Investigating Science is a new HSC course for NSW students beginning in 2018. It concerns all aspects and disciplines of Science, however, unlike other science courses, the focus is on developing scientific skills needed in practising Science.
There are 30 hours (15h in other science courses) dedicated to depth studies which give students a unique opportunity to pursue their personal interests while gaining a scientific understanding of an area of their interest.
There is a strong emphasis on building critical thinking and research skills, and students will be encouraged to develop strong communication skills. This course may also lead the student into pursuing extension science (the link that that syllabus here), where they can pursue their passion even further. Personally, I believe that this will become the most popular science course taken by senior students in the future.
Author information
My name is Despina Hatzimanolis, and I am an Investigating Science teacher. I have put this resource together, using many different sources to aid teachers and students.
Syllabus link
Investigating science syllabus
Introduction to the course
Introduction to Investigating science Powerpoint for students and parents.
Teacher ( unofficial) network
Teachers can find useful information and support on the Facebook page for Investigating Science. Many ideas on this page have been inspired by the collaboration on this page from many dedicated teachers.
ATSI Perspectives
There are many ASTI perspectives dotted through this course. As Science is built on observations and inferences, therefore, it is logical to include the contributions that ATSI people have made to understanding aspects of our environment.
A great link that introduces readers to the many aspects that ATSI science and technology.
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this webpage and may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film/video, audio recordings or printed material.
Other Investigating Science websites
SCIENCEWITHMAT
Another website in development for Investigating Science with excellent resources covering all aspects of this course. Click on the image to go to the site.
Click on the image below to view the resource. This has been put together by Dianne Firth, at St Mark’s Catholic College Stanhope Gardens.
Stage 4 and 5 Science supporting webpage
The page HatziScience for NSW webpage is in development to assist students in Investigating Science in supplementing content knowledge and skills. It is also my aim to try and make stage 4-5 syllabus more inquiry-based. Click on the image to go to the page.
Investigating Science 