L2EOSC

L2 Earth and Ocean Science

Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Sheppard.

This course is an introduction to the field of Marine and Earth Science that leads on to Level 3 Earth and Space Science.

Students start the year researching life in the extreme environment of the deep sea, followed by learning on extreme Earth events in New Zealand, including volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunami.

In the second term students will explore the geology of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) linking it's current landform to the geological processes that have shaped it.  This term also includes a practical investigation on the topic of the cleanup of oil spills in the oceans.  

Students spend the remainder of the year learning about stars and planetary systems (2nd optional external), which along with the extreme Earth events (compulsory external), will be assessed in the end of year NCEA exams.  

In the first term, students will also be offered the optional opportunity to complete their Open water Scuba Diving course through DiveZone Tauranga.  This is offered to the school at a discounted rate and students can also gain 7 NCEA Level 3 credits.

This course includes a total of 16 Level 2 Achievement Standard credits plus 4 optional externally assessed credits and 7 optional Level 3 Unit Standard credits. 

In summary, this course offers a challenging and interesting mix of both unit standards and achievement students to prepare students for Polytech and University courses in Marine Biology, Earth Science, Environmental Science and other practical Science pathways.

Required Prior Learning


Minimum entry of 10 credits in L1 Science or if given HOD approval.


Subject Costs

Diving course includes fees of elearning, diving equipment hire of tanks, regulator, BCD and instruction cost - this must be paid up front. $550
Note - Students must provide own mask and snorkel.

Medical: All students must supply a recreational diving medical certificate stating they are medically fit to undertake SCUBA diving. This is due week 2 of term 1. $60-90.

Pathway

Subject Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for Course Endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 31 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 23 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
U.S. 28392 v2
NZQA Info
Scuba dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 7
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 7

A.S. 91158 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 10

A.S. 91187 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.1 - Carry out a practical Earth and Space Science investigation
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 7

A.S. 91189 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.3 - Investigate geological processes in a New Zealand locality
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91190 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.4 - Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91191 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the causes of extreme Earth events in New Zealand
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91193 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of physical principles related to the Earth System
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 31
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0