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• VCSSU120

  The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence

  Elaborations

  • describing biodiversity as a function of evolution
  • outlining processes involved in natural selection including variation, isolation and selection
  • investigating changes caused by natural selection in a particular population as a result of a specified selection pressure, for example, artificial selection in breeding for desired characteristics
  • evaluating and interpreting evidence for evolution, including the fossil record, chemical and anatomical similarities, and the geographical distribution of species

  VCSSU120 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Biological sciences

• VCSSU123

  The atomic structure and properties of elements are used to organise them in the periodic table

  Elaborations

  • describing the structure of atoms in terms of electron shells
  • explaining how the electronic structure of an atom determines its position in the periodic table and its properties
  • investigating the chemical activity of metals

  VCSSU123 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Chemical sciences

• VCSSU126

  Chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids, are important in both non-living and living systems and involve energy transfer

  Elaborations

  • investigating a range of different reactions to classify them as exothermic or endothermic
  • comparing respiration and photosynthesis and their role in biological processes
  • investigating reactions of acids with metals, bases, and carbonates

  VCSSU126 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Chemical sciences

• Science: Levels 9 and 10 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 10, students analyse how models and theories have developed over time and discuss the factors that prompted their review. They predict how future applications of science and technology may affect people’s lives. They explain the concept of energy conservation and model...

  Level description | Science | Levels 9 and 10

• VCSSU129

  The Universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems; the Big Bang theory can be used to explain the origin of the Universe

  Elaborations

  • identifying the evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, for example, Edwin Hubble’s observations and the detection of microwave radiation
  • recognising that the age of the Universe can be derived by applying knowledge of the Big Bang theory
  • describing how the evolution of the Universe, including the formation of galaxies and stars, has continued since the Big Bang

  VCSSU129 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Earth and space sciences

• VCSSU114

  Scientific understanding, including models and theories, are contestable and are refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community

  Elaborations

  • considering how ideas about disease transmission have changed from medieval time to the present as knowledge has developed
  • investigating the historical development of models of the structure of the atom
  • investigating how the theory of plate tectonics developed, based on evidence from seafloor spreading and occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity
  • recognising the contribution of Australian scientists, for example, Brian Schmidt and Penny Sackett, in the exploration and study of the Universe

  VCSSU114 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Science as a human endeavour

• Science: Levels 9 and 10 description

  In Levels 9 and 10, the curriculum focus is on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. Students consider both classic and contemporary science contexts to explain the operation of systems at a range of scales. At a microscopic scale, they consider the atom as a system of protons...

  Level description | Science

• VCSIS140

  Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations

  Elaborations

  • using secondary sources as well as students’ own findings to help explain a scientific concept
  • using a range of representations, including mathematical and symbolic forms, to communicate science ideas
  • presenting results and ideas using formal experimental reports, oral presentations, multimodal presentations, poster presentations and contributing to group discussions

  VCSIS140 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Inquiry Skills | Communicating

• VCSSU122

  All matter is made of atoms which are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons; natural radioactivity arises from the decay of nuclei in atoms

  Elaborations

  • describing and modelling the structure of atoms in terms of the nucleus, protons, neutrons and electrons
  • comparing the mass and charge of protons, neutrons and electrons
  • describing in simple terms how alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation are released from unstable atoms

  VCSSU122 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Chemical sciences

• VCSSU116

  The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research

  Elaborations

  • investigating how social actions have led to changed government policies and social behavioural change in relation to the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol spray cans
  • considering how choices related to the use of fuels are influenced by environmental, social and political considerations
  • considering the use of genetic testing for decisions such as genetic counselling, embryo selection, identification of carriers of genetic mutations and the use of this information for personal use or by organisation such as insurance companies or medical facilities

  VCSSU116 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Science as a human endeavour