Last updated 19th Feb 2017

2019 will see the introduction of the new Australian Syllabi in Senior Sciences. Below are the suggested compulsory practical activities. Please note this process in still in the DRAFT phase & these lists may change, but they are correct to the best of our knowledge.

Department of Education and Training website:

QCAA:

Biological Science.Compulsory & suggested practical activities for the National Curriculum for Biology (draft Sept 2016)

  • Investigate the effect of Surface Area to volume ratio on cell size
  • Prepare wet mount slides and use a light microscope to observe cells in microorganisms, plants and animals to identify nucleus, cytoplasm, cell wall, chloroplasts and cell membrane. Calculation of total magnification and field of view is required
  • Investigate the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction of an enzyme (i.e. catalase, lipase, amylase).
  • Compare thedistribution of stomata and guard cells in plantsadapted to different environments (aquatic, terrestrial) as an adaption for osmoregulation in plant tissue. (Manipulative skill: Prepare wet mounts of leaf cuticle tissue from different species of plants and use of microscope to make observations.)
  • Investigate the effect of an antimicrobial on the growth of a microbiological organism (via the measurement of zones of inhibition) — laboratory or virtual
  • Analyse primarybiotic and abiotic field datato develop classification models of ecosystems based on physical features ... where do you go for your Field trips? What data do you collect?
  • Analyse data fromgel electrophoresis(either laboratory or computer simulation based).
  • Analyse genotypic changes for a selective pressure in a gene pool (modelling can be laboratory or computer simulation based).

Senior Chemistry.Compulsory & suggested practical activities for the National Curriculum for Chemistry (draft Sept 2016)

  • Conduct a calorimetry experiment to measure the enthalpy of a reaction. Data loggers could be used here
  • Derive the empirical formula of a compound from the reactions involving mass changes. Simulations can also be used
  • Construct 3D models (real or virtual) of linear, bent, trigonal planar, tetrahedral and pyramidal molecules. Approximate bond angles that should be covered include:
  • - 180° (linear)
  • - 104.5° (bent)
  • - 120° (trigonal planar)
  • - 109° (tetrahedral)
  • - 107° (pyramidal).
  • Investigate the properties of gases - options could include (but are not limited to) Boyle’s Law or estimating the molar mass of a gas.
  • Measure the rate of chemical reactions. Simulations could be used. Data loggers can be used
  • Use titration to calculate the concentration of a solution with reference to a standard solution.
  • Perform acid-base titrations with different indicators
  • Titration of weak acid to weak base
  • Back titrations
  • Perform single replacement reactions in aqueous solutions.
  • Construct a typical galvanic cell using two metal/metal-ion half cells. Simulations could be used
  • Conduct a practical to collect valid and reliable data, or analyse given experimental data, to determine the feasibility of a redox reaction from the activity series of metals
  • Conduct a practical constructing a typical galvanic cell, using two metal/metal-ion half cells, to collect valid and reliable data.
  • Construct 3-D molecules (real or virtual) of organic molecules

Physics.Compulsory & suggested practical activities for the National Curriculum for Physics (draft Sept 2016)

  • Conduct an experiment that obtains data to be analysed by:
  • plotting a graph
  • calculating the equation of a line of best fit.
  • determining the specific heat capacity of a substance
  • Conduct an experiment, remotely or using a simulation that obtains data showing the change in the number of radioactive atoms over time in order to determine half-life.
  • Conduct an experiment that obtains current through and potential difference data across an ohmic resistor in order to find resistance
  • Verify the value of acceleration due to gravity on the Earth’s surface
  • Construct and interpret displacement-time and velocity -time graphs
  • Air tracks
  • Data loggers
  • Ticker timers
  • Determine the refractive index of a transparent substance
  • Determine the horizontal distance travelled by an object projected at various angles from the horizontal
  • Investigate the force acting on a conductor in a magnetic field
  • Investigate the strength of a magnet at various distances
  • Conduct an experiment or use a simulation to investigate the photoelectric effect (Planck’s constant).

Marine Science. Compulsory & suggested practical activities for the National Curriculum for Physics (draft 2 -Dec 2016)

  • Conduct aconvection experiment
  • Conduct a wave tank experiment
  • Students could model a coastal engineering system, artificial reef or beach/bar system.
  • Conduct a beach profile/dune transect, use sand sifts to decide on sphericity (roundness of sand grains)
  • Accretion formula may be used
  • Estimate populations, e.g. survey count, quadrats, species density, percentage coverage, indirect or direct observation, catch and release.
  • Use field guides to identify to a genus level
  • Use a range of field equipment to measure abiotic factors related to marine environments.
  • Conduct in-field mapping of food webs via gut analysis to determine food sources
  • Identify physical structures of a specific marine organism (this could be virtual, practical or as a demonstration). Examples of
  • Anatomical adaptations including structures of locomotion
  • Physiological adaptations include plant or adaptations
  • Behavioral adaptations include diurnal migration of zooplankton or reproductive strategies
  • Identify coral genus (photo, online or field)
  • Classify plankton using field work techniques such as collection/trawls
  • Investigate how CO2 lowers the pH of a solution
  • Investigate how the amount of CO2dissolves when temperature or salinity levels are changed
  • Investigate the effect of CO2on planktonic organisms
  • Assess the life history of a fish by reviewing otoliths using a microscope
  • Apply the Lincoln Index in a modelled capture-release scenario
  • Analyse a water or sand sample to identify the presence of micro-plastics
  • Investigate factors that effects the growth rate of an aquaculture species

Additional Senior Science subjects

  • Agricultural Science
  • Earth & Environmental Science
  • Psychology