Science Extension
Science Extension is a course with a focus on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report generally acceptable for publication.
Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses (aside from Marine Studies) in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.
The four modules integrate the skills of Working Scientifically within the course content to form the framework for the Scientific Research Project.
Year 12 course
The Year 12 course consists of four modules:
- Module 1 The Foundations of Scientific Thinking
- Module 2 The Scientific Research Proposal
- Module 3 The Data, Evidence and Decisions
- Module 4 The Scientific Research Report
There are 2 lessons per week that are outside of the timetable, i.e. before or after school.
Course requirements
Prerequisite courses for Science Extension Year 12 are one of, or a combination (up to 6 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 11.
Co-requisite courses for Science Extension Year 12 are one of, or a combination (up to 7 units of study) of, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics in Year 12.
Students must propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses in the form of a Scientific Research Report, which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio (logbook).
The Scientific Research Report is a result of the student’s own work and must adhere to the principles and practices of good scholarship, as identified in the HSC: All My Own Work course. While students may collaborate with and draw upon the expertise, knowledge and data held by others in developing their Scientific Research Report and Portfolio, this assistance must be referenced using accepted protocols.