| Have you ever wondered why the water spins in the clockwise direction as it goes down our sinks and toilets, or why does the car fog up in winter? And how do the TV or the CD work? Science aims to answer the “whys” and “hows” we all ask. At Rose Bay Secondary College, science is enjoyed by all students from years 7 to 10. We also offer five electives for students in years 8 to 10. We offer all the Board of Studies subjects to Years 11 and 12 students. Currently, we run Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Term 4, we aim to run Senior Science. Information about this subject and others can be found at . The science staff are experienced and well trained in Quality Teaching to engage all students in their learning, both in the selective and non-selective streams. Enrichment and extension activities are employed, using our well resourced state of the art new laboratories in the science areas. Science is a mandatory subject in Years 7 to 10. Students in Years 7 to 10 study a range of topics throughout the year. These topics cover areas in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The topics for each year include: Year 7 Scientists at Work, Biology: Living Things, Classification and Body Systems, Physics: Energy Changes Things, Earth Science: Planet Earth, and Physics: Solids, Liquids and Gases Year 8 Biology: The Environment, Physics: Cool Forces, Chemistry: Substances and Reactions, Astronomy: The Solar System, and Chemistry: Separating mixtures Year 9 Chemistry: Compounds and Reactions, Biology: Diseases, reproduction and DNA/Chromosomes, Physics: Energy : Communication - electrical energy, light energy
Earth Sciences: Resources (Nuclear/fossil fuels; renewable/ Non-renewable sources), and Biology: Co-ordination Year 10 Chemistry: Atomic Theory, Cosmology: Our Universe, Physics: Energy, Force and Motion/Newton’s Laws of motion, Biology: DNA, Chromosomes and Evolution, and
Earth and Environmental Science: Plate tectonics, Natural events, Paleontology and Ecosystems TOP Science in Years 11 and 12 is not compulsory. Students in Year 10 choose their courses of study based on their interest, abilities and future careers. The Science Department encourages students who have an aptitude in Science to undertake Science courses in the senior school. Each of these courses is 2 Units and students can take up to six units, equivalent to three courses. These courses are Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics and Senior Science. Biology Biology is the study of plants, animals and their relationships in the context of the environment. Evolution of these organisms in the context of time is also explored. Course Description:
The preliminary year, Year 11, starts with a journey through the local environment. The biotic and abiotic factors which affect the abundance and distribution of organisms are looked at. Looking at cells, and the patterns of life, as well as the interactions within an organism comes next. The fossil record, and the uniqueness of Australian plants and animals developed through time enable students to gain an understanding of how our own part of the world fit into Gondwanaland's past history.
The HSC course leads the students into areas such as the internal balances of organisms, evolution and genetics, as well as the study of diseases. Optional study enables students to gain further insights into one extended study such as the origin of humans. Chemistry Why do substances behave the way they do?
What makes chemicals react?
What does the mole have to do with chemistry when it is an animal?
These questions and others are addressed in the chemistry course. Course Description:
Year 11 chemistry provides the learners with an understanding of the physical and the chemical properties of substances and their uses in the modern world. The purification and applications of metals is explored as well as the uniqueness of the water molecule. Heat and energy as they relate to the chemical reactions are also central to the Preliminary course.
In the HSC, materials such as plastics, batteries and nuclear energy are studied with the intent on the quest for better materials in the future. Acids and bases which form an integral part of our everyday lives are studied. Students also investigate the role of chemists and chemical techniques they use in monitoring the state of our environment and the effects of pollution caused by human demands and technological development. TOP Physics Driving a car is cool but why are there so many car crashes?
The universe is expanding but is there an end?
GPS gets me everywhere but how does it work?
Physics is the study of the behaviour of vehicles in motion, and the mysteries in our universe, and much more.
Course Description:
The Preliminary Course involves the study of the properties of waves, seen or unseen, around us, electricity and magnetism as well as source of energy. It involves the application of investigative, problem-solving and communication skills in the study of the behaviour of vehicles in motion.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary Course. It looks deeper into the effects of gravitational fields, momentum, projectile and circular motion and how they relate to the future and possibilities of space travel. Competitions External competitions are organised to enable students to see where they stand with other students in the state, country or the Asia Pacific region. Students in the Selective Streams will be enrolled in these competitions regularly to enhance and extend their learning experience at Rose Bay Secondary College.
Science Competition:
This is held yearly and is conducted by the Educational Testing Centre of the UNSW. This is the largest Science Competition in the State. Chemistry Competition:
This competition is held yearly by the Charles Sturt University and attracts about 20,000 entries in the Asian Pacific Region. This year, a total of 15 Year 11 Students, 2 Year 9 students and 17 Year 8 Students completed the competition in July. TOP Olympiads Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry and Biology are organised by Rio Tinto to canvass the top students to compete in the international arena. Rose Bay secondary College enrols Year 11 and Year 10 students in these three subjects to enable students to experience the rigour of external competitions in the National Qualifying Examinations held in September and October of each year.
In 2006, five Chemistry students and three Biology students are enrolled in the competitions. Science Club
This is a fun packed and high energy science program aimed to give opportunities for students who want more from science than a normal program can give. Students work in groups or individually to complete hands on projects in their spare time, guided by science teachers who give of their time and talent generously. The Future Rose Bay Secondary College aims to educate the science students of today to be the Australia’s scientists of tomorrow. With an ever increasing demand for scientists in many fields, the future for science is bright and so we encourage our students to excel in their study of this subject. With excellent facilities and dedicated staff, each child is challenged to be independent learners with an inquisitive mind.
There are many careers in the field of Science and any student who would like to know more can contact the Head Teacher Science, a science teacher or the Careers Adviser. TOP | 
