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Browse by Grade: Year 12

Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions

Year 12 Mathematics

A comprehensive exploration of calculus, statistics, and algebraic modeling designed for senior secondary students. This course emphasizes the transition from procedural fluency to abstract reasoning and real world problem solving.

4 units·59 topics·Ages 17-18

01Calculus: The Study of Change

12 topics·Term 1

Students investigate the fundamental principles of differentiation and integration to model dynamic systems. This unit focuses on the relationship between rates of change and accumulated quantities.

Introduction to Limits

Students explore the intuitive concept of a limit by examining function behavior as input values approach a specific point.

Think-Pair-ShareInquiry Circle
Formal Definition of Limits and Continuity

Students analyze the formal epsilon-delta definition of a limit and apply it to determine function continuity.

Chalk TalkCollaborative Problem-Solving
Introduction to Derivatives

Students define the derivative using the limit definition and interpret it as an instantaneous rate of change and slope of the tangent.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingFlipped Classroom
Basic Differentiation Rules

Students apply power, constant multiple, sum, and difference rules to differentiate polynomial functions efficiently.

Stations RotationPeer Teaching
Product and Quotient Rules

Students apply the product and quotient rules to differentiate functions involving multiplication and division.

Stations RotationProblem-Based Learning
The Chain Rule

Students apply the chain rule to differentiate composite functions, understanding its role in nested functions.

Peer TeachingCollaborative Problem-Solving
Implicit Differentiation

Students learn to differentiate equations where y is not explicitly defined as a function of x, using implicit differentiation.

Case Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share
Applications of Derivatives: Curve Sketching

Students use first and second derivatives to analyze function behavior, including increasing/decreasing intervals, concavity, and inflection points.

Gallery WalkConcept Mapping
Optimisation and Modeling

Students apply calculus techniques to find maximum and minimum values in practical engineering and economic scenarios.

Problem-Based LearningCase Study AnalysisDecision Matrix
Related Rates

Students solve problems involving rates of change of two or more related variables with respect to time.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingExperiential Learning
Introduction to Antiderivatives

Students understand antiderivatives as the inverse of differentiation and introduce the concept of the indefinite integral.

Think-Pair-ShareChalk Talk
Riemann Sums and Definite Integrals

Students approximate areas under curves using Riemann sums and define the definite integral as the limit of these sums.

Simulation GameInquiry Circle

02Further Calculus and Integration

12 topics·Term 2

An in depth look at non linear growth and decay models using transcendental functions. Students learn to manipulate logarithmic scales and solve complex growth equations.

Techniques of Integration: Substitution

Students learn and apply the method of u-substitution to integrate more complex functions.

Peer TeachingStations Rotation
Applications of Integration: Area Between Curves

Students calculate the area enclosed by two or more functions using definite integrals.

Problem-Based LearningConcept Mapping
Applications of Integration: Volumes of Revolution

Students use the disk and washer methods to find the volume of solids generated by revolving a region around an axis.

Simulation GameExperiential Learning
Differential Equations: Introduction

Students are introduced to basic differential equations and methods for solving separable equations.

Case Study AnalysisInquiry Circle
Review of Exponential Functions

Students review the properties of exponential functions and their graphs, focusing on growth and decay.

Think-Pair-ShareConcept Mapping
The Natural Base e

Students understand the unique properties of the number e and its role in continuous growth models.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis
Derivatives of Exponential Functions

Students learn to differentiate exponential functions, particularly those involving the natural base e.

Stations RotationPeer Teaching
Review of Logarithmic Functions

Students review the definition of logarithms as inverse functions of exponentials and their basic properties.

Think-Pair-ShareConcept Mapping
Logarithmic Laws and Scales

Students use logarithms to solve exponential equations and interpret data on logarithmic scales like pH or Richter levels.

Stations RotationGallery Walk
Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions

Students learn to differentiate logarithmic functions, including the natural logarithm.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingFlipped Classroom
Modeling Growth and Decay

Students apply exponential functions to carbon dating, population dynamics, and Newton's Law of Cooling.

Problem-Based LearningDecision Matrix
Logarithmic Differentiation

Students use logarithmic differentiation to find derivatives of functions that are difficult to differentiate directly.

Case Study AnalysisPeer Teaching

03Trigonometric Functions and Periodic Motion

12 topics·Term 3

Extending trigonometry beyond right angled triangles to model periodic phenomena like sound waves and tides.

Inverse Functions and Their Derivatives

Students explore the concept of inverse functions and learn how to find the derivative of an inverse function.

Inquiry CircleChalk Talk
Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Models

Students solve real-world problems involving exponential and logarithmic growth, decay, and scaling.

Project-Based LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Review of Functions and Their Properties

Students consolidate their understanding of various function types, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

Concept MappingGallery Walk
The Unit Circle and Radians

Students define trigonometric ratios for any angle and transition from degrees to radian measure for calculus applications.

