Key Information
About the content
Have you ever wondered how you can apply math and science skills to real life? Do you wish you could go beyond what you've learned in the classroom? This science course will advance your knowledge as we unpack some important scientific thinking skills using real-world examples. By completing this course, you will be better prepared to continue studying math and science at the high school level and beyond.
In this course, a collaboration between The University of Queensland and Brisbane Grammar School, we will cover key scientific concepts related to:
- Measurement
- Estimation
- The validity of evidence
- The difference between logic and opinion
- Misconceptions
- Modeling
- Prediction
- Extrapolation
Each concept will be explored through real world examples and problems that will help you visualize how math and science work in your life.
This course is ideal for high school students looking to challenge themselves and further develop an interest in math and science. It is also applicable to high school science teachers looking for additional materials for teaching.
- When and how to ask important scientific questions
- To apply scientific thinking to real world scenarios
- To develop the essential skills for studying math and science at the high school level and beyond
Prerequisite
Basic math concepts
Syllabus
MODULE 1: Data and Measurement
Meet the course team and an introduction to the course content and navigation. We look at how speed is calculated using a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
MODULE 2: Estimation and Measurement
We investigate the different ways in which we might perform an estimation and then use estimation to solve a variety of problems.
MODULE 3: Validity of Evidence
We explore the difference between quantitative and qualitative evidence and develop our understanding of validity as it relates to evidence.
MODULE 4: Evidence and Opinion
Learn the important difference between evidence and opinion, and test that understanding by conducting an experiment.
MODULE 5: Misconceptions
Through a series of investigations and experiments we look at how misconceptions are formed and how to construct a better understanding of the facts surrounding a common misconception.
MODULE 6: Modelling
We use data from a number of Olympic and World records to develop models and feature a graphing tool to better understand data modelling.
MODULE 7: Prediction and Extrapolation
We continue to use Olympic and World records to move beyond modelling in order to extrapolate information and make predictions.
MODULE 8: Synthesis and Application
Finally, we synthesise the concepts covered in all 7 modules to perform an experiment related to the calculation of gravity.
Instructors
Noël Chan
Scott Jones
Derek McDowall
Anthony Mewing
Brisbane Grammar School
Content Designer
The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, is one of the world’s premier teaching and research institutions. Striving for excellence through the creation, preservation, transfer and application of knowledge UQ ranks in the top 50 Universities as measured by the QS World University Rankings. UQ is one of only three Australian members of the global Universitas 21 and a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities. UQ is recognised for its world standard specialised research and teaching excellence; having won more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other in the country.
Founded in 1909 UQ is Queensland's oldest university and has produced more than 250,000 graduates. UQ has a diverse community of over 51,000 students including 13,300 international students from 141 nations. It has one of Australia's largest PhD enrolments, with more than 14,700 postgraduate students. UQ employs 6,700 staff spanning six faculties and eight research institutes.
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