Science Extension
The Science Extension Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) was implemented in Term 4, 2018. This one-unit course is taken by students in Year 12. Science Extension focuses on the scientific process. In this course, students will learn about the scientific process by engaging in a scientific research project. They will document their research experience in a research portfolio, and produce a scientific research report that highlights their findings.
The Science Extension Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) 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 research report
Prior to the HSC examinations, the scientific research report will be uploaded to NESA (schools online).
The Science Extension HSC examination is a two-hour online examination. When logged in to the examination portal, students will be able to access a PDF copy of their scientific research report to help them answer questions.
Scientific thinking
The scientific thinking (PDF 3.5MB) resource provides an overview of the major philosophical and cultural influences on the development of scientific thinking.
Research ethics
The research ethics (DOCX 193KB) document outlines the ethical frameworks that apply to scientific research.
The scientific literature review
The scientific literature review (DOCX 662KB) resource outlines the elements of scientific literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. It provides suggestions for searching the scientific literature databases, as well as the process for constructing the literature review or annotated bibliography.
The scientific research proposal
The scientific research proposal (DOCX 102KB) resource describes the strategies for developing the scientific research proposal.
Accessing data sets
The accessing data sets (DOCX 67KB) document provides background information and links to some publically-available data sets, such as the Kepler project and the Large Hadron Collider.
