NCEA L1 Physics, Earth & Space Science - Mātai Ahupūngao me te Pūtaio Tuarangi

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 organizing 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, mōhiotanga and māramatanga. 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 behavior 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.