Lurnea High's Science faculty is a vibrant and enthusiastic group of educators whose skills and experiences cater for the variety of needs present in our classes. We provide a wide variety of expertise in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Senior Science. The aim of the Science department is to provide students with a curriculum that allows for the development of basic scientific knowledge with an emphasis on teaching the processes of Science so that students acquire a wide range of skills. These skills will allow the students to become responsible and motivated members of society who have a sense of wonder and appreciation around them.

Science is a mandatory subject for all students in Year 7 to Year 10 (Stage 4 & Stage 5)

• ScienceYears 7–10
• Science Year 7-10 Life Skills
• Physics (Preliminary & HSC)
• Chemistry (Preliminary & HSC)
• Biology (Preliminary & HSC)
• Ivestigating Science(Preliminary & HSC)
• Extension Science

Extension and opportunities

Students studying science are fortunate to be given many opportunities to participate in activities outside of the normal classroom.

In 2010 and 2011 several students travelled to the Unites States to participate in the US Advanced Space Academy Program. 

Each year we also nominate an outstanding Year 11 Student to receive the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute School Science Award. The Recipient of this award receives a framed certificate, and the opportunity to spend time at the institute to learn first-hand about its activities and a possible career in Science.

http://www.victorchang.edu.au/home/

Descriptors Of Courses Stage 4, 5 And 6

The purpose of the Stage 4 Science course is to:

• Acquire scientific knowledge to understand phenomena within and beyond their experience
• Plan and conduct safe investigations
• Communicate effectively in a variety of ways
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
• Develop positive values about themselves, others and the environment
• Work individually and in teams

The purpose of the Stage 5 Science course is to:

• Engage students in the process of acquiring knowledge to explain the principles, laws and theories of the natural world
• Apply their understanding to everyday life and the implications of Science for society and the environment
• Further develop skills that can be used to gain and refine information
• Provide some foundation for the study of Physics, Chemistry, biology and Investigating Science in Years 11&12

Students interested to pursue further in Science choose to study on the following Courses:

• Physics - Designed for those students who have substantial achievement level based on Science Stages 4-5. The study of physics relies on the understanding and application of a small number of basic laws and principles that govern the microscopic and macroscopic worlds. The study of physics provides students with an understanding of systems that is the basis of the development of technological applications. The interplay between concepts and technological and societal impacts is embodied in the history and philosophy of science and forms a continuum relating our past to our future.
• Chemistry- The study of Chemistry recognises that a study of the nature of materials includes natural and made substances, their structures, changes and environmental importance. The history and philosophy of science as it relates to the development of the understanding, utilisation and manipulation of chemical systems is important in developing current understanding in Chemistry and its applications in the contexts of technology, society and the environment.
• Biology- The study of biology recognises that, while humans are part of nature, they continue to have a greater influence on the environment than any other species. The history and philosophy of science, as it relates to the development of the understanding, utilisation and manipulation of living systems by the human species, is an integral part of the study of contemporary biology and assists students to recognise their responsibility to conserve, protect, maintain and improve the quality of all environments for future generations.
• Investigating Science- The study of Investigating Science Stage 6 caters to a wide range of students who wish to become scientifically literate citizens. The course encourages students to develop a range of practical skills including the use of current instrumentation, information technology and an increased ability to communicate understanding. Investigating Science Stage 6 focuses on all of these areas framed within the principles of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Environmental Science.