Science – Year 10
Learning Objectives
In Year 10 students explore the biological, chemical, geological and astronomical evidence for different theories, such as the theory of natural selection and the big bang theory. Through investigating natural selection and processes of heredity they come to understand the evolutionary feedback mechanisms that ensure the continuity of life. They appreciate how energy drives the Earth system and how climate models simulate the flow of energy and matter within and between Earth’s spheres. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of atomic theory to understand patterns and relationships within the periodic table. They understand that motion and forces are related by applying physical laws and can be modelled mathematically. Students analyse and synthesise data from systems at multiple scales to develop evidence-based explanations for phenomena. They learn that all models involve assumptions and approximations, and that this can limit the reliability of predictions based on those models.
Inquiry questions can help excite students’ curiosity and challenge their thinking. Following are examples of inquiry questions that could be used to prompt discussion and exploration:
- Why is the periodic table such a big deal?
- How do we know what is science and what is pseudoscience?
- Why is accelerating climate change a threat to biodiversity?
- Just because we can, should we?
- How have advanced computing and big data changed science?
Achievement Standard
By the end of Year 10 students explain the processes that underpin heredity and genetic diversity and describe the evidence supporting the theory of evolution by natural selection. They sequence key events in the origin and evolution of the universe and describe the supporting evidence for the big bang theory. They describe trends in patterns of global climate change and identify causal factors. They explain how Newton’s laws describe motion and apply them to predict motion of objects in a system. They explain patterns and trends in the periodic table and predict the products of reactions and the effect of changing reactant and reaction conditions. Students analyse the importance of publication and peer review in the development of scientific knowledge and analyse the relationship between science, technologies and engineering. They analyse the key factors that influence interactions between science and society.
Students plan and conduct safe, valid and reproducible investigations to test relationships or develop explanatory models. They explain how they have addressed any ethical and intercultural considerations when generating or using primary and secondary data. They select equipment and use it efficiently to generate and record appropriate sample sizes and replicable data with precision. They select and construct effective representations to organise, process and summarise data and information. They analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies. They evaluate the validity and reproducibility of methods, and the validity of conclusions and claims. They construct logical arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions and evaluate claims. They select and use content, language and text features effectively to achieve their purpose when communicating their ideas, findings and arguments to diverse audiences.