ESP1

NCEA L1 Physics, Earth & Space Science

Course Description

Science is able to inform problem-solving and decision-making in many areas of life. Many of the major challenges and opportunities that confront our world need to be approached from a scientific perspective, taking into account social and ethical considerations.

Studying science enables you to:

  • develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories
  • learn that science involves particular processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve
  • use their current scientific knowledge and skills for problem-solving and developing further knowledge
  • use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment.

This new level 1 consolidated subject weaves together learning from two Science strands within The New Zealand Curriculum: the physical world and planet Earth and beyond.

In both these strands, ākonga develop skills in observation and research, and discover how these principles have built dynamic and rigorous scientific knowledge bases throughout the world. Ākonga will develop ways of thinking and ways of working in physics, and Earth and space science, as they explore mātauranga Māori concepts of taiao, whakapapa, mauri, mōhiotanga, māramatanga, and kaitiakitanga. By understanding that the taiao is dynamic and interwoven, key relationships are explored through physics ideas of transfer of energy, application of forces, and aspects of astronomy and oceanography.


Physics is one of the disciplines of science that seeks to explain the behaviour of everyday objects such as cars, and everyday phenomena such as energy transfer. In physics, ākonga learn how to describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena. Ākonga develop an understanding of important models, laws, and theories of physics, including those relating to energy, forces, and motion. They use their knowledge in learning how diverse phenomena can be explained, identify a range of contemporary issues and challenges, and generate potential technological solutions.


The planet Earth and beyond strand explores the dynamic relationships that exist within the Earth system, as well as the interconnections between the Earth’s subsystems: the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (life). Within these subsystems, the cycles of water, carbon, rock, and other materials continuously shape, influence, and sustain the Earth and its inhabitants. Ākonga will learn that humans can affect this interdependence in both positive and negative ways.

Earth and space science (ESS) also explores the cyclical interactions between the Earth system and the Sun and Moon. Ākonga will gain an understanding of the numerous interactions that occur between the Earth’s subsystems and the solar system. Planet Earth is dynamically linked with the solar system and the wider universe, and ESS investigates the structure and composition of these systems. 


Course Overview

Term 1
In this term you willl learn about our place in the solar system. You will understand about earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics and look at geological events that have impacted Aotearoa.

Term 2
Term 2 involves learning about heat and looking at the structure of the Earth, culminating in a project investigating a single geological event. You will then start learning about mechanics (which has an external exam).

Term 3
You will finish learning about energy and forces ready for the derived grade exams. The rest of the term, you will prepare for the Heat external examination.

Term 4
The first few weeks of term will involve revision for the external exams.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

There are optional workbooks available for each unit. These cost $12 each.

Pathway

Note- studying and passing this course can also enable you to study biology and chemistry courses at year 11.

Assessment Information

Note: The standards chosen may change

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.

Total Credits Available: 15 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 5 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 92045 v3
NZQA Info
Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of a physical phenomenon through investigation
Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92046 v3
NZQA Info
Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the effect on the Earth of interactions between the Sun and the Earth-Moon system
Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92047 v3
NZQA Info
Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of a physical system using energy concepts
Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: Y
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 15
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 5