Science aims to develop responsible and enterprising citizens, capable of making informed decisions based on sound scientific evidence. Scientific literacy is encouraged through a variety of learning experiences that reflect topical issues. Across all year levels, skills and knowledge are developed and enhanced within the broad areas of scientific streams: physical sciences, biological science, earth and space sciences and chemical sciences. These areas are taught as a range of topics and incorporated into patterns of study appropriate for groups of students with similar abilities.
Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes. This includes the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, the contribution science makes to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to 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 science-related careers.
The Science courses at Melrose High School are fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum and provide opportunities for students to study core concepts from Year 7-10.
Electives:
For students who wish to learn more deeply about science, we offer a number of electives. Information on these electives can be accessed through the Elective Handbook here. These include:
- Astronomy
- Forensic Science
- Medical Science
- Science of Sport
Enrichment Activities:
As well as selecting a science elective, there are many ways in which students can enrich their learning in Science at Melrose. These include:
- ACE Science: is designed for high achieving students in Years 8 to 10. It offers a range of extracurricular activities as well as the facilities of the ACE Science Education Centre for multiple student-centred investigations and Science Mentors projects. Students are also given a wide range of opportunities to meet and work with practising scientists and engineers from academia and industry.
- ACE Science Tours: are designed to familiarise students with working in science laboratories. Science Tours introduce students to universities as places of future study and expose students to a wide range of science disciplines.
- ACE Science Seminars: are presentations by speakers from academia and industry ranging from undergraduate students to professors. Fields range from cosmology to medicine, entomology to radio physics.
- MSATT: caters to students interested in Astronomy, the McNamara-Saunders Astronomical Teaching Telescope (MSATT) was constructed at Mount Stromlo Observatory. MSATT is a facility for public high school and college students to undertake longer-term, student-centred projects in astronomy and astrophysics.
- Science Mentors: the program partners students with a practitioner in the field of the student’s interest. Mentors guide students through the project drawing on their experience and expertise to help the student develop authentic investigative, experimental and report writing skills.