Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
- Physics.
In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.
Courses– In the Junior years students complete a course of study that includes a wide range of relevant and stimulating topics. Senior courses offered are dependent on student choices. Over recent years the senior courses have included Senior Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In all work there is a strong emphasis on practical tasks.
Topics:
Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8) - Science topics are Being a Scientist, Matter & Energy, Classification, Mixtures, Chemistry, Earth's Resources, Food Chains, Contact Forces, Science Skills, Earth in Space, Elements and Compounds, Cells, non-Contact Forces, Body Systems, Plant Systems and Chemical Change.
Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10) - Topics include The Invisible Revealed, Our Changing Environment, Energy:We Need It, Life Goes On, Invisible Waves, The Earth, Searching Patterns, Global Interactions, Motion, Evolution, Chemical Reactions, Health and Disease, Electricity and Communication, Genetics and Global Issues.
Resources and Opportunities:
- 3 well resourced laboratories, one of which has been completely renovated into a 21st century learning environment with an interactive whiteboard.
- Audiovisual projectors available in all labs
- Opportunities to participate in national science competitions
- Opportunities to participate in robotics and engineering challenges throughout the year.
An important goal for all teachers at MHS is to move their students towards independent learning through a gradual move from the teacher directing learning to a point at which the students take responsibility for their own learning process. Teachers teach their students how to apply skills and information in new ways, thereby equipping students with the necessary skills in order to become lifelong learners