Subject Details - Stage 2 Scientific Studies
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| SACE Stage | SACE Stage 2 |
| Tertiary Admission Subject | Yes |
| SACE Credits | 20 credits |
| Subject Length | 2 semesters |
| Description | In this subject students:
1. develop and apply science inquiry skills and understanding of scientific concepts, in new and familiar contexts
2. design and conduct scientific investigations to obtain evidence, using appropriate procedures and safe, ethical working practices
3. evaluate procedures and results, represent and analyse evidence, and formulate and justify conclusions
4. evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration and its impact on results/outcomes
5. explore and understand the interaction between science and society
6. communicate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, using appropriate terms, conventions, and representations. |
| Topics | In Scientific Studies, students extend their skills, knowledge, and understanding of three integrated strands:
• science and inquiry skills
• understanding of scientific concepts
• science as a human endeavour.
Science inquiry skills are the focus of learning in this subject. The contexts that students use to explore and inquire into aspects of science are chosen to suit their particular interests. These contexts form a framework that enable students to engage in inquiry-based learning and further develop their understanding of science concepts.
By exploring science as a human endeavour, students develop and apply their understanding of the complex ways in which science interacts with society, and investigate the dynamic nature of science. They explore how scientists develop new understanding and insights, and produce innovative solutions to everyday and complex problems and challenges in local, national and global contexts.
In this way, students are encouraged to think scientifically and make connections between the work of others and their own learning. This enables them to explore their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges. |
| Assessment | Assessment is both school based and externally assessed:
Students provide evidence of their learning through seven assessments.
• the Inquiry Folio (50%) including:
- 1 individual inquiry design proposal
- 1 investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour (SHE task)
- 3 tasks with a focus on science inquiry skills
• a Collaborative Inquiry (20%)
- 2 parts: collaborative inquiry design and collaborative inquiry evaluation
• an Individual Inquiry (30%) externally assessed
These tasks are assessed against SACE performance standards: Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation (IAE) and, Knowledge and Application (KA).
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| SACE Assessment Plan | Scientific Studies |
| Suggested Prior Learning | Successful completion of a Science subject at Stage 1. |
| Additional Information | Possible additional costs
Excursions may be offered
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