Senior School Science

Science systematically questions, investigates, predicts and explains events in the universe. It uses logical processes, based on observation, experimentation and modelling, to gather evidence and develop explanations. The development of scientific literacy in all students is the major goal of science education. Scientifically literate citizens can make informed and ethical decisions about the role of science and technology in shaping their lives, the priorities and directions of their society and the future of the world.

One of our principal aims of is to stimulate a lifelong love of learning and engender an excitement about the world which encourages young people to observe, think, question and investigate. We also seek to help students develop a responsible attitude towards their place on the planet and to treasure the living and non-living parts of the environment. By providing an excellent Science program, extensive opportunities and state of the art facilities we encourage students to extend their interest in science beyond the classroom, support them to enter into science, engineering and technological careers and help develop an environmental conscience which is enlightened and unbiased.

Scientific Inquiry is integrated into all years of science study and students are given extensive opportunities to plan and conduct experimental investigations, collect and analyse data and draw valid conclusions from the evidence.

Science at St Mary’s College incorporates The Australian Curriculum, Science. The curriculum encompasses the three interrelated areas as described in the Australian Curriculum document, of:

• Science inquiry skills (incorporating skills and understanding of science as a way of knowing and doing),
• Science as a human endeavour (incorporating knowledge and understanding of the personal, social, environmental, cultural and historical significance and relevance of science), and
• Science understanding (incorporating knowledge and understanding of the biological, physical, and earth and space sciences).

Women in Science Centre

The new Women in Science Centre will allow students from K to 12 to work in bright, new and well equipped surroundings.

The centre will provide more subject choices in the area of Science for our girls as well as other exciting and interesting opportunities through excursions, field studies, guest speakers and community interaction and as well as encouraging students to participate in lunch time activities, competitions, conferences and class activities.

Extra- curricular opportunities

Students are given opportunities and are encouraged to take part in many out of class activities and competitions such as:

• The Tasmanian Science Talent Search
• BHP Billiton Science Awards
• Rio Tinto Big Science Competition
• National Chemistry Quiz
• Chemical Institute’s Titration Competition
• University of Tasmania Science Fair
• CSIRO CREST awards
• The Science and Engineering Challenge

Our Science program is also enriched by field studies, visiting scientists, CSIRO Scientists in Schools partnerships, Science Week celebrations and activities and enthusiastic, dedicated and skilled teachers.

In grade 7 science students will study

• Classification of living organisms and the interaction of the living and non-living parts of the environment
• Mixtures and separation techniques
• The Sun, Earth and Moon, seasons and tides
• Renewable and non-renewable resources
• Forces, in particular gravitational and simple machines

In grade 8 science students will study

• Cells, tissues, organs and organ systems
• Particles theory of matter, the periodic table of the elements, chemical change and compounds
• Rocks, the rock cycle and minerals
• Energy and energy change

In grade 9 science students will study

• Homeostasis in living organisms
• Biotic and abiotic factors and matter and energy flow in ecosystems
• Atomic structure, law of conservation of matter, chemical symbols and formulae
• Geological activity, plate tectonics and movement of continents
• Heat, sound, light and electricity

In grade 10 science students will study

• Genetics, natural selection and evolution
• Types of chemical reactions, chemical equations and rates of reaction
• The structures and origins of the universe
• Global systems and cycles
• The laws of motion
• Energy transformations

In grade 11 and 12 the following subjects are offered

Biology which covers:

• Experimental Design
• The chemistry of life
• Cells and cell functions
• Organ systems and organisms
• Genetics and evolution
• Ecosystems

Environmental Science where students will:

• Go on numerous excursions to investigate environmental concepts and issues
• Complete a case study of a local environment

Physical sciences where students:

• Study the principles the physics and chemistry at a more advanced level
• Develop scientific literacy and analytical skills

Physics which incorporates the study of:

• Newtonian physics
• Fields and forces
• Waves
• Particle nature of light and quantum theory
• Atomic and nuclear physics

Chemistry covers the following topics:

• Redox chemistry
• Chemical calculations
• Carbon chemistry
• Electronic structure and the periodic table
• Inorganic chemistry
• Rates of reaction and equilibrium
• Thermochemistry and calorimetry

	For information about enrolling in our Senior School, please contact the Enrolments Officer by email, telephone (03) 6234 3381, or view or download the Senior School brochure.