Science
Years 7 - 10
Science is mandatory for these years. Students study up to eight units throughout the year of approximately 4 - 5 weeks duration. Practical work and group work occupy 50% of class time.
All yr 7 students engage in an astronomy program centered in the library and focus on research techniques.
In year 7 there is an excursion to Taronga Zoo to attend classes on classification (In the Backyard topic).
In year 10 there is an excursion to Luna Park to meet the requirements of the physics topic Motion.
Years 11 - 12
Students can choose between the following 2 Unit courses:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth & Environmental Science
- Senior Science
Competitions
All girls from Year 7 to Year 12 are encouraged to enter the following competitions:
- Australian Schools Science Competition
- The Big Science Competition
- National Chemistry Quiz
Technology
The Science faculty has access to computer data logging which allows students to accurately measure in the laboratory using probes attached to the computer.
Linkages
A program exists where feeder primary schools do Science at Mackellar with a literacy focus. Many yr 5 and 6 students have experienced experiments with yr 9 mentors.
Science Catch-Up Room
Two lunchtimes a week, a Science catch-up room is held in D5. There is a Science teacher timetabled on and students are welcome to turn up at any time. Students who have missed their Science class due to school representative teams or any other absence can use this roomto catch up.
Year 7 Topics:
| Welcome to our Science House | In the Laundry & Bathroom |
| In the Kitchen | Hidden Occupants |
| In the Backyard | Above & Below the Ground |
| Through the Skylight | The Powerhouse |
Year 8 Topics:
| Plants and a Scientific Investigation | Human Body |
Chemistry |
Ecology |
Forces in Action |
Our Local Landscape on the Northern Beaches |
Year 9 Topics:
| Acids, Bases & Salts | Individual Research Project (mandatory towards the School Certificate grade) |
| Dynamic Earth | Electricity |
| Body Systems | Disease |
| Human Impact |
Year 10 Topics:
| Motion (Luna Park) | Genetics |
| Chemistry | Mysterious Universe |
| Waves | The Real World (Technology & the Environment) |
| Life Goes On (Evolution) |
Senior Physics
Excursions to ANSTO Nuclear Power Plant at Lucas Heights and the School Of Physics at Sydney University.
| Y11 Preliminary | Y12 HSC |
|---|---|
| Communication | Space |
| Motion | Motors & Generators |
| Electricity | Ideas to Implementation |
| Cosmos | Quanta to Quarks (Option topic) |
Senior Chemistry
Excursions to Maritime Museum Darling Harbour and ANSTO Nuclear Power Plant at Lucas Heights.
| Y11 Preliminary | Y12 HSC |
|---|---|
| Chemical Earth | Production of Materials |
| Metals | Acidic Environment |
| Water | Monitoring the Environment |
| Energy | Shipwrecks & Salvage (Option topic) |
Senior Biology
Excursions to Freshwater Rock Platform and The Disease Museum at NSW University.
| Y11 Preliminary | Y12 HSC |
|---|---|
| Patterns in Nature | Maintaining a Balance |
| A Local Ecosystem | Blueprint of Life |
| Life On Earth | The Search for Better Health |
| Evolution of Australian Biota | Genetics : The Code Broken? (Option topic) |
Senior Earth & Environmental Science
Excursions to Outback NSW to Broken Hill and along the Northern Beaches Coastline
| Y11 Preliminary | Y12 HSC |
|---|---|
| Planet Earth & It’s Environment – A Five Thousand Million Year Journey | Tectonic Impacts |
| The Local Environment | Environments Through Time |
| Water Issues | Caring for the Country |
| Dynamic Earth | Introduced Species and the Australian Environment |
Senior Science
Excursion to Freshwater Rock Platform and the Artificial Limb Factory.
| Y11 Preliminary | Y12 HSC |
|---|---|
| Water For Living | Lifestyle Chemistry |
| Plants | Medical Technology - Bionics |
| Humans At Work | Information Systems |
| Local Environment | Preservatives and Additives |
