L3 Earth and Space Science

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.