In the Science learning area students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our daily lives.

Learning science enables students to experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them. In doing this, they develop critical and creative thinking skills and challenge themselves to identify questions and draw evidence-based conclusions using scientific methods.

Year 8 Science studies at Sacred Heart College follow the Australian Curriculum.

The Australian Curriculum: Science has three interrelated strands:

1. Science Understanding;
2. Science as a Human Endeavour ; and
3. Science Inquiry Skills. 

1. The Science Understanding strand comprises four sub-strands:
   The Biological Sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding living things. Students are introduced to cells as microscopic structures that explain the general properties of living systems, and explore the organisation of body systems.
   The Chemical Sciences sub-strand is concerned with the composition and behaviour of substances.Students explore changes in matter at a particle level, and distinguish between chemical and physical change.
   The Earth and Space Sciences sub-strand is concerned with Earth’s dynamic structure and its place in the cosmos. Students are introduced to minerals, and the formation and uses of rocks.
   The Physical Sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy. Students will classify different forms of energy, and describe the role of energy in causing change in systems.
2. The Science as a Human Endeavour strand comprises two sub-strands:
   The Nature and development of Science sub-strand develops an appreciation of the unique nature of science and scientific knowledge, including how current knowledge has developed over time through the actions of many people.
   The Use and Influence of Science sub-strand explores how science knowledge and applications affect peoples’ lives, including their work, and how science is influenced by society and can be used to inform decisions and actions.
3. The Science Inquiry Skills strand comprises five sub-strands:

Questions and predicting,
Planning and conducting,
Processing and analysing data and information, Evaluating,
Communicating

In the practice of science, the three strands are closely integrated.

Streaming
There is no streaming in Year 8 Science; all students will study the same course.

Assessment
Students will be assessed using a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the year to provide feedback on their learning. Summative assessments typically consist of tests, inquiry-based assignments and scientific investigations.