Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 9 Technologies
This course challenges students to move from technology consumers to creators by mastering modular programming, data security, and network systems. Students apply computational thinking to solve real world problems while evaluating the ethical implications of emerging automated technologies.
Algorithmic Logic and Modular Code
Explores the transition from simple scripts to complex modular programs using functions and data structures. Students focus on decomposition and abstraction to manage software complexity.
Breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems using functions and procedures.
Advanced use of nested loops and conditional logic to control program flow and handle complex user input.
Systematic approaches to identifying and fixing logical errors through trace tables and automated testing.
Data Analytics and Visualization
Students investigate how data is collected, stored, and manipulated to reveal patterns and inform decision making processes.
Introduction to relational data modeling and using query languages to extract specific information.
Transforming raw datasets into interactive visualizations to communicate findings and trends.
Exploring how large datasets are used to train algorithms and make predictions.
Networks and Cybersecurity
An exploration of how data travels across the internet and the techniques used to protect it from unauthorized access.
Understanding the layers of network communication and how protocols like TCP/IP ensure data integrity.
Investigating symmetric and asymmetric encryption and their role in securing digital transactions.
Analyzing common attack vectors like phishing and SQL injection to develop robust defense strategies.
User Experience and Interface Design
Focuses on the principles of human-centered design to create intuitive and accessible digital products.
Using personas and empathy maps to understand the needs of diverse user groups.
Developing low-fidelity and high-fidelity mockups to test navigation and layout concepts.
Evaluating digital products against accessibility standards to ensure they work for everyone.
Impacts of Emerging Technology
Evaluates the social, environmental, and ethical consequences of new technologies like AI and automation.
Analyzing how robotics and AI are changing the labor market and required skill sets.
Investigating the lifecycle of hardware and the energy consumption of data centers.
Examining the moral responsibilities of developers when creating autonomous systems.
The Innovation Project
A capstone unit where students apply the full design cycle to develop a digital solution for a community problem.
Defining project requirements, constraints, and milestones using agile methodologies.
Building and refining the digital solution through multiple sprints and testing phases.
Presenting the final product to an audience and evaluating its success against the initial brief.