Level 1 Science
L1SCI Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Miss J. Abernethy.
The level 1 Science course provides an engaging overview of the three core scientific strands: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Students will explore the basics of genetics, chemical reactions, and the physics ideas of forces, motion, and energy. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world applications, students will build important scientific knowledge and skills, preparing students for all three level 2 science courses.
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
NCEA Assessment Title: “Demonstrate understanding of a physical phenomenon through investigation” (AS92045)
Credits: Five (Internally assessed)
Key ideas: forces, motion, and energy
Term 2
NCEA Assessment Title: “Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactions in context” (AS92021)
Credits: Six (Internally assessed)
Key ideas: foundational chemistry and chemical reaction types
Term 3
NCEA Assessment Title: “Demonstrate understanding genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic” (AS92022)
Credits: Five (Externally assessed)
Key ideas: DNA, inheritance, natural selection, variation, and conservation
Term 4
Revision for external assessment (AS92022)
(Optional) NCEA Assessment Title: “Investigate biological material at the microscopic level”
Credits: Three (Internally assessed)
Key ideas: Cell organelles, microscope and biological drawing skills
Assessment Policy & Procedures Pathway
Level 2 Biology, Level 2 Chemistry, Level 2 Physics
Level 1 Science is a foundation course, and the beginning of an exciting journey through the senior-school Science disciplines.
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