Science

Years 7-9
Science at Mount Erin is core through Years 7-9 where students are encouraged to become independent thinkers with a sense of enquiry and to use the Scientific Method to solve problems. They develop their scientific skills across the areas of study in the Biological, Chemical, Physical and Earth and Space Sciences.

Texts.
Students use Heinemann Science Links 1, 2 and 3 for Years 7-9, as it offers a comprehensive sequence in activities and learning opportunities. The added advantage of this text is that it can be used as an “e” text on family home computers. This can help students access additional work sheets, relevant and appropriate web sites for research and also save the transporting of the text to and from school. Students with reading and writing challenges can also use the ‘e’ text to word process practical/experimental work and build their ICT skills in the context of class requirements.

Year 10
Apart from core Science, Year 10 students can choose from the following electives:

Marine Science
People, Work & Leisure
Forensic Science
Chemical & Physical Science
Biological & Chemical Science
VCE Units 1 & 2 Psychology

These electives are designed to encourage students to VCE Pathways and should be selected with another Science elective.

Excursions/Incursions are encouraged to give students the opportunity to put into practice ideas learnt in class.

Assessment.
Assessment is based upon each student’s overall performance in regular completion of set homework, assignment tasks, practical activities from class and well organised and logical sequences in their workbooks.

Students tree planting & 2003 Biology Fieldwork: Blairegowrie Victoria

Middle School Year 9 and 10
Students follow the CSF II sequence in Year 9 and have the choice within the elective blocks to choose some additional Science subject(s).

Year 10 students must choose ONE elective to complete their CSF II sequence and they are to select from Core Science, Forensic/Marine Biology/People Work and Leisure. (These are subject to change, however they all cover the four key strands in Science at level 6). Themed approaches are designed to encourage even the most reluctant learners to complete a successful Science sequence.

If students are planning to follow a VCE pathway then they must also select a second Science elective from the extension/enrichment component. (BioChem/PhysChem)

Senior School
VCE Units 1-4 are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology

Biology looks at how living systems transport energy and mass to sustain life.
Chemistry looks at the interaction between the elements at the atomic and molecular levels.
Physics investigates phenomena of motion and energy with electricity and how they apply to technological and social applications.

Students are encouraged to diversify their skills and resources through technology and use of tertiary and commercial institutions.