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VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCESummary of proposed changes to the study design
This table provides detailed information about proposed changes to the VCE Environmental Science study design.
General changes
Feature Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Systems thinking framework
Earth systems (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere) are defined and examined in Unit 1 Area of Study 1
Environmental issues and projects are considered from an Earth systems perspective across Units 1 to 4 in terms of considering interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere
Sustainability Sustainability and ecologically sustainable development are included in general terms across Units 1 to 4
More explicit inclusion of sustainability across Units 1 to 4, with specific principles included in Units 3 and 4
©VCAA, August 2014
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Specific changes
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Scope of study A single Rationale covers both proposed Scope of study and Rationale
Explains aspects of the broad field of environmental science that is included in VCE Environmental Science
Rationale Explains the importance of studying VCE Environmental Science, including post-secondary pathways
Aims Includes a set of eight VCE Environmental Science aims
Proposes a set of two aims specific to VCE Environmental Science and a set of seven generic aims which apply to all VCE sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Psychology)
Key science skills
A set of key skills is listed specific to each Area of Study
A set of key science skills is described under seven general headings which apply to all VCE sciences across Units 1 to 4, with elaborations specific to VCE Environmental Science
Unit questions Unit titles Unit 1: The environment Unit 2: Monitoring the
environment Unit 3: Ecological issues: energy
and biodiversity Unit 4: Ecological sustainability
Unit questions designed to link concepts and ideas across the unit and to reflect the inquiry nature of science Unit 1: How are Earth systems
connected? Unit 2: Is pollution avoidable? Unit 3: How can Earth systems be
managed? Unit 4: Can Earth systems adapt
to change?
Area of study questions
Area of study has short phrases as titles
Area of study has questions as titles which are designed to enable exploration of the concepts and ideas related to the topics within the area of study
Key knowledge sub-headings
Key knowledge listed as a set of dot points
Key knowledge dot points listed under sets of sub-headings
©VCAA, August 20142
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Unit 1 Area of Study 1
The environment concepts of environment,
ecosystem, components and processes
the Sun as a source of energy for life
components and structures of the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
biogeochemical cycles
How does Earth sustain life?Topics: Earth’s major systems processes for creating the
essential conditions for life on Earth
inputs for life outputs of lifeContent is similar to current content in Unit 1 Area of Study 1: stronger focus on the
connections between Earth’s four systems
expected key knowledge is more specific
Unit 1Area of Study 2
Environmental change characteristics and distribution,
causes and effects of human-induced environmental changes
human-induced changes that contribute to the conservation and remediation of the environment
Does Earth change in predictable ways?Topics: systems thinking environmental factors that affect
Earth over timeContent is similar to Unit 1 Area of Study 2 and Area of Study 3, except that: there is a stronger focus on the
connections between Earth’s four systems.
Victorian ecosystem characteristics have been deleted
time-frames for environmental change have been specified, and medium-term effects have been included
students will study selected examples of change over different timeframes
distinction between open, semi-permeable and closed systems is included
©VCAA, August 20143
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Unit 1Area of Study 3
Ecosystems interactions between organisms distinguishing characteristics of
Victorian ecosystems natural short-term cyclic
environmental changes natural long-term cyclic
environmental changes natural random environmental
changes
Practical investigation into the monitoring of ecosystems or their components and/or change in ecosystems new area of study with a skills
focus investigation question relates to
content in Unit 1 Areas of Study 1 and/or 2
student designed and conducted laboratory and/or practical work
Unit 2Area of Study 1
Environmental indicators types of environmental indicators
for pollution and ecological health of ecosystems
ecological niche physical, chemical, biological
environmental indicators for an ecosystem or environmental issue
When does pollution become a hazard?Topics: characteristics, sources and
transport mechanisms of pollutants
measurement and monitoring of pollutants
treatment of pollutants Content is similar to current Unit 4 Area of Study 1 except that: there is a focus on differentiating
between wastes, pollutants and contaminants, and understanding how pollutants cause adverse effects on living and environmental systems
students select a bioaccumulant and a water- or air-borne pollutant as a focus study
new inclusion related to contemporary technologies that reduce pollution
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Unit 2Area of Study 2
Using environmental indicators characteristics, distribution,
causes and effects of a selected local example of environmental degradation or environmental issue
environmental indicators used to monitor environmental degradation or environmental issue
role of monitoring program on
How is pollution managed?Students choose a question related to each of: air pollution water pollution soil pollutionThey compare sources, properties, movement through Earth’s spheres, measuring and monitoring, effects on living things and the environment, and treatment and management options.
