Year 11 Science (Applied)
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. McManaway.
Science helps our understanding of the world around us. Everything we know about the universe, from how trees reproduce to what an atom is made up of, is the result of scientific research and experiment, intertwined with our learnings from the past. This foundational course builds knowledge to enable students to become active and informed global citizens who understand human impacts on our world. The topics in this course are based on the areas of Biology and Chemistry, and are designed to prepare students for entry into Year 12 Biology and Chemistry. Tauranga Moana is the overarching local context for knowledge development in 11SCA.
The exact course outline is subject to change due to the current modification and refinement of Achievement Standards available. The inclusion of Geology takes the place of Physics in this course whole the other components of Chemistry and Biology are the same as the 11SCI program.
Course Overview
Term 1
Geology and Scientific Investigations focus.
AS 91932. Students learn about the structure of the Earth and investigate the eruption of Mount Tarawera as a local natural disaster that has impacted te taiao. They work collaboratively to research the event before individually writing a report that links the underlying geology that caused the eruption to the events of the night of June 10 1886 and the changing landscape of the area. As part of this topic students travel to Mount Tarawera, where members of a local iwi guide them on a climb to the summit, then slide down into the crater before climbing out the other side. (5 credit Internal Assessment)
AS 91921. Students apply their developing investigation skills to 'Demonstrate Understanding of the use of a Range of Scientific Investigative Approaches' in the context of Tauranga Moana. Examples of investigations include pattern seeking, observations, modelling, classifying and fair testing. This is a longitudinal standard and evidence will be collected over 3 terms (5 credit Internal Assessment)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEIE9Vj2DhQ
Term 2
Chemistry and Scientific Investigations focus.
AS 92021. Students learn about the structure of the atom, and the formation of ions to explain various chemical reactions including neutralization, combustion and precipitation in the context of Tauranga Moana. This is actively linked to chemistry in students’ everyday lives and learned through collaborative practical investigations. There is an emphasis on practical work (6 credit Internal Assessment)
AS 91921. Students continue to apply their developing investigation skills to 'Demonstrate Understanding of the use of a Range of Scientific Investigative Approaches' in the context of Tauranga Moana. (5 credit Internal Assessment)
https://youtu.be/ODf_sPexS2Q
Term 3
Biology focus.
AS 92022. Students learn about themselves and their whakapapa as they discover how their DNA makes them unique, how their genes and the environment they grow up in influences who they are. Sources of genetic variation are investigated and understanding the importance of biodiversity in our local context frames the learning. Using genetic information to improve outcomes is also explored. (5 credit External Assessment)
AS 91921. Students continue to apply their developing investigation skills to 'Demonstrate Understanding of the use of a Range of Scientific Investigative Approaches' in the context of Tauranga Moana. (5 credit Internal Assessment)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q39RsQMn4fY
Term 4
NCEA Exam and assessment focus
Students learn strategies to help them develop exam techniques to scaffold their success in the NCEA external examination.
Students are provided with opportunities to complete folio work towards internal assessments carried out earlier in the year.
Pathway
This course does not lead to Year 12 Physics.
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.
Total Credits Available: 21 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 5 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 16 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
Pathway Tags
Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Air Force Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Anaesthetic Technician, Animal Care Attendant, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Aquaculture Farmer, Microbiologist, Farmer/Farm Manager, Phlebotomist, Brewer, Farm Worker, Science Technician, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Psychologist, Dairy Farmer, Crop Farmer/Crop Manager, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Energy and Chemical Plant Operator, Food Technologist, Forestry Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Secondary School Teacher, Water/Waste Water Treatment Operator,
Disclaimer
Note that picking a course doesn't guarantee entry.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the year level dean or the Future Pathways team for support and guidance.