Science Semester 1

Year 10

Subject Information

Semester 1 Science is a compulsory subject in Year 10. Students must study 1 science subject in each semester of year 10 and may wish to study up to 4 semesters of science in total.

Subject Description

In Year 10 Science, Students will study 1 topic from each of the 4 disciplines of Science including Biology, Chemistry Earth Science and Physics. Through the study of Biology students explore the transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involving DNA and genes. While learning Chemistry students explore the development and organisation of the Periodic Table through atomic theory and proprieties of elements. Through the study of Earth Sciences, students describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s global systems, including the carbon cycle, and interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Through the study of Physics, students apply relationships between force, mass and acceleration to predict changes in the motion of objects.

Biology Topics

The role of DNA as the blueprint for controlling the characteristics of organisms
Using models and diagrams to represent the relationship between DNA, genes and chromosomes
Genetic inheritance through meiosis and fertilisation and exploring patterns of inheritance of a simple dominant/recessive characteristic through generations of a family
Describing mutations as changes in DNA or chromosomes and outlining the factors that contribute to causing mutations

Chemistry Topics

Properties of elements and their location within the periodic table
Describing the structure of atoms in terms of electron shells
Investigating the chemical activity of metals

Earth Science Topics

Investigating how human activity affects global systems including the long-term effects of loss of biodiversity
Investigating cycles such as the water, carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus cycle within a biosphere
Investigating the effect of climate change on sea levels and biodiversity including the causes and effects of the greenhouse effect

Physics Topics

Analysing everyday motions produced by forces, such as measurements of distance and time, speed, force, mass and acceleration
Using Newton’s First and Second Law to predict how a force affects the movement of an object
Applying Newton’s Third Law to describe the effect of interactions between two objects
Investigating the application Newton’s Law of Motion to the development of car safety

Course Fees

Nil.

Additional Costs

All students are encouraged to participate in a number of Science competitions, (approximately $8.00 each)

Criterion A:

Knowing & Understanding

Criterion C:

Processing and Evaluating

Criterion B:

Inquiring & Designing

Criterion D:

Reflecting on the impacts of Science