Science is a way of investigating, understanding and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. Scientific knowledge builds on previous ideas and innovations and is continually being updated and expanded as new evidence comes to hand. Scientists interact with each other and the wider world as they try to validate new explanations.
At Glendowie College, we teach our students using scientific investigation, which involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence in order to develop scientific knowledge. We encourage our students to test ideas and build on their own experiences, which fosters curiosity and critical thinking. Students are expected to work in groups, as well as independently, which promotes collaboration and builds links between many different cultures and communities. Our students are taught to think creatively and learn to shift their perspective as they view problems differently and adapt to change – these are all very important skills to have in the twenty first century.
Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the world around them – many of the major challenges that confront our world today need to be approached from a scientific perspective. By helping students to investigate the world in scientific ways, generating and testing questions, gathering evidence and then using theory to explain their conclusions, they learn how to problem solve and this can be transferred into many other areas of life. They learn to think critically about information that they are faced with, which is essential in today’s world where they have access to all kinds of material at their “finger-tips”.
We will be exploring Science in concept-based units. These units will cover concepts from Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Earth Science. The units are designed to give students a strong foundational understanding of Science for success in the senior school.
Year 9 and 10 Science is a two year course made up of the following units:
At the end of each topic there will be an assessment – this could take form in a written test, formal scientific report or research assignment. During the year, students will complete two practical investigations that will be assessed.
Students will receive a grade (0-8) for each of the following Criterion. Each Criterion will be assessed twice each year.
This course will advance learning in Science by:
The course will consist of modules that will develop the student's ability to:
Part of this course will be completed online so students will be expected to bring a device to school and there will be a cost to register with the online provider.
Students study five topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.
The year 11 Integrated Science course comprises of the following modules:
Part of this course will be completed online so students will be expected to bring a device to school.
This is a course designed for students interested in continuing their education in Science, but who found Year 10 Science challenging. It is internally assessed, so does not have any final examination component. There is an emphasis on practical and scientific investigation skills.
The course covers a range of topics from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Science.
In this course students will:
This course involves the study of genetic variation and change, structure and bonding of chemical compounds, the evaluation an issue in Earth and Space Science and how information about the issue is presented to the public. Chemical analysis by using ion identification procedures is a practically assessed component. Field work in ecology during a trip to the rocky shore.
Students study five topics (standards) that count for 19 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.
This course has a large focus on practical standards and ensures students gain sound skills in the scientific process using an earth and space science. It includes the study of human evolution and how animals maintain a stable internal environment, the evaluation of a physics issue in society and an understanding of modern physics.
Please note that the achievement standards listed below are just a possible indication of content covered - the nature of this course allows there to be some changes based on student interest and need.
Students study six topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.