Section outline

  • Year 10

    This unit will examine the concepts of nature and nurture. At the end of the unit, students will come to understand that our environment and culture are powerful forces that impact our lives, and that much of what happens in our lives is not up to fate and genetics – but is in our hands. Nature is powerful, but so isn’t our culture. It is also important to recognise the impact of genetics and what can do to modify potential disease risks. A key focus of this unit is on how beliefs about the existence of different races – and skin colour – are myths. We will also examine the issue of discrimination in sports and the stereotyping of certain ethnic groups who as being naturally academically inclined while others are not (e.g., test scores of Mexican-Americans) in relation the story of inspirational teacher Jaime Escalante.