Science

The study of science at Sacred Heart College provides opportunities for students to build their knowledge of key science concepts, understanding the chemical, physical, and natural world around them, through a mixture of explicit learning and hands-on learning activities.
Students develop skills in questioning and investigating answers to these questions through the collection and interpretation of data and information providing the foundation to use evidence to solve problems and make evidence-based decisions. Students also gain an appreciation for the real-world contexts of science through the study of important scientific discoveries and the people behind them, and how these discoveries contribute to our culture and society.

Students also gain an appreciation for the real-world contexts of science through the study of important scientific discoveries, the people behind them and how these discoveries contribute to our culture and society. Students are supported to become more independent inquirers, using their skills in questioning and investigation to develop a deeper understanding of the science concepts explored. Students start to explore microscopic and atomic structures and their basis in all living and non-living matter, and how this energy and matter flows through different systems and interacts due to forces.

Our ultimate goal is that our students will develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in STEM-related careers.

Elective courses in Years 9 and 10:

STEM: an extension course offered in both Year 9 and Year 10 and explores topics in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) with a focus on hands-on practical activities where students can learn theory through experimentation and project-based activities. These electives are designed to better prepare students wishing to continue their science studies in Year 11.

Topics covered include engineering and construction, apocalyptic STEM, electrical circuits and making robots, simple machines and mechanical design, individual research project, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Science perspectives, chemical reactions, plant science for agriculture, forensic science.

Marine Science: In this course, students learn about the general field of marine biology and the techniques used to study marine ecosystems. Students learn about the fundamental processes and unique physiological adaptations that allow life in the oceans to exist. They also investigate and build some of the tools that allow modern scientists to study ocean ecosystems. Topical issues will be investigated, such as Tasmanian aquaculture, introduced pest species, coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and large-scale fishing.

Students gain experience in a range of practical activities including laboratory work and hands on field work.