Kaiapoi High School
Level 3 Earth and Space Science
Course Description
Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Dr R. Lawry, Mr T. Hill.
Level 3 Earth and Space Science
This course looks at the Earth (Mātai Pūtaiao ā-nuku) and space system (Mātai Kōkōrangi) in a holistic, 'big picture' manner. The goal of the course is to give students a strong understanding of how the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere interact to produce the climate. Alongside these, it also aims to show how the space system creates the conditions required for the Earth to have ended up developing the way it has. The level three course also takes a detailed look at the major sources of scientific evidence behind our current understanding of these systems and looks at major planetary systems (such as oceans) in a more technical and detailed manner.
These concepts are relevant for students interested in Astronomy, Geology, and Hydrology. They are also very useful for students interested in Law, Politics, Climate Science, and Agriculture, or simply for those who wish to understand the systems that enable human life on Earth to exist. Other courses such as Geography and History match well with Earth and Space Science and may overlap beneficially.
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
A.S. 91411 v2 Earth and Space Science 3.2: Students explore how Earth and Space Science concepts intersect with social, political, economic, and ethical considerations related to a chosen issue.
A.S. 91412 v2 Earth and Space Science 3.3: Students choose a specific geological locality in New Zealand to investigate. This could be a region known for its geological features, such as a volcanic area, a coastal region, a mountainous terrain, or an area with significant geological history.
A.S. 91413 v2 Earth and Space Science 3.4: students will develop their understanding of the interactions and processes that occur within the atmosphere-ocean system. This includes processes such as atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, heat transfer mechanisms, and their effects on climate and weather patterns.
A.S. 91414 v2 Earth and Space Science 3.5: This topic looks at the various processes that occur within the ocean system. Including physical processes (such as currents, waves, and tides), chemical processes (such as ocean acidification, and nutrient cycles), biological processes (such as marine ecosystems, and biodiversity), and geological processes (such as seafloor spreading, and sedimentation).
A.S. 91415 v2 Earth and Space Science 3.6: Students will look at the fundamental processes that shape the Earth's atmosphere. This includes physical processes (such as atmospheric circulation, weather systems, and climate patterns), chemical processes (such as atmospheric composition, and pollution dynamics), and interactions with other Earth systems (such as ocean-atmosphere interactions).
Recommended Prior Learning
Open entry course. Having completed L2 ESS or any of the L2 sciences OR Geography will be advantageous. Solid literacy skills will also be helpful.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Note-taking stationary and computer
Assessment Information
A.S. 91411: Students prepare a report that outlines their investigation.A.S. 91412: Research and data collection presented in a structured report.
A.S. 91413: Research and report.
A.S. 91414: Research and data analysis presented in a report.
A.S. 91415: Research and data collection presented in a structured report.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.2 - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.3 - Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s)
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.6 - Investigate an aspect of astronomy
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20
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Disclaimer
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it. Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.
Costs
The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2025, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.
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