Students develop their investigative, analytical and communication skills. They develop critical and creative thinking skills, and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions above the earths’ structure and interactions between the biotic and abiotic environment.
Prerequisites:
Minimum C grade in Year 10 Science.
Syllabus:
The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair. The notional time for each unit is 55 class contact hours.
Unit 1 – Our Changing Earth
The Earth’s surface structure is continually changing, and students learn about the role of plate tectonics in the surface structure of the Earth. They examine the evidence for plate tectonics and the occurrence of volcanoes and earthquakes.
Students learn to determine the properties of minerals and to distinguish between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks based on their textural and mineralogical differences. These practical activities develop students’ observation and classification skills.
Students use science inquiry skills to explore features of the Earth’s surface. Fieldwork is an important part of this unit, providing valuable opportunities for students to work together to observe natural environments.
Unit 2 – Interacting Earth
Students gain an understanding of different environments as they examine local ecosystems and the effects of change on Earth’s spheres, and the biogeochemical cycles that link them. They realise that changes in the atmosphere are related to changes in biodiversity.
Students use science inquiry skills to explore features of local ecosystems. Fieldwork is an important part of this unit, providing valuable opportunities for students to work together to collect first-hand data, and to observe natural environments.
Environments which can be studied include beaches, parklands, catchments, waterways, lakes, forests and bushlands, farmland and gardens. Students examine the processes and interactions occurring and analyse the impact of human activity on the environment.
More Information:
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