Sciences

Kaipara College Science

Physics - Biology - Chemistry - Earth and Space - Agriculture - Horticulture - Sustainability

Science

Science involves generating and testing ideas and gathering evidence to understand, explain, and develop knowledge about the natural world. Scientists do this by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and by communicating and debating with others. Scientific thinking does not belong to one culture. It is a global collection of understandings that have come from logical, systematic work, and from creative insight built on a foundation of respect for evidence. Scientific progress comes from questioning that knowledge and how it is applied, so that new evidence and different perspectives can contribute to the global understanding of our natural world. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Science uses the nature of science strand from The New Zealand Curriculum to teach ākonga what science is, and how scientists work. Ākonga will develop their scientific literacy, and their understanding of mātauranga Māori as a body of knowledge that both supports and challenges scientific thinking. Science learning is theoretical and practical. It has diverse areas of specialisation with internationally recognised symbols, languaging and conventions. Through developing science literacies and inquiry methods, and understanding different knowledge systems and perspectives, ākonga will be further empowered to make decisions, and take action in an ever-changing local and global landscape.


Chemistry and Biology

This consolidated subject weaves together learning from the living world and material world strands of The New Zealand Curriculum. Through both of these strands, ākonga will develop ways of thinking and ways of working in science, and in particular, biology and chemistry. Through the living world strand, ākonga develop an understanding of the variation, continuity, and interconnectedness of life. They seek evidence to explain the nature of living things and interactions within and between biological systems. The material world strand involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Ākonga develop an understanding of the atomic composition of matter and use this to explain and predict the properties and behaviour of different everyday materials. The study of chemistry allows us to predict how substances may alter when surrounding conditions change, and how they react to form new substances. This subject places emphasis on the living and material world of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including the sustainability of our unique taonga – fauna, flora and ecosystems. As a result of learning through a local context, ākonga are able to explore kaitiakitanga and make more informed decisions about significant issues such as environmental pollution and sustainable science practices.


Agricultural & Horticultural Science

Learning in Agricultural and Horticultural Science develops students' understanding of the interconnectedness of all aspects of the growing environment, which includes people, soils, water, climate, plants, and animals. This subject focuses on primary production and predominately stops at the site gate, excluding businesses that support the primary industry. Ākonga will learn about on-site decisions as well as the off-site considerations that influence the production of primary products. There is a strong emphasis on environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability, and a focus on innovation in response to economic and environmental challenges. Primary production is of national significance as it provides significant export earnings, self-sufficiency, and employment opportunities. The knowledge and skills that ākonga develop through their learning in Agricultural and Horticultural Science open pathways to a wide range of opportunities in life, further study, and career, in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and elsewhere. The subject provides valuable opportunities for hands-on practical work that will help establish ākonga appreciation for the growing environment.


Physics, Earth and Space Science

This consolidated subject weaves together learning from the physical world and planet Earth and beyond strands of The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC). Through both of these strands, ākonga will develop ways of thinking and ways of working in science; in particular, physics, and Earth and space science. Physics is a discipline of science which aims to explain the nature and properties of matter and energy. Through investigating the physical world, ākonga will describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena using models, laws, and theories of physics. Concepts such as motion, force, and energy will be used to create an understanding of the physical world, its systems, and its processes. Earth and Space Science explores the dynamic and interconnected systems of planet Earth, and space. Through the planet Earth and beyond strand, ākonga will learn about Earth, its systems and subsystems, and its interactions with the Sun and the Moon in the Solar System. This subject places emphasis on the physical world of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including different knowledge systems that contribute to responsible decision making in our natural environment. Ākonga will learn about science ideas and how to use them to interpret the natural world. They will also learn that human actions can impact Earth and space systems, and that these systems are central to our health and wellbeing.

https://ncea.education.govt.nz/science


A science course is compulsory for all students in Year 11. This can be either 1SCI or 1HORT. Both subjects can be taken if a student chooses to. Science is not compulsory for Year 12 and 13.