ESS301

Level 3 Science - Earth and Space Science (ESS301)

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr T. King.


This course looks at planet Earth and the Universe. Understanding how the Earth systems (Oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere) are inter-related and how “man” interacts with these. The standards are taken from the Earth and Space Science learning area allows a variety of contexts to be studied. 

The course looks at current issues that are relevant to NZ and our Pacific neighbours eg formation of life in outer space, plant growth, sea level rise, and how changes in climate are affecting human life.  



Course Overview

Term 1
Investigate an aspect of astronomy - extraterrestrial life

Plant growth

Term 2
Climate change scientific ideas

Practical investigation

Term 3
Climate change and the effects on humanity

Atmosphere systems

Term 4
Revision

Recommended Prior Learning

Level 3 Earth Space Science is open to all students completing their Level 3 year. It is recommended that student have Level 2 English and either have 12 credits at Level 1 Science or completed a level 2 course. Students that have not completed a Level 2 Science course are advised to speak with the HOD Science before selecting.
Four internal standards are offered (16 credits). A choice of an external standard with the removal of one internal standard for students wishing to gain an endorsement. Earth and Space Science is an approved subject for entry into university.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

1 x 1B5 exercise book

Pathway

Students who have interest in Earth and Space. Students can be completing another Level 3 science course.

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 16 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 4 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91410 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.1 - Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 2

A.S. 91411 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.2 - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 7

A.S. 91414 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91415 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.6 - Investigate an aspect of astronomy
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 9

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

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 16

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

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.