Junior Science @ Toolooa SHS

The junior science program at Toolooa is a cutting edge example of the new approach to outcomes focussed education.

Our students can study science through one of two programs – ‘Junior Science’ or ‘Practical Science’. Both courses place a premium on developing in our students the kinds of attitudes and values necessary for further careers in science and for an active and informed citizenship in our society.

A great emphasis is placed on learning in contexts meaningful to our students. Students are continuously engaged in ‘hands on’ experiences that promote learning throbugh science, not learning about science.

Courses of study in both ‘Junior Science’ and ‘Practical Science’ are:

• Investigative Science and You.
• Forces, Energy and You.
• Organisms, Functions and You
• Earth, Space and You

• Bits and Pieces of You.
• Physiology, Ecology and You.
• Shocking Science and You.
• Rockin You.

In Year 10, our students begin the transition to Senior Science. For the first three terms, students have the choice of studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering Technology. They select three of these courses listed below as their course of study for Year 10 ‘Science’.

• Biology and You
• Chemistry and You
• Physics and You
• Engineering Technology and You

At the end of Term 3, students choose their ‘Science Electives’ as a way of further investigating the offerings of Senior Science. They complete two x four week ‘mini-units’ designed to immerse them in the learning and assessment culture of the Senior Sciences. These studies are reported separately on their Junior School Report. Their choices are:

• Biology Elective
• Chemistry Elective
• Physics Elective
• Engineering Technology Elective
• Marine & Aquatic Practices Elective
• Multistrand Science Elective

Senior Science @ Toolooa SHS

Biology @ Toolooa SHS

Why study biology?
Biology is useful for careers related to health services (Pharmacy, Dental, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Sports Physiology and Medicine) as well as ecology-based careers (National Parks Personnel, some forms of Engineering, Town Planning etc. It is also a useful base for teaching course
Have you wondered…..

• Why mangroves don’t grow in the Australian Outback?
• How ducklings learn to recognise their mother’s voice while still in the egg?
• Why can you hang upside down and still swallow your food?
• Why turtles return to the same island to lay their eggs each year?
• How cells multiply?
• How Salmon change sex.
• How do Eucalypt trees protect themselves from bush fires?
• How do insects see?
• How many species of birds there are in the world?
• How many micro-organisms are in your mouth before and after you brush your teeth?

Biology studies the different types of life, their interactions and structure. Students gain real life experiences related to their studies by completing ecological studies at North West Island and exploring the ever changing world of genetic manipulation.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong and in-depth Biology program over many years. With the introduction of a new state-wide approach to Biology, students now enjoy a more hands-on, practical approach to Biology as well as a variety of assessment techniques that move away from traditional exam-based assessment.

At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

• Cell Biology & Classification
• Ecosystems
• Getting Energy & Cellular Respiration
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Advanced Cell Structure and Function
• Internal Regulation & Disease
• Genetics & Inheritance
• Mechanisms & Evidence of Evolution.

Chemistry @ Toolooa SHS

Why study chemistry?
Your teachers are members of Chemistry subject monitoring boards at District level which means you are ensured of receiving expert tuition from experienced teachers who are at the forefront of the subject’s development and its (Ed. Qld) requirements.

Have you wondered…..

• Why diamond and graphite (the “lead” in pencils) are so different even though they are both pure carbon?
• Why you would be richer than Bill Gates if you had a mole of dollars?
• Which metal would melt if you held it in your hand?
• What the everyday use is for 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde or for trichloromethane?
• How excited electrons are used to produce the brilliant colours of neon lights?
• Why the specific heat of water makes ice packs useful in decreasing swelling around injuries?
• Why having an untidy bedroom is really a desirable state according to the laws of entropy?

Chemistry studies the structure of matter and the reasons why it behaves in the way that it does. Chemistry is aimed at preparation for tertiary study and tends to be mathematically orientated in many ways.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong and in-depth Chemistry program over many years. Whilst learning the fundamentals of chemistry, students participate in many different practical activities using a variety of chemicals and apparatus.

