Whangarei Girls’ High School

Year 11 Science - Earth and Space

Course Description

In this course students will explore the formation and structure of the Earth, how the shape of the planet is affected by plate tectonics, and how this leads to the occurrence of natural disasters, such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunami.

We will also look at formation of the solar system, and the other planets, and the effect astronomical bodies have on life on Earth. This will include days, tides, seasons and eclipses. We will also look at the formation of other stars and planets, and the potential for life on some of these planets.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:	Explore this content:
Scientific skills - how to develop, carry out, and interpret the results of scientific investigations.	The formation of the Earth and the development of the planet, and how the surface is changing constantly as a result of plate tectonics.
Reading & writing - how to interpret texts to build understanding and communicate this in written form..	How the movement of magma in the mantle works as a result of convection currents, and how this causes some of our natural disasters.
Research skills- independently finding and processing information to develop and share knowledge.	How we can monitor these events and prepare for them, and what we need to do if they do happen.
	How the solar system was formed from the death of a previous star, and key events in the formation of the planets, moons and other bodies.
	How life on Earth is affected by the presence of the moon, sun and other items, including day & night, tides, seasons, eclipses, solstices etc.

Year Levels/Departments:

Year 11, Science

Resources Required

1B8 Exercise Book