Year 13 Earth and Space Science
Course selection will be active from the 14th August 2020.
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: N. Major
Earth and Space Science is about our planet and where it fits into the universe. At Level 3, this includes looking at the Oceans or atmosphere, how they work and human impact on them, as well as formation of geological features on Earth. We will also carry out an investigation into the hunt for exoplanets - planets that could have life (although probably not as we know it!).
Course content:
You can choose any of the units to study with a minimum expectation of 4 units (16 credits) over the year. This is an open course where you can choose the standards you want to study and the order you want to study them in.
Dating the geology of the Northland area, specifically looking at the Onerahi chaos breccia and the Northland allochthon. These rocks baffled scientists for years, as the oder rocks are nearer the surface and newer rocks are underneath. What caused this to happen? There are field trips for this unit to Northland geological features.

An investigation into astronomy, focusing on life on other planets. Are there planets out there that could support life? How do we know about them and could we ever get to them? NASA and other agencies are carying out a lot of research into these planets, not because we have a hope of getting to these planets, but just for the sake of curiosity and human exploration. As Arthur C. Clarke once said
“Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.”

Processes in the atmosphere where we focus on the composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, the carbon cycle, transportation of matter and heat energy, cycles and climate. Our atmosphere extends from just below the surface of the planet to 10,000km above the surface, is a mixture of gases and water vapour and is held in place by gravity.
Processes in the ocean system, looks at the composition of the oceans, ocean circulation and currents, the carbon cycle, transportation of heat energy and matter (including rubbish...) and the Southern oscillation. Our oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface, although teachnically there is one ocean with many basins (such as the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian etc).

Investigation - this unit gives you the opportunity to carry out an investigation in an Earth and Space Science context, with choices that include lava flow rate, oil spills and clean up, liquefaction or something else of our choosing. You will look at the science behind the topic and then plan and carry out an investigation to find out something about the topic.
ESS issue - again, an open investigation about an Earth and Space Science issue, that could include ocean acidification, fracking, global warming, mining or any other of your choice. You will need to investigate the science of the issue as well as finding a societal response to the issue and justifying your own position on the issue.
Contributions and Equipment
One standard book for note writing and / or A4 refill
Possibly the ESA L3 ESS book - optional
Access to the CK12.org website
Recommended Prior Learning
Open Entry, but some level of Science knowledge from L1 and L2 preferred.
Credit Information
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
Total Credits Available: 24 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 16 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24
This course is University approved and will allow you to meet the requirements for University Entrance.
Pathway Tags
Astronomer, Geophysicist, Geologist, Oceanographer, Astrobiologist, Economic Geologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Lawyer, Forest Ranger, Geochemist, Geodesist, Geomorphologist, Geotechnical Engineer, Hydrologist, Marine Advisor, Marine Geologist/Physicist, Mineralogist, Land Use Planner, Landscape Architect, Mining Engineer, Paleoclimatologist, Paleontolgoist, Parks and Natural Resource Manager, Petroleum Engineer/Geologist, Planetary Geologist, Pollution Control Specialist, Secondary Science Teacher, Sedimentologist, Seismologist, Soil Scientist, Structural Geologist, Surveyor, Science Writer, Urban Planner, Volcanologist, Water Quality Control Technician, Astronaut,
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