What is it and why should I do it?
VCE Science Primer exists to equip you with the critical and creative thinking capabilities central to VCE Science.
This course will provide you with the inquiry skills necessary for all VCE science subjects with content strands drawn from VCE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students will have the opportunity to discover perspective altering concepts in science such as the origins of life, how the atoms themselves come together and the way in which fundamental forces control everything we do. This will be an inquiry based subject so students will have the opportunity to become scientists and discover these principles for themselves.
Throughout the semester you will build up a logbook of self designed experiments, fostering the skills required to work as a professional scientist.
What will I do in class?
Students will develop and enhance a range of inquiry skills including practical experimentation, research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills including critical and creative thinking, and communication skills. Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, conduct investigations, and analyse and critically interpret qualitative and quantitative data. They assess the limitations of data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify their conclusions, make recommendations and communicate their findings. Students use their scientific knowledge, skills and ethical understanding to investigate and analyse contemporary issues and communicate their views from an informed position.
For example:
- Can we extract DNA from a living thing?
- How does DNA make you the person you are?
- How explosive are the Group 1 elements?
- How does a battery work?
- What is inertia?
- Is gravity a force?
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
Actively engaging in the practical activities and demonstrating a desire to work towards a VCE level.
Outcome 1:
Completing a log book that covers student-designed scientific investigations following the scientific format, including genres such as article for a scientific publication, a practical report, an oral presentation, a multimedia presentation or a visual representation.
- A logbook of scientific investigations
Outcome 2:
Demonstrates skills in carrying out routine questions accurately and recalling concepts readily.
- Tests and an Exam