The aim of teaching Science is to provide students with the opportunity to develop Scientific Literacy and Science specific skills so they become informed, innovative and thoughtful members of society.

Regardless of the path that students choose in life, a knowledge of Science is critical to understanding the world around you. The school motto of “Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow” is at the core of what we do in the Science department.

Lower School

In Years 7-10 we offer units that teach Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Space Science. Throughout all these strands is an emphasis on Science Inquiry. This means that students participate in regular demonstrations, experiments and investigations using a range of equipment. We have planned our curriculum thoughtfully, so students can build their content knowledge and practical skills as they progress through the years.

ATAR Courses

We offer four ATAR Science courses for students wishing to attend University. ATAR Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology and Physics are available to all students who demonstrate an appropriate level of achievement in Year 10.

ATAR Biology

ATAR Biology encourages students to be analytical, to participate in problem-solving and to systematically explore fascinating and intriguing aspects of living systems, from the microscopic level through to ecosystems.

Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in authentic contexts, such as marine reefs, endangered species, urban ecology, or biotechnology. Scientific evidence is used to make informed decisions about controversial issues.

ATAR Chemistry

ATAR Chemistry equips students with the knowledge, understanding and opportunity to investigate properties and reactions of materials. Theories and models are used to describe, explain and make predictions about chemical systems, structures and properties. Students recognise hazards and make informed, balanced decisions about chemical use and sustainable resource management. Investigations and laboratory activities develop an appreciation of the need for precision, critical analysis and informed decision making.

ATAR Human Biology

ATAR Human Biology gives students a chance to explore what it is to be human—how the human body works, the origins of human variation, inheritance in humans, the evolution of the human species and population genetics. Through their investigations, students research new discoveries that increase our understanding of human dysfunction, treatments and preventative measures.

ATAR Physics

ATAR Physics enables students to learn how energy and energy transformations can shape the environment from the small scale, in quantum leaps inside an atom’s electron cloud, through the human scale, in vehicles and the human body, to the large scale, in interactions between galaxies. Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer a range of questions, collect and interpret data and observations, and communicate their findings in an appropriate format. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course.

General Courses

Integrated Science

Integrated Science is a very popular course amongst Year 11 and 12 students. In this course students get to focus on developing their practical skills by regularly conducting investigations into topics such as ecosystems, rocketry, vehicles and drivers and sports science. This course appeals to both ATAR and General Course students as it is very practical.

Excursions

All students studying Science at Lynwood SHS participate in excursions. Depending on the course, we visit a range of providers including Perth Zoo, Gingin Gravity Discovery Centre, Scitech and Harry Perkins Cancer Research Facility.

The Science teachers and laboratory technicians at Lynwood SHS are passionate about Science research and experimentation and are committed to providing the highest quality Science education possible.