Year 10 Science - Core

ACARA Subject

Discover the “Why” Behind the World Around You

Science is more than just facts and formulas—it's about asking big questions, exploring how things work, and uncovering the incredible design of our universe. In Year 10 Science, students will dive into fascinating topics across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and psychology, all while developing the skills to think critically, investigate thoroughly, and communicate effectively. This course lays the foundation for future scientific study and helps students make sense of the world through both a scientific and values-based lens.

Prerequisites

Students should have achieved:

a mid C standard (B preferable) or equivalent in 9 English and
a mid C Standard (B preferable) or equivalent in 9 Science

Pathways

Students who select this subject will be equipped to study:

Physics
Chemistry
Psychology
Biology

As well as help support:

Cert III in Business
Cert III in Engineering Pathways
Cert III in Information Technology

Applications for:

Defence Force
Police Force
Apprenticeships in Trades
Traineeships in Finance, IT, and Engineering

Course Information

Course Overview

Year 10 Science is an exciting and thought-provoking subject designed to help students explore the wonders of the natural world while developing essential scientific skills. This course encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our lives, our environment, and our future. With a strong focus on real-world applications and ethical considerations, students will investigate key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and psychology—all while reflecting on the relationship between science, society, and faith.

What Will Students Learn?

Students will explore a wide range of scientific topics that connect theory with practical understanding:

Biology: Investigating inheritance patterns, DNA, and the scientific and theological perspectives on creation and evolution.
Earth Science: Understanding how energy flows through Earth’s systems and impacts the environment.
Physics: Applying Newton’s laws of motion to explain and predict the movement of objects.
Chemistry: Exploring atomic structure, the periodic table, and how different factors affect the rate of chemical reactions.
Psychology: Gaining an introduction to brain structure and its connection to mental health and wellbeing.

Skills Students Will Develop:

Scientific Inquiry: Designing and conducting safe, ethical, and valid investigations.
Data Analysis: Interpreting patterns, trends, and anomalies in scientific data.
Critical Thinking: Evaluating scientific claims and constructing logical, evidence-based arguments.
Communication: Presenting findings clearly using scientific language and multimodal formats.
Collaboration: Working effectively in teams to explore and solve scientific problems.

These skills are essential for success in senior science subjects and are highly valued in a wide range of future careers.

Assessment Activities Include:

Research Investigation: Can mutations be beneficial? – Exploring genetics and evolutionary theory.
Experimental Investigation: Factors affecting reaction rates – A hands-on chemistry experiment.
End-of-Unit Exams: Assessing understanding of Newton’s laws (Physics) and brain structure and mental health (Psychology).
Ongoing Class Tasks: Including practical reports, data analysis, and scientific communication tasks.

Structure

Unit 1	Unit 2	Unit 3	Unit 4
In Term 1, students explore the fascinating world of genetics and the natural environment. They begin by investigating inheritance patterns, learning how DNA plays a crucial role in reproduction and the transmission of traits. This leads into a study of evolutionary theory, where students examine how natural selection helps explain the diversity of life, all while considering the theological perspective of God's extraordinary creation. Alongside biology, students also study energy flow through Earth’s spheres—biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere—gaining insight into the interconnected systems that sustain life. This term culminates in a research investigation titled “Can mutations be beneficial?” which challenges students to apply their understanding to a real-world scientific question.	Term 2 focuses on the principles of motion through the study of Newton’s laws. Students learn how forces interact with mass and acceleration to influence the movement of objects, applying these concepts to everyday scenarios and systems. This unit builds a strong foundation in classical physics and encourages students to think critically about how motion is described and predicted. The term concludes with an end-of-unit exam to assess students’ understanding of key physics concepts.	In Term 3, students delve into the structure of matter through the study of atoms and the periodic table. They explore how atomic structure determines the properties of elements and how this knowledge is used to predict chemical behavior. The unit also covers different types of chemical reactions and investigates the factors that influence reaction rates. Students will conduct an experimental investigation to explore how variables such as temperature, concentration, and surface area affect the speed of reactions, applying scientific method and analytical skills in a practical context.	The final term introduces students to the field of psychology, with a focus on the structure and function of the brain. Students examine how different parts of the brain influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how this understanding relates to mental health. This unit encourages empathy and awareness of psychological wellbeing, while also developing students’ ability to analyse and interpret scientific information. The term concludes with an end-of-unit exam to consolidate their learning.

Essential Equipment

Assessment

Schools devise assessments in Units 1 and 2 to suit their local context.

In Units 3 and 4 students complete four summative assessments. The results from each of the assessments are added together to provide a subject score out of 100. Students will also receive an overall subject result (A–E).

Unit 1	Unit 2	Unit 3	Unit 4
Summative
Research Investigation: Can mutations be beneficial?	End of unit exam	Experimental Investigation: Factors affecting reaction rates.	End of unit exam

Intensives

Teacher

Margaret Darch

Senior Secondary Science

QCAA Courses

"My favourite thing about Science this year would be learning about our solar systems and the stars themselves. It's enchanting to learn about in my opinion."
-Savvy K, Year 10

"I think science is one of the best subjects ever. Mrs Darch makes everything easy to understand, and learning is actually fun. She always checks in to make sure I understand the topic, and I feel confident to ask questions. I never use to enjoy science, but now I look forward to every lesson. It's exciting to discover something new every day."
-Laylah S, Year 10

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