NCEA Level 1 Science General
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Ms M. Vale.
This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation of fundamental living, physical, geological, and material world concepts to prepare them for further science study. The overarching theme for Level 1 science in 2024 will be Energy for Life! Students will investigate and solve problems relating to physical energy concepts - mechanical energy, thermal energy, and electrical energy. Students will learn how different methods of scientific investigation are applied to solve problems within the context of the human need for energy - "Why we need to eat food?" This topic will incorporate key chemistry, ecology, and genetics concepts. Students will also report on the need to source electrical energy for our modern lives - where does our electrical energy come from? What challenges do we face as our population grows? How does the geological landscape of Aotearoa allow us to harness geothermal energy?
Students who intend to study senior biology, chemistry, or physics should take this course. This course is recommended for students wanting a medical or engineering pathway.
Students will be assessed by:
- Two internal assessments: a research-based assessment, and an investigation-based assessment. Each internal assessment is worth 5 credits.
- One external assessment: this topic will have an end of topic test, a practice exam, and a final exam in November. The external assessment is worth 5 credits.
- There are 15 credits overall available in the L1 NCEA science course.
Course Overview
Term 1
This term we will do learn about fair testing and how to carry out a Physics investigation. This will involve developing a method, collecting data, processing data and drawing graphs. This will be assessed by a fair test experiment over three days. Then we will start working on the Mechanics external topic which covers motion, forces, conservation of energy, pressure and power.
Term 2
After completing the Mechanics external topic, we will begin learning the Acids and Bases external. This includes atomic structure, acids and base reactions and rates of reaction.
Term 3
We will then complete a fair test chemistry investigation looking at how we can increase the rate of a chemical reaction. We will learn about genetics and inheritance. We will develop research and science communication skills as we investigate how genetic diseases are inherited.
Term 4
The Biological Issue internal will be completed and we will revise for externals.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 11 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
Pathway Tags
Air Force Officer, Biomedical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Miner/Quarry Worker, Electrician, Data Analyst, Geologist, Geophysicist, Paramedic, Midwife, Community Karitane, Dietitian, Veterinarian, Medical Radiation Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech-Language Therapist, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Marine Biologist, Clinical Physiologist, Podiatrist, Psychiatrist, Environmental Scientist, Forestry Scientist, Radiation Oncologist, Registered Nurse, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Surgeon, Dentist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician,