Level 3 Science 2015

Welcome to Level 3 Science for 2015 and well done for making the choice to complete this course. You are also to be congratulated on the recommendation from your year 12 science teachers to be in this course based on your performance, both academic and attitudinal last year. Your teacher for this year is Ms Mora and I look forward to working with you.

Introduction

Level 3 Science is a full year course, of five topics, that works towards gaining 20 Level Three NCEA credits. You are expected to attend class on a regular basis and complete all of the course and the associated assessment tasks.

The Linwood College Science Learning Area website is an online learning environment that you will be expected to visit to complete quizzes, contribute to forums, access resources and important notices. Save this link on your home computer: http://tinyurl.com/LCSciencePage

In this course all standards are assessed internally. If, in the future, you intend to complete a tertiary course that requires Level 3 Science you must ensure you know both which standards and/or the number of credits needed.

Topic / Achievement Standard No. / Description / Lit / Num / Credits / Assessment
Date
Life on an Exoplanet / 91415v1 (ESS3.6)
Internal / Investigate an aspect of astronomy / Y / 4 / Term 1 Week 7
Stream Study / 91410v1 (ESS3.1)
Internal / Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation / Y / Y / 4 / Term 2 Week 5
Movement of the Alpine Fault / 91412v1 (ESS3.3)
Internal / Investigate the evidence relating to dating geological event(s) / Y / 4 / Term 2 Week 10
Ocean Acidification / 91411v1 (ESS3.2)
Internal / Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context / Y / 4 / Term 3 Week 5
Oceans / 91413v1 (ESS3.4)
External / Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system / Y / Term 4 Week 2

Topics and Assessment (in order covered)

There will be a reassessment opportunity for the 3.6 and 3.1 internal assessments. These will be done during ‘Science Study’ time, therefore it is important that you follow instructions very carefully, complete formative work and take on board any feedback from your teacher. The re-assessment must be started and completed in a timely manner following the teaching of the topic.

For internal assessments, it is important that you are not given an unfair advantage over others by being allowed to hand work in late or by submitting work which is not your own. NZQA Guidelines apply for all assessments. It is important that you have a clear understanding of these. Refer to your ‘Student Handbook’ and if you are unsure if any aspect talk with your teacher prior to completing any assessment.

Homework:

Homework will be a combination of tasks set from the website and other relevant exercises assigned by your teacher. It is important that you complete these as they form an integral part of your Science course. You should also spend time each week reviewing your work so that you are adequately prepared for tests. Tests and school exams are important opportunities to clarify your understanding of concepts as well as practise writing clear, accurate, detailed responses.

If at any stage you feel you are having difficulty coping with your work, please see your teacher.

Stationary Requirements:

To ensure that you can access all your course work during the year, particularly for the external standards, all your notes and exercises are to be completed in a 1B8 Hardcover exercise book. It is essential that work for internal standards is organised following the guidelines provided by your teacher. You will be provided with folders to store all assessment materials. This body of work will be referred to as a science ‘portfolio’ and will be used for authenticity purposes.

Student Obligations:

·  Ensure you have a clear understanding of the Level 1 General Science assessment programme and policy.

·  Standard laboratory safety procedures MUST be followed at all times.

·  Ensure you understand the requirements of each assessment being completed

·  Check thoroughly the accuracy of the assessment by your teacher when work is returned.

·  Discuss problems/concerns with your teacher /HOLA Science

Have an enjoyable year.