L2 Earth and Ocean Science

This course is an introduction to the field of Marine and Earth Science.  

Students will critically examine the information presented to the public on the issue of rising levels of plastic in the world’s Oceans.  Carry out a practical investigation to learn about the adaptations of the marine animals on the Tauranga Harbour mudflats to their environment.  Investigate the properties of oil, the effect of oil spills on our environment and different methods of cleaning up oil spills. Learn about adaptations of marine organisms to life in the deep ocean trenches as well as having the opportunity to complete their Open water Scuba Diving course through DiveZone Tauranga (optional).  Investigate the geological processes that led to the formation of the Rotomahana volcