Science

Year 9 Science builds a deeper understanding of the natural world through practical investigations, scientific modelling, and evidence-based reasoning. Students explore concepts from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Science while developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Students examine how scientific knowledge develops over time and how science influences society, technology, and environmental sustainability. 
 
Students in the High Achievers Program (HAP) engage in extended scientific inquiry, advanced problem-solving, complex data analysis, and deeper exploration of contemporary scientific issues. 

What You Will Learn

Students extend their scientific knowledge and skills through four key strands of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 Science curriculum. 

Biological Sciences

• Learn how body systems, including the Nervous System, Endocrine System and Immune Systems, work together to maintain homeostasis. 

Chemical Sciences

• Investigate the structure of atoms and how elements are organised within the periodic table. 
• Explore different types of chemical reactions and how they support the Law of Conservation of Mass. 
• Use particle models to explain physical and chemical changes.
• Examine how chemical reactions influence everyday life, industry, and the environment. 

Earth and Space Sciences

• Explore how scientific discoveries and technological advances have expanded understanding of the universe. 
• Explore how the universe contains features including galaxies, stars, solar systems and black holes; the big bang theory models the origin and evolution of the universe and is supported by evidence 

Physical Sciences

• Investigate how energy is transferred and transformed through waves, heat, electricity, and motion.
• Explore the behaviour of waves, including sound and light waves.
• Use scientific models and circuit representations to explain physical phenomena 

Science as a Human Endeavour

• Explore how scientific knowledge changes over time through new evidence, investigation, and technological advances.
• Examine how science and technology influence society, environmental sustainability, and decision-making.
• Evaluate scientific claims using evidence and consider ethical, cultural, social, and environmental implications of scientific developments.
• Understand the role of collaboration, peer review, and communication within the scientific community.

Science Inquiry Skills

• Develop investigable questions and formulate testable hypotheses.
• Plan and conduct safe, ethical, and reproducible scientific investigations.
• Identify and control variables to improve the validity and reliability of investigations.
• Select and use appropriate equipment, technologies, models, and scientific representations to collect and analyse data.
• Evaluate evidence, identify sources of error and uncertainty, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Communicate scientific ideas and findings using appropriate scientific language, conventions, and formats. 

Ways You'll Learn

•  Conducting scientific investigations and inquiry-based learning activities.
•  Exploring concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Science.
•  Using scientific evidence to analyse data and evaluate claims.
•  Applying scientific models, simulations and digital technologies to explain phenomena.
•  Collaborating with peers to investigate complex scientific questions.
•  Connecting scientific knowledge to contemporary issues and real-world applications.

How You Will Show Your Learning

•  Planning and conducting scientific investigations using appropriate methods.
•  Analysing and interpreting data using graphs, tables and scientific conventions.
•  Applying scientific knowledge to explain observations and solve problems.
•  Evaluating evidence and drawing justified conclusions.
•  Completing practical reports, common assessment tasks, quizzes and tests.
•  Communicating scientific ideas clearly using scientific language and evidence.

Assessment Tasks

Biological Sciences

Scientific Investigation – Effect of Exercise on Body Temperature and Breathing Rate 

Chemical Sciences

Conservation of Mass 

Earth and Space Sciences

Geological Features Model and Presentation 

Physical Sciences

Heat Transfer and Electrical Circuits. 

Future School Pathways

Year 9 Science provides essential skills and knowledge for VCE subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Psychology, supporting future STEM pathways and informed channels.