Stations RotationGallery Walk
Graphs of Sine and Cosine

Students sketch and analyze the basic graphs of sine and cosine functions, identifying amplitude, period, and midline.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-Share
Transformations of Trigonometric Functions

Students interpret and apply transformations (amplitude, period, phase shift, vertical shift) to sine and cosine graphs.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingFlipped Classroom
Periodic Modeling

Students use sine and cosine functions to model cyclic behavior and interpreting transformations of these graphs.

Case Study AnalysisCollaborative Problem-Solving
Trigonometric Identities

Students prove and apply algebraic identities to simplify complex trigonometric expressions and solve equations.

JigsawPeer Teaching
Solving Trigonometric Equations

Students solve trigonometric equations algebraically and graphically, considering general solutions and specific intervals.

Problem-Based LearningStations Rotation
Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions

Students learn to differentiate sine, cosine, and tangent functions, applying the chain rule where necessary.

Chalk TalkCollaborative Problem-Solving
Integrals of Trigonometric Functions

Students learn to integrate sine, cosine, and other trigonometric functions, often using u-substitution.

Peer TeachingStations Rotation
Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Their Derivatives

Students define inverse trigonometric functions and learn to find their derivatives.

Inquiry CircleConcept Mapping

04Discrete and Continuous Probability

23 topics·Term 4

Analyzing uncertainty through the study of random variables and probability distributions.

Parametric Equations: Introduction

Students are introduced to parametric equations, representing curves using a third variable (parameter), and sketching their graphs.

Gallery WalkCollaborative Problem-Solving
Calculus with Parametric Equations

Students learn to find the first and second derivatives of parametric equations and apply them to find gradients and concavity.

Problem-Based LearningPeer Teaching
Review of Trigonometric Applications

Students consolidate their understanding of trigonometric functions, identities, and their applications in various contexts.

Project-Based LearningDecision Matrix
Introduction to Probability and Random Variables

Students review basic probability concepts and are introduced to the idea of discrete and continuous random variables.

Think-Pair-ShareInquiry Circle
Discrete Random Variables

Students develop probability distributions for experiments with countable outcomes and calculate expected values.

Simulation GameEscape Room
The Binomial Distribution

Students model scenarios with a fixed number of independent trials and two possible outcomes.

Think-Pair-ShareCase Study Analysis
Continuous Random Variables and PDFs

Students are introduced to continuous random variables and interpret probability density functions (PDFs).

Chalk TalkInquiry Circle
Normal Distribution

Students investigate the bell curve and its application to natural phenomena and standardized testing.

Decision MatrixCarousel Brainstorm
Sampling and Sampling Distributions

Students explore different sampling methods and understand the concept of a sampling distribution for sample means and proportions.

Simulation GameCase Study Analysis
Sample Proportions

Students understand how sample statistics vary and how they relate to the true population parameter.

Case Study AnalysisInquiry Circle
Estimating Population Means

Students learn to estimate population means using sample data, focusing on point estimates and understanding their limitations.

Decision MatrixCollaborative Problem-Solving
Estimating Population Proportions

Students learn to estimate population proportions using sample data, focusing on point estimates and their interpretation.

Problem-Based LearningExperiential Learning
Informal Inference and Data Interpretation

Students engage in informal statistical inference, drawing conclusions about populations based on sample data and graphical representations.

Socratic SeminarCase Study Analysis
Evaluating Statistical Claims

Students critically evaluate statistical claims and arguments presented in media and research, identifying potential misinterpretations or biases.

Mock TrialCollaborative Problem-Solving
Complex Numbers: Introduction

Students introduce the imaginary unit i and perform basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication) in the complex plane.

Chalk TalkConcept Mapping
Complex Conjugates and Division

Students learn about complex conjugates and use them to perform division of complex numbers.

Think-Pair-ShareStations Rotation
Polar Form of Complex Numbers

Students represent complex numbers in polar form and convert between rectangular and polar coordinates.

Gallery WalkPeer Teaching
De Moivre's Theorem and Roots of Unity

Students apply De Moivre's Theorem for powers and roots of complex numbers, including finding roots of unity.

Problem-Based LearningSimulation Game
Vectors in Two Dimensions

Students introduce vectors as quantities with magnitude and direction, performing basic vector operations in 2D.

Experiential LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Vectors in Three Dimensions

Students use vector algebra to describe position, displacement, and force in physical space.

Gallery WalkSimulation Game
Vector Operations and Applications

Students perform dot products, cross products, and projections, applying them to geometric and physical problems.

Problem-Based LearningCase Study Analysis
Lines and Planes in 3D Space

Students represent lines and planes using vector equations and analyze their intersections.

Concept MappingCollaborative Problem-Solving
Proof and Mathematical Logic

Students develop formal techniques of proof, including induction, contradiction, and direct derivation.

Socratic SeminarPeer Teaching