L3ESSC

L3 Earth & Space Science

Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Sheppard.

In this academic course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the world around them through the evaluation of current scientific issues. Topics include the processes of the ocean, atmosphere, geosphere, and astronomy. 

Students will learn the interconnectedness between the various parts and possible future implications e.g. ocean currents and climate; geological processes, the carbon cycle; ocean acidification and the fishing industry. 

The course has a mix of internally and externally assessed standards and leads to University courses such as marine science, environmental sciences, and law.

This course will be assessed to a selection of Achievement Standards, both internal and external, with students having the opportunity to gain up to 20 credits at L3.

Scholarship Earth and Space is also offered in this course of study.

Life elsewhere in our solar system - are we alone? 

ESS 3.6 (91415) v2 Internal - Investigate an aspect of astronomy 

ESS 3.1 (91410) v2 Internal - Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation

How old? Really? 

ESS 3.3 (91412) v2 Internal - Dating of geological event(s)

Splash Planet – all you need to know about the ocean

ESS 3.4 (91413) v2 External - Demonstrate understanding of the processes in the ocean system 

Global Warming’s evil twin 

ESS 3.2 (91411) v2 Internal - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context 


Required Prior Learning


Minimum entry is 12 credits in L2 Science or if given approval by the HOD Science.


Subject Costs

Coursebook $28 Field trip $43 (optional)

Subject Credit Information

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

Total Credits Available: 24 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 16 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91410 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.1 - Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91411 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.2 - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 6

A.S. 91412 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.3 - Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s)
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 7

A.S. 91413 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91414 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91415 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.6 - Investigate an aspect of astronomy
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 3

Credit Summary
Total Credits: 24
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 20
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.