SCI101

Level 1 Science for the Future (SCI101)

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Miss D. Holt.

Science involves people investigating the living, physical, material, and technological parts of their environment and making sense of them in logical and creative ways. Using systematic and creative processes of investigation, scientists produce a constantly changing body of knowledge and make an important contribution to shaping our world.

Science for the Future consists of the two externally assessed standards - Biology and Physics plus one internally assessed standard - Chemistry. The course is designed to give students the opportunity to aim high and excel in science.  

This course MUST be selected if students wish to study chemistry, physics, biology, and/or earth and space science at Levels 2 and 3.



Course Overview

Term 1
CHEMISTRY - CHEMICAL REACTIONS

AS 92021 Demonstrate understanding of a chemical reaction in a specific context
Credits:6, Internally assessed

Chemistry involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Ākonga develop an understanding of the atomic composition of matter and use this to explain and predict the properties and behaviour of different everyday materials. The study of chemistry allows us to predict how substances may alter when surrounding conditions change, and how they react to form new substances. Ākonga will carry out practical investigations into neutralisation, combustion and precipitation.

The assessment for this unit is a report based on practical and theory work that will be completed in term 1 during class time and marked internally by subject teachers.

Term 2
BIOLOGY - GENETICS

AS 92022 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic
Credits: 5, Externally assessed

Through Biology ākonga develop an understanding of the variation, continuity, and interconnectedness of life. They seek evidence to explain the nature of living things and interactions within and between biological systems. Ākonga will investigate a genetic characteristic, describing the source and the nature of genetic variation and how genetic relationships may be described through the use of a gene tracking methodology.

The Biology assessment is a report that will be completed in term 2 during class time and submitted to NZQA for external marking.


Term 3
PHYSICS - ENERGY

AS 92074 Demonstrate understanding of energy in a physical system
Credits: 5, Externally assessed

Physics is a discipline of science that aims to explain the nature and properties of matter and energy. Through investigating the physical world, ākonga will describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena using models, laws, and theories of physics. Ākonga will learn about mechanical, heat, and electrical energy.

The Physics assessment is a paper-based exam that will be completed during a formal examination in term 4 and sent to NZQA for external marking.

Term 4
Preparation for the Physics exam.

Recommended Prior Learning

Students who during year 9 and 10 science have found science interesting, enjoy the challenge of academic learning and are keen to further their knowledge of science now and in the future.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

1 x 2B8 Exercise Book,
$25 sciPAD (highly recommended) – can be purchased through the College
BYOD

Pathway

This course must be selected by students who wish to pursue science at Levels 2 and 3 and potentially beyond. It is a course that will give a solid lead into L2 Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Space Science.

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 16 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 6 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 92021 v3
NZQA Info
Chemistry and Biology 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactions in context

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 9

A.S. 92022 v3
NZQA Info
Chemistry and Biology 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 9

A.S. 92047 v3
NZQA Info
Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of a physical system using energy concepts

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: Y

Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 9

Credit Summary
Total Credits: 16
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 5
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 5

Useful Links

Disclaimer

POLICY
It is the policy of Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt to have school-wide policies that inform parents and students of the criteria for administering all Assessments for National Qualifications.