Science

Year 10 General Science is a compulsory, semester-long course designed to give students a well-rounded introduction to science across multiple disciplines. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, this course builds a strong foundation in key areas of science: Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science and Biology, while also integrating real-world applications through engaging units in Sports Science and Food Chemistry.

Whether you're curious about what keeps athletes performing at their best or the chemistry behind everyday foods, this course invites you to explore how science shapes the world around you. Through practical investigations, collaborative research, and problem-solving challenges, you’ll strengthen your scientific inquiry skills and develop confidence in experimenting, analysing data, and communicating your findings.

If you're considering VCE Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics, this course is the perfect launchpad—and students with a strong interest in science are encouraged to select an additional Year 10 Science elective to deepen their learning.

What You Will Learn

Scientific Inquiry and Investigation

Learn how to think like a scientist! You’ll develop skills in forming hypotheses, designing experiments, analysing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. These investigations will build your confidence in applying the scientific method to real-world questions.

Sports Science

Explore how science explains movement, performance, and recovery in sport. This unit integrates physical and biological sciences as students investigate how body systems, including the muscular and nervous systems, interact with motion, force, and energy. Students will also examine the science behind training programs, nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention, including conducting investigations into how the body removes waste and maintains internal balance.

Food Chemistry

Explore the chemistry behind food, cooking, and nutrition as students investigate how chemical reactions influence food preparation through a range of practical investigations and scientific inquiry activities. Students will examine concepts such as enzymatic browning and food preservation techniques, and the chemical reactions involved in cooking processes, while also exploring nutrition and broader food science investigations.

Ways You Will Learn

• Conducting practical investigations and scientific inquiries.
• Exploring concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Science.
• Exploring contemporary scientific issues and real-world applications of science.
• Using scientific models, simulations, laboratory equipment and digital technologies to investigate complex concepts.
• Analysing scientific data, patterns and trends to develop evidence-based explanations.
• Collaborating with peers to evaluate scientific claims and solve scientific problems.
• Applying scientific knowledge to make informed decisions about social, environmental and technological issues.

How You'll Show Your Learning

• Planning, conducting and evaluating scientific investigations.
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting data using scientific conventions.
• Applying scientific concepts, theories and models to explain observations and solve problems.
• Evaluating evidence and constructing evidence-based arguments.
• Completing practical reports, common assessment tasks, examinations and quizzes.
• Communicating scientific ideas and findings using accurate scientific language, evidence and conventions.

Assessment Tasks

Biological Sciences

Genetics Summative Test

Chemical Sciences

Scientific Investigation – Effect of Different Chemicals on Apple Browning

Earth and Space Sciences

Earth and Space Sciences Assessment

Physical Sciences

Scientific Investigation – Effect of Leg Length on Running Speed

End-of-Semester Examination

Comprehensive Science Examination of all Semester work completed

Future School Pathways

This subject provides a strong foundation for VCE Biology and supports further study in Chemistry, Physics, and STEM-related fields. It is especially valuable for students interested in health sciences, biotechnology, medicine, and environmental science.