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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

• VCSSU128

  Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere

  Elaborations

  • modelling a nutrient cycle within the biosphere, for example, the carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus cycle
  • investigating how human activity affects global systems
  • distinguishing between 'natural' and 'enhanced' greenhouse effects
  • investigating the effect of climate change on sea levels and biodiversity

  VCSSU128 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Earth and space 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

• VCSSU121

  Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems

  Elaborations

  • exploring interactions between organisms, for example, predator/prey, parasites, competitors, pollinators and disease vectors
  • using modelling to examine factors that affect population sizes, for example, seasonal changes, destruction of habitats, introduced species
  • investigating how ecosystems change as a result of environmental change, for example, bushfires, drought and flooding

  VCSSU121 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Biological sciences

• VCSSU133

  The description and explanation of the motion of objects involves the interaction of forces and the exchange of energy and can be described and predicted using the laws of physics

  Elaborations

  • recognising that a stationary object, or a moving object with constant motion, has balanced forces acting on it
  • gathering data to analyse everyday motion produced by forces, for example, measurements of distance and time, velocity, mass, acceleration and force
  • investigating the effects of applying different forces, including Earth's gravitational force, to familiar objects

  VCSSU133 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Physical sciences

• VCSSU132

  Energy flow in Earth’s atmosphere can be explained by the processes of heat transfer

  Elaborations

  • recognising that the Law of Conservation of Energy explains that total energy is maintained in energy transfers and transformations
  • recognising that in energy transfers and transformations, a number of steps can occur and the system is not 100% efficient so that usable energy is reduced
  • comparing energy changes in physical events, for example, car crashes, the motion of pendulums, lifting and dropping

  VCSSU132 | Science | Levels 9 and 10 | Science Understanding | Physical sciences

• 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

• 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