Level 1 Science
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Miss J. Abernethy.
Level 1 Science is a chance to explore Chemistry, Physics and Biology. In this course you will do experiments to understand how forces interact, mixing acids and bases, as well as looking at how different living things survive.
It is a course that will be compulsory for the 2025 school year.
Level 1 Science is a prerequisite to take in order for students to advance onto senior Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics.
Course Overview
Term 1
Physics, the physical world strand, seeks to explain the behaviour of everyday objects such as cars, and everyday phenomena such as energy transfer. In physics, students learn how to describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena. Students develop an understanding of important models, laws, and theories of physics, including those relating to energy, forces, and motion.
First seven weeks, students are learning the Physics content. The last three weeks of the term is spent focusing on the Physics assessment.
Term 2
Chemistry, the material world strand, involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students develop an understanding of the atomic composition of matter and use this to explain and predict the properties and behaviour of different everyday materials. Chemistry allows us to predict how substances may alter when the surrounding conditions change, and how they react to form new substances.
First seven weeks, students are learning the Chemistry content. The last three weeks of the term is spent focusing on the Chemistry assessment.
Term 3
Biology, the living world strand, is about how living things interact in this world. Students develop an understanding of the variation, continuity, and interconnectedness of life. As a result of studying the living world, students are able to make more informed decisions about significant biological issues such as genetic technologies.
First seven weeks, students are learning the Biology content. The last three weeks of the term is spent focusing on the Biology assessment.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Calculator
Pathway
Level 1 Science is a foundation course, and the beginning of an exciting journey through the senior-school Science disciplines.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Science 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of aspects of mechanics
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Science 1.2 - Investigate implications of electricity and magnetism for everyday life
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Science 1.5 - Demonstrate understanding of aspects of acids and bases
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Science 1.8 - Investigate selected chemical reactions
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Science 1.9 - Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation
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Science 1.11 - Investigate biological ideas relating to interactions between humans and micro-organisms