©VCAA, August 20145
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
environmental degradation or environmental issue
role of government policies and regulatory bodies in pollution control
use of indicators by governments and regulatory bodies, and in State of the Environment reporting
The focus is on pollution at national and global levels.The content is related to current elements of Unit 2 Area of Study 2 in terms of environmental monitoring, but applies specifically to pollution management. However, there is a decreased focus on examining government and regulatory body policies.Related content from Unit 4 Area of Study 1 related to mechanisms of pollutant action is also included.
Unit 2Area of Study 3
Not included Case study involving the management of a selected pollutant of local interest.This is similar to the current requirement in Unit 4 Area of Study 1
Unit 3Area of Study 1
Energy and global warming definitions and applications of
scientific concepts and principles of energy
fossil and non-fossil fuel resources
renewable and non-renewable energy sources
natural and enhanced greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases
contribution of human activities to enhanced greenhouse effect, impacts and mitigation strategies
Is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort?Topics: importance of biodiversity biodiversity change over time measuring changes in biodiversity threats to biodiversity production and restoration of
biodiversityContent is similar to that of the current Unit 3 Area of Study 2. Specific sustainability principles have been included.
©VCAA, August 20146
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Unit 3Area of Study 2
Diversity in the biosphere types, significance and value of
biodiversity conservation categories assessment of biodiversity threats to biodiversity assessment of threat in
determining conservation categories
methods of protecting environments and managing populations
use of scientific data to establish biodiversity treaties, agreements and regulatory frameworks
environmental impact assessment
precautionary principle
Is development sustainable?Students use principles related to sustainability and environmental management to evaluate a selected environmental science project. Content is similar to that of the current Unit 4 Area of Study 2, except that: different definitions of
sustainability and ecologically sustainable development are explored
specific sustainability principles are included
Unit 4Area of Study 1
Pollution and health general characteristics of
mercury and sulfur dioxide as pollutants
characteristics of one pollutant (excluding mercury and sulfur dioxide)
Will Earth run out of energy?Topics: fossil fuels comparison of different energy
sources use of science to reduce the
impacts of energy useContent similar to current Unit 3 Area of Study 1 except that: greenhouse effects not considered
as part of this area of study, since it is part of the proposed Unit 4 Area of Study 2
specific sustainability principles are included
new content includes environmental rehabilitation of sites where energy sources are extracted, strategies for increasing energy conversion efficiency, projections of future energy needs
©VCAA, August 20147
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Unit 4Area of Study 2
Applied environmental science assessment of environmental
risks and impacts of a selected environmental science project
ecologically sustainable development
environmental management tools and strategies
influence and consequences of regulatory frameworks
roles of community, media, environmental interest groups, non-government and/or government agencies in encouraging responsible environmental practices
Is climate predictable?Topics: major factors that alter Earth’s
atmosphere measurements of the atmosphere
that give useful information about changes in the climate
consequences of changing the composition of gases in the atmosphere
Much of the content of this area of study is new, but includes greenhouse effects as is currently in Unit 3 Area of Study 1 A new focus includes the interpretation of climate data and the associated uncertainties associated with predictions
Unit 4Area of Study 3
Not included Practical investigation related to biodiversity or energy use from an environmental management perspective new area of study with a skills
focus investigation question relates to
content in Units 3 and/or 4 may be undertaken in either
Unit 3, Unit 4 or across both Units 3 and 4
student designed and conducted may involve collection of primary
and/or secondary data results presented as a scientific
poster may be undertaken in either Unit
3, Unit 4 or across both Units 3 and 4
©VCAA, August 20148
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Section Current study design Proposal for revised study design
Units 3 and/or 4 scientific poster template
Not included Scientific poster template provided which includes identified sections and suggested marking scheme
Practical logbook
Not included Students are required to maintain a practical logbook for record, authentication and assessment purposes
School-assessed Course
School-assessed Coursework is weighted across four outcomes
Proposed School-assessed Coursework is equally weighted across 5 outcomes
©VCAA, August 20149
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
ASSESSMENTUnits 1 and 2Assessment tasks in the current and proposed study designs are similar. Some have been updated to reflect current assessment practice and the nature of the discipline, while more specific tasks are prescribed for some outcomes.
Current Unit 1 assessment tasks Proposed Unit 1 assessment tasks
Assessment tasks for this unit are:• fieldwork and reports• oral presentations• practical activities• practical reports• reports in multimedia and/or poster
format• tests.