At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

Atomic Structure, Particle Theory of Matter
Atomic Structure, Chemical Families, Energy of Reactions, Reaction Rates, Equilibrium
Acids and Bases, Important Substances, Electro-Chemistry, Chemical Bonding
Organic Chemistry, Important Substances, Transition Elements, Nuclear Reactions

COURSE CONTENT
Chemistry is an essential prerequisite of almost all tertiary Science and Engineering courses, as well as many Nursing courses. Chemists are involved in many areas from developing new products such as medicines, paints and cosmetics to analysing and identifying evidence found at crime scenes. Chemistry contributes to the other natural sciences including biology, geology and physics. It also overlaps with areas such as agriculture, environmental studies, manufacturing and medicine.

It is a subject that develops critical thought/debate and analytical approaches to the topics studied.

Engineering Technology @ Toolooa SHS

Have you wondered…..

• Why are bridges built in the shape they are?
• How do different materials corrode?
• How do engineers design machines to cope with incredible forces?
• Why is technology moving so fast?
• How large masses can be moved using hydraulics?
• How electronic components can be manipulated to control moving objects?
• How to control robots?

Engineering Technology is a course of study that provides opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the underlying concepts and principals of engineering in its broadest sense.

Toolooa SHS has been developing its Engineering Technology program over the last three years. The course draws upon the fundamental principles of Science and Technology, encouraging a positive interest in the translation of theory into meaningful, real life, practical experiences. It is an expectation however, that students entering this subject be competent in mathematics.
Students are assessed with an exam and project report twice in each Semester.

At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

• Technology, Industry and Society
• Engineering Materials
• Engineering Mechanics
• Control Systems

COURSE CONTENT
Engineering Technology is useful for careers associated with many strands of engineering. Students wishing to undertake further electrical type trades also find the subject beneficial.

It is a subject that encourages students to develop analytical skills to be able to create models, drawings etc. of theoretical concepts studied.

It gives you the opportunities to draw on the skills of Industry experts during your theory and practical lessons.

It gives you the opportunity to develop your skills through participation in District and State wide competitions (e.g. Robo soccer, The Science Challenge and the Engineering Link Project Group).

Multi-strand Science @ Toolooa SHS

Why study multi-strand?
Multistrand is useful for a variety of careers, specifically careers that require logical, deductive processing of information. These careers may include primary teaching, horticulture, photographer or research/laboratory assistant.

It is a subject that develops critical thought/debate and analytical approaches to the topics studied.

In a “multi” science course, students have the opportunity to study units relevant to their daily life and/or interests while investigating a range of scientific principles associated with chemistry, physics and biology

Have you wondered…..

• How forensic scientists can solve crimes?
• What you can do to conserve energy and help the environment?
• How your heart and lungs work?
• What different drugs can do to your body?
• How organ transplantation occurs?
• What role chemistry plays in your diet?
• How humans impact upon our natural environment?
• How photos are developed?
• Is their life outside of earth?

Multistrand Science is designed to provide a wide range of Science topics from all the Sciences. As a result, only one other Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) can be taken along with Multistrand Science. Topics in Multistrand Science are designed to be particularly relevant to everyday life.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong and in-depth Multistrand program over many years. With the implementation of an updated workprogram, students will enjoy a more hands-on, practical approach to the subject, but are also required to apply themselves to the theoretical basis of the topics covered.

At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

• Forensic Science
• Energy
• Disease and Society
• Food Science
• Matter and Materials
• Local Industry and Environment
• Photography as a scientific tool
• Science fiction, Science fact?

Physics @ Toolooa SHS

Why study physics?
Physics is highly recommended for careers such as Engineering and Electrical Trades. It is also a requirement for many tertiary science courses. It provides a solid background in general science and analytical skills that are useful in many professions including teaching, mechanics, plant operator to name a few. It is a subject that develops analysing skills as well as mathematical problem solving and reasoning skills.
Have you wondered…..

