Kaiapoi High School Kaiapoi High School

Level 2 Earth and Space Science

L2ESSC
Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Dr R. Lawry, Mr T. Hill.

Recommended Prior Learning

A background in Level 1 Science is strongly recommended. A background in Social Science subjects may also be beneficial.

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 an introduction to the Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere and Hydrosphere, and how they 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 and looks at the potential for finding other life out there in the universe. 

These concepts are relevant for students interested in Astronomy, Geology, and Hydrology. They are also very useful for students interested in Agriculture, Climate Science, Law and Politics, 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. 91188 v2: This standard is designed to assess students' ability to critically evaluate an issue in Earth and Space Science, including analyzing the validity of the information communicated to the public about the issue. Students are expected to investigate different sources of information, assess their credibility, and consider the implications of the issue.

A.S. 91190 v2: This standard is designed to assess students' ability to investigate and understand the adaptations and strategies organisms use to survive in extreme environments. The investigation involves exploring specific environments, the challenges they present, and the biological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that enable organisms to live in these conditions.

A.S. 91191 v2: This standard is designed to assess students' understanding of the geological and meteorological processes that lead to extreme Earth events in New Zealand. Students are expected to explore the causes, effects, and implications of such events, as well as the methods used to study and mitigate their impacts.

A.S. 91192 v2: This standard is designed to assess students' understanding of the formation, characteristics, and evolution of stars and planetary systems. Students are expected to explore astronomical concepts, including the lifecycle of stars, the structure of our solar system, and the methods used to study celestial bodies.

A.S. 91193 v2: This standard is designed to assess students' understanding of the physical principles that govern the Earth system. Students are expected to explore various physical processes and phenomena that shape the Earth, including atmospheric, hydrological, geological, and climatic processes.






Faculties:

Science


Assessment Information

A.S. 91188 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.2: Research and report.
A.S. 91190 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.4: Investigation and report.
A.S. 91191 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.5: Investigation and report.
A.S. 91192 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.6: Research and data collection presented in a report.
A.S. 91193 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.7: Information and data gathering presented in a report.


Pathway

Level 3 Earth and Space Science



			
					
					Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
										
Note-taking stationary and computer.

										

								


				





    

        
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
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, 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, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.