3ESS

L3 Earth and Space Science

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr R. Limmer.

NCEA Level 3 Earth and Space Science (3ESS)

Students will study the necessary adaptations required to enable life in space. This will cover the features of an extreme environment, and the ability of extreme environments to sustain life. They will also research into the possibility of life existing elsewhere in our solar system, including an investigation around bacteria extremophiles.

Students will then study Earth Systems by learning about geological dating, the Atmosphere System and the Ocean System, and how these control the global climate. They will also analyse the effects that ocean acidification and climate change are having on these processes.

Curriculum Skills:

  • Understanding scientists have an obligation to connect ideas to current and historical research.
  • Conduct investigations to extend scientific knowledge.
  • Consider the wider implications of scientific findings and how they could be used in the future to further understanding of the world around us.
  • Develop a coherent understanding of socio-scientific issues such as space travel and the potential of creating a society in space in the future.

This course leads to University level study. There will also be the opportunity to study towards the Earth and Space Science Scholarship exam for students who are interested.




Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

1B8 or refill and folder for notes/diagrams\.

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 24
Internal Assessed Credits: 16
External Assessed Credits: 8
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91410 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.1 - Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91411 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.2 - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91412 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.3 - Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s)


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91413 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91414 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91415 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.6 - Investigate an aspect of astronomy


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 24
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 20
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24

At least 14 Achieved credits are required in an approved subject for the subject to count as an approved University Entrance subject.

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: Selection of a course does not guarantee entry into the course. Courses may not run due to low numbers, and timetable clashes may occur. Entry into a course may depend on prior performance in the subject area at the Dean and/or Head of Faculty's discretion. In any of the above listed situations, the student will be consulted about alternative courses during the course confirmation process.