• Why are nuclear bombs so devastating?
• How does wearing glasses help fix people’s eyesight?
• Why is Einstein considered to be so smart?
• How can a magnet make electricity?
• Why does compressed air explode when heated?
• Why is a cycling velodrome track slanted?
• What is matter made of?
• Why do roller coasters always start with a big hill?
• Why do you see a rainbow after rain?
• Why do you get a zap when taking off a wool jumper?

Physics is a tertiary oriented subject which incorporates the study of matter and energy as its focus. It uses mathematics as a toolkit for describing and exploring the universe around us.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong and in-depth Physics program over many years. Students tend to complement Physics with Engineering Technology. Written exams and practical reports are the major components of assessment in Physics.

At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

• Physical Quantities and Measurements
• Forces
• Motion
• Energy and Momentum
• Wave Motion
• Optics
• Electricity
• Magnetism
• Electromagnetism
• Thermal Physics
• Atomic Physics

Practical experiences include making electric circuits, using equipment such as ray boxes and lasers to examine the behaviour of light as well as various activities that involve observing and measuring the motion of objects.

Marine and Aquatic Practices @ Toolooa SHS

Why Study Marine & Aquatic Practices?

Marine & Aquatic Practices is useful for careers related to the marine environment (e.g. Marine Parks Ranger, Heron Island Research Station, Marine Biologist, Professional Fisherman, Marine Pilot, Boat Mechanic). It is also a useful base for teaching courses majoring in Science and Marine Biology.

• It is a subject that develops excellent practical skills and an excellent appreciation of the Marine environment.
• It gives you the opportunity to:-
• Build your own fishing rod & aquarium,
• Gain snorkelling skills and the confidence to snorkel on coral reefs,
• Gain your boat license,
• Gain your Marine radio License,
• Develop seafood handling and cooking skills,
• Use all these skills on a 7 day field trip to North West Island
• Examine waves & tides at Agnes waters.

It is great for those who would like to participate in a practical, real-life Science subject that can be used right on our door step. Are you someone who would like to learn about our aquatic environment and learn a diverse range of skills to be able to fully appreciate this environment?

Have you wondered…..

• 
  Why reef animals appear to lose their colour deeper in the water?
• Does anything eat the Great White Shark?
• How to catch fish on a coral reef.
• Are some times of day better for fishing than others?
• Where and what are green and yellow zones on the Great Barrier Reef?
• How old do you have to be to gain a boat license?
• What skills are needed to gain a radio license?
• How to best cook fish?
• What is the difference between calamari and squid?
• What makes waves bigger in some parts of the world?

Marine & Aquatic Practices studies all aspects of marine life and the marine environment. Whilst the subject is not an OP eligible subject, students are given many opportunities to gain vocational education qualifications related to the marine environment.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong and in-depth Marine program over many years. The subject has the flexibility to be continually evolving depending on the particular specialised Marine skills of the assigned teachers. Assessment is a mix of exams and practical skill assessment.

Students are expected to be willing to participate in compulsory flexi-time activities involving early starts or lunch time sessions, on a weekly basis for selected units. Furthermore, these activities will often have a cost associated with them. These various activities are undertaken at the Marine Education Shed on Auckland Creek, town swimming pool, and various in-school facilities.
At Toolooa SHS, Units studied are:-

• Snorkelling
• Aquatic animals & plants
• Recreational Fishing
• Aquariums & aquaculture
• Boating
• Marine communication
• Weather, Waves and Tides.
• Navigation

COURSE CONTENT

Within these units, the underlying core key concepts studied are:-
The Living Sea – examining the diversity of life present in the marine environment and the interactions that occur between organisms. Students build an aquarium and examine the effect of the physical aspects of the ocean on organisms.
Recreational Fishing – construction of a fishing rod and concepts relating to being able to target select fish species are taught. Government regulation and by-laws are also examined.
Boating – Students are taught the skills to obtain a boat license and a Restricted Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency. A general appreciation of boat structure and appropriate use is taught. Students learn how to use navigational aids and charts.
Physical Marine Concepts – Students learn to calculate tide heights and predict weather conditions and their effect upon the seas. The formation of waves and their effect on coastlines is considered along with global effects of currents.

Physics @ Toolooa SHS