Subject Overview

In Semester 1 of Year 9 Science, students explain chemical processes and natural radioactivity in terms of atoms and energy transfers. They are introduced to the concept of the conservation of matter and begin to develop a more sophisticated view of energy transfer. They describe models of energy transfer and apply these to explain phenomena. They analyse how biological systems function and respond to external changes with reference to interdependencies, energy transfers and flows of matter, including ways in which the human body as a system responds to its external environment.

Students design questions that can be investigated using a range of inquiry skills. They design methods that include the control and accurate measurement of variables and systematic collection of data and describe how they considered ethics and safety. They analyse trends in data, identify relationships between variables and reveal inconsistencies in results. They analyse their methods and the quality of their data, and explain specific actions to improve the quality of their evidence. They evaluate others' methods and explanations from a scientific perspective.

Students undertake study in Year 9 Science during Semester 1 through the following topics:

• Atoms and Radioactivity
• Energy Transfer: Waves & Particle Models
• Control Systems: Multicellular Organism Internal Systems

Subject Overview

In Semester 2 of Year 9, students explore the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. They describe examples of important chemical reactions. They begin to apply their understanding of energy and forces to global systems such as continental movement and explain global features and events in terms of geological processes and timescales. They describe social and technological factors that have influenced scientific developments and predict how future applications of science and technology may affect people's lives.

Students design questions that can be investigated using a range of inquiry skills. They design methods that include the control and accurate measurement of variables and systematic collection of data and describe how they considered ethics and safety. They analyse their methods and the quality of their data, and explain specific actions to improve the quality of their evidence. They evaluate others' methods and explanations from a scientific perspective and use appropriate language and representations when communicating their findings and ideas to specific audiences.

Students undertake study in Year 9 Science during Semester 2 through the following topics:

• Ecosystems and Energy Flow
• Chemical Reactions and Energy Transfer
• Geological Activity and Timescales

For more information about this subject offering, please contact Brooklynne Coombe, Head of Middle School.