Assessment tasks for this unit are:For Outcomes 1 and 2:A selection from the following: fieldwork report report of a practical activity involving the
collection of primary data annotations of a practical work folio of
activities or investigations research investigation involving the collection
of secondary data model of an aspect of Earth systems logbook of practical activities analysis of data/results including
generalisations/conclusions media analysis/response problem solving involving environmental
science concepts, skills and/or issues test comprising multiple choice and/or short
answer and/or extended response reflective learning journal/blog related to
selected activities or in response to an issue
The assessment tasks may be written, oral or multi-modal.
and
For Outcome 2: case study that demonstrates how changes
have affected a specific area over different time scales, showing the interrelationships and interactions of processes that occur over different time scales at a location.
The assessment task may be written, oral or multi-modal.
©VCAA, August 201410
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Current Unit 2 assessment tasks Proposed Unit 1 assessment tasks
Assessment tasks for this unit are:• fieldwork and reports• oral presentations• practical activities• practical reports• reports in multimedia and/or
poster format• tests.
For Outcomes 1 and 2:A selection from the following: report of a fieldwork exercise report of a practical activity involving the collection of
primary data research investigation involving the collection of
secondary data annotations of a practical logbook of activities or
investigations analysis of data/results including
generalisations/conclusions model of an aspect of Earth systems media analysis/response problem solving involving environmental concepts,
skills and/or issues test comprising multiple choice and/or short answer
and/or extended response reflective learning journal/blog related to selected
activities or in response to an issueandFor Outcome 2: a comparison of the sources, nature, transport
mechanism, effects and treatment of three selected pollutants, with reference to their actions in the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
The assessment task may be written, oral or multi-modal.andFor Outcome 3: a report of a case study involving the management of
a selected pollutant of local interest. The assessment task may be written, oral or multi-
modal.data analysis test comprising multiple choice and/or short answer
and/or extended response.The assessment tasks may be written, oral or multi-modal.andFor Outcome 3:• a report of a student-designed quantitative laboratory
investigation using an appropriate format, for example, digital presentation, oral communication, scientific poster or written report.
©VCAA, August 201411
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Proposed Unit 3 AssessmentThe nature of assessment tasks in the current and proposed study designs is similar, although some assessment tasks have been updated to reflect current assessment practice and the nature of the discipline. The number of mandated tasks has been reduced from four to two. An indication of time for the task is intended to provide greater comparability in the scope of the tasks across classes and schools, and to reduce School-assessed Coursework load for teachers and students.
Outcomes Marks allocated* Assessment tasks
Outcome 1Explain the importance of Earth’s biodiversity, analyse the threats to biodiversity, and evaluate management strategies to maintain biodiversity in the context of one selected threatened endemic species.
50A report on the conservation of one selected threatened native species The assessment task may be written or multi-modal.
(up to 1000 words)
Outcome 2Apply the principles of ecologically sustainable development and environmental management to evaluate environmental science projects, including a focus on one selected environmental science project.
50An evaluation of a selected environmental science project.The assessment task may be written, oral or multi-modal.
(approximately 50 minutes)
Total marks 100
*School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3 contributes 20 per cent.
©VCAA, August 201412
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Proposed Unit 4 AssessmentThe nature of proposed assessment tasks has been broadened for Outcomes 1 and 2. An indication of time or word limits for the tasks is intended to provide greater comparability in the scope of the tasks across classes and schools, and to reduce School-assessed Coursework load for teachers and students.
The proposed Outcome 3 task may be undertaken in Unit 3, Unit 4, or across Unit 3 and Unit 4, but will be reported as part of Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework. A template has been constructed for production of the associated scientific poster task to assist in staged completion and authentication of student work.
Outcomes Marks allocated* Assessment tasks
Outcome 1Compare the advantages and disadvantages of a range of energy sources, evaluate the sustainability of their use, and discuss the impacts of their use on society and the environment.
30At least one task selected from: annotations of at least two practical
activities from a practical logbook report of a student investigation model of energy concepts evaluation of research media analysis/response analysis of data including generalisations
and conclusions response to structured questions reflective learning journal/blog related to
energy concepts(approximately 50 minutes)
Outcome 2Explain the causes and effects of changes to Earth’s climate, compare methods of measuring and monitoring atmospheric changes, and discuss the impacts of atmospheric changes on living things and the environment
30At least one task selected from: annotations of at least two practical
activities from a practical logbook report of a student investigation model of climate concepts evaluation of research media analysis/response analysis of data including generalisations
and conclusions response to structured questions reflective learning journal/blog elated to
climate concepts(approximately 50 minutes)
continued
©VCAA, August 201413
VCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
Outcome 3Design and undertake an investigation related to biodiversity or energy use from an environmental management perspective, and present methodologies, findings and conclusions as a scientific poster.
30 Structured scientific poster according toVCAA template
(not exceeding 1000 words)
Total marks 90
*School-assessed Coursework for Unit 4 contributes 30 per cent.
©VCAA, August 201414