Level 1 Science for the Future (SCI101)
SCI101 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Miss D. Holt.
Recommended Prior LearningStudents 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.
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
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 3
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 3 during class time and submitted to NZQA for external marking.
Term 4
Preparation for the Physics exam.
Assessment Policy & Procedures Pathway
Level 2 Science - Biology (BIO201), Level 2 Science - Chemistry I (CHE230), Level 2 Science - Earth & Space Science (ESS201), Level 2 Science - Physics (PHY201)
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.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery1 x 2B8 Exercise Book,
$30 sciPAD (highly recommended) – can be purchased through the College
BYOD