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Science

The Richmond West Science program provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important scientific concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, the contribution of science to our culture and society, and its applications in our life.

We cover the four main areas of science: earth and space science, chemical science, physical science and biological science.

In earth and space science we

  • explore how natural processes and human activity shape their surroundings.
  • develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, a precious natural resource.
  • investigate how the patterns in the sky relate to days, months and years.
  • find an understanding of the causes of earthquakes and how they change the Earth’s surface.
  • explore the sizes, shapes, positions and movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

In physical science we

  • explore forces and motion.
  • look at the properties of light and how it enables us to see.
  • investigate pushes and pulls.
  • develop students’ understanding of the role of electrons in transferring energy in electric circuits.
  • identify forces that act at a distance and those that act in direct contact.
  • investigate different heat sources and how heat moves from one object to another.

In biological science we

  • investigate the special relationship between plants and animals.
  • look at how living things grow and change similar to themselves.
  • investigate how living things have life cycles.
  • develop an understanding of the role of microorganisms in food and medicine.
  • look at how living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment.

In chemical science we

  • investigate the way different materials change from solid to liquid at different temperatures.
  • look at how everyday materials can be physically changed or combined with other materials in a variety of ways for particular purposes.
  • explore melting, evaporating, dissolving, burning and chemical reactions.
  • investigate how solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways.