Science is a leading subject at Maroochydore State High School. Units within our chemistry and biotechnology programs have recieved national and international attention. In 2006 our school became a world leading school in biotechnology when our senior biology students were able to sucessfully clone the "CAT" gene in our school labs.

The science faculty is committed to creating an environment which encourages the pursuit of excellence. The Science program aims to enable students to develop as scientifically literate citizens, able to hold and argue informed views on social, ethical, and environmental issues related to science and the world. This is accomplished by developing a curriculum which engages students in critical thinking skills, and the building of a knowledge base which underpins the scientific perspective.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

HEADLINES in SCIENCE '09

USEFUL LINKS

Middle School

Ms Calie Gerhardy wins QLD Science Teaching Award

Science report writing genre guide

Year Ten

Mr Gary Turner puts MSHS Biotechnology on world stage

Scientific method and report writing - MIddle School

Biology

Hannah Cundy wins Science Fair

Year Ten results from energy drink experiment

Chemistry

Young Scientist Program

Marine Studies

National Bilby day

Physics

MSHS Lab Technicians present at QLD QUEST conference

Science 21

Student results in "08

Sinead Downs represents MSHS Science Faculty

MSHS at National Sci teachers Conference

Regional sci teachers conference

Yr nine students attend SET Expo

In March Mr Gary Turner travelled to New Orleans to make a presentation on advanced biotechnology education at the American National Conference of Science Teachers. He spent a week discussing the progress of biotechnology in America - and came away convinced our students were leading the world in the techniques and complexity of the techniques they were using.

The Year 8 Science Fair saw a large number of projects entered in both the Individual and Group categories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Science. The evening was well attended by both parents and students with Hannah Cundy being awarded the Overall Winner Prize. Congratulations to Hannah and all participants for a fantastic effort.

Ms Gwenda Tudman and Ms Deb Slypen were invited to demonstrate their expertise at plant tissue culture at the annual QEST Conference. At Brisbane Grammar School over the winter vacation they presented the plant tissue culture section of our senior biotechnology program. Lab Technicians from across the state were fascinated by how these two highly experience Laboratory Officers can make performing plant tissue culture appear very simple.

Student results in the Science Faculty last year were excellent. Both the 2008 graduates who received OP1’s, Ryan Pickels and Nicole Hoffman studied three science subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Ryan is at present studying medicine at the University of Queensland and Nicole is enjoying a gap year. Interesting to note that other students in the OP range 2-5 also studied at least one science subject in their senior year with the majority undertaking Chemistry. Chemistry is being heralded as the ‘must do’ science subject for entry into science based university subjects.

Sinead Downs represented the Science Faculty at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Senior Science Poster Competition. Sinead presented her Extended Experimental Investigation which investigated the rate of the reaction between Iodine and Sulphate. In her work Sinead determined the order (rate) of the reaction with respect to both reactants – a result which then provides the basis for the development of reaction mechanisms. Such investigations are common in research chemistry and are aimed at increasing the yield of chemical reactions in industry.

In the June holidays Teachers from Maroochydore SHS made two presentations at the Australian National Science Teachers Conference (CONASTA). Ms Calie Gerhardy presented a Middle School biotechnology unit she has developed to support our senior program. Mr Gary Turner and Mr Murray Gillis presented a innovative Metal Extraction unit they wrote for senior chemistry. The conference was held in Launceston, Tasmania and was also attended by Mr Milton Hasthorpe, Mr David Samaha, Ms Gwenda Tudman, and Ms Deb Slypen. The conference proved an excellent professional development for teachers giving up their vacation time to improve their skills.

In August this year Maroochydore SHS Science Staff presented two middle school units at the annual Sunshine Coast SCIPP Science teachers’ conference. Ms Calie Gerhardy and Mr Milton Hasthorpe presented units on Biotechnology and Global Warming. The conference was a rewarding experience for all teachers and Laboratory Officers.

Eleven year 9 students were given the fantastic opportunity to experience the very latest in Science at the annual SET Expo at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 11 June.

Year Ten

The Year 10 curricula will be split into two courses – Advanced Science and Core Science. Students will study one of the two courses explained below. Both courses will cover the following topics:

Semester 3

· Motion

· Genetics, Evolution and Cosmology

Semester 4

· Chemistry

· Healthy Body and Infectious Diseases

Core Science:

This will offer a more practical and less theoretical approach. Individual teachers will be given more flexibility to follow areas of student interest. Assessment will be of a standard type (exam, assignment, folio) but there will be more structure within this assessment to aid students.

Students will not be able to use this subject as a prerequisite for Physics, Chemistry, or Biology in Year 11, unless

the student appeals with a strong case to the Head of Faculty, Science. Students will be able to use a HA or VHA

in this subject as a prerequisite for Science 21 and Marine Studies.

Advanced Science:

This course will offer advanced practical work and challenge students to develop a higher level of skills and knowledge than could previously be offered. This will not only benefit a student’s academic performance, but also prepare the students more effectively should they choose a senior Science option in Year 11. Obtaining a SA+ in this subject will be a prerequisite for Physics and Chemistry in Year 11. A grade of SA in this subject would be a prerequisite for Biology, Science 21 and Marine Studies.

At the end of Year 9, students will be allocated to a Year 10 Science course. That decision will primarily be based on students’ work ethic and grades achieved in Year 9. Depending on individual progress through the year, students may be moved between Advanced and Core Science. The primary reason for doing this would be to provide a better outcome for students.

BIOLOGY