiry.
Science in Practice will provide you with opportunities to ask increasingly sophisticated questions about new ideas and information. Science in Practice supports and focuses the development of these questions by encouraging inquiry and a respect for evidence and reasoning. It will develop your critical thinking skills through the evaluation of claims using systematic reasoning and an enhanced scientific understanding of the natural and physical world.
Science in Practice is an Applied subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. It is assumed that students have prior knowledge of the P–10 Australian Curriculum: Science to year 10. The subject can earn up to 4 QCE points and only 1 may contribute to ATAR when combined with 4 General subjects
Course content
- scientific literacy and working scientifically
- workplace health and safety
- communication and self-management.
Year 11
| Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 2 |
| Topic 1. Crime Scene Investigation | Topic 2. Mission to Mars | Topic 3. Road Safety Physics |
| Project | Project | Investigation |
Year 12
| Unit 3 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 4 |
| Topic 4. Energy Efficient Technologies | Topic 5. The Human Body | Topic 6. Rockets | Topic 7. Natural Disasters |
| Project | Exam | Investigation | Investigation |
Special Features
You will undertake practical units of work that include experiments and hands-on investigations. Practical activities are engaging and promote excitement and curiosity. Investigations develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science and of a particular topic or context.
You will identify science in your world and understand the importance of science in your life.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake field work including creating and analysing fingerprinting, blood splatter analysis, plaster impression evidence, bio-bottles, water filters, oxygen creation, mouse trap racers, crash impact tests and many more.
Career pathways
- animal welfare
- food technology
- forensics
- health and medicine
- recreation and tourism
- research
- pharmaceutical industry
- resources sector