Level 2 Science - Earth & Space Science (ESS201)
ESS201 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Miss D. Holt.
Recommended Prior LearningStudents should have demonstrated previous success in Science, including passing at least 1 external paper at Level 1. Level 1 literacy is a requirement.
Earth Science explores the geological processes that shape Aotearoa and cause extreme earth events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis that are experienced here. Students will carry out a practical earth science investigation.
In space, we examine the challenges faced by humans when exploring space. Students will examine an issue related to space exploration, investigate differing points of view and evaluate how these points of view on the issue are presented.
The topics covered are:
- Extreme Earth Events - Volcanic eruption, earthquakes and tsunamis
- An Earth Science Investigation
- Humans in Space - Life on the ISS
- A Space Issue - Should humans travel to Mars?
This course leads to ESS 301. Students who a Merit endorsement in this course may continue to Bio 303
Course Overview
Term 1
VOLCANOES
Extreme Earth Events - These are the events that are extraordinary on planet Earth but may occur commonly in New Zealand due to our unique position on a plate boundary. In term 1 we will focus on volcanoes. Students investigate the causes, characteristics, and effects of volcanic eruptions.
An Earth Science Investigation - Carry out a practical investigation into the viscosity of magma. This links into the Extreme Earth Events external and provides students with an opportunity to gain numeracy credits.
Term 2
HUMANS IN SPACE
Humans In Space - Life on the ISS - Students will investigate the extreme conditions experienced by humans living on the International Space Station. They will research the technologies that have been developed to make surviving these conditions possible. Their work will be presented as a booklet that can be used by students in the junior school completing the Exploring Space topic.
An ESS Issue - Should humans travel to Mars? Students will examine the pros and cons of a manned mission to Mars. Students will evaluate how information about the issue is presented and use this to develop a personal position on the issue.
Term 3
EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS
Extreme Earth Events - Students will add to the learning from Term 1, exploring the causes and effects of Earthquakes and Tsunamis with a focus on New Zealand examples.
Term 4
REVISION AND PREPARATION FOR NCEA EXAMS
Level 2 optional courses, Science
Assessment Policy & Procedures Assessment Information
This course offers 3 internally assessed achievement standards and 1 externally assessed achievement standard. Students are able to gain up to 16 credits and endorsement with Merit or Excellence in ESS.
Level 3 Science - Biology (BIO303), Level 3 Science - Earth and Space Science (ESS301)
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery1 x 1B8 exercise book
Print credits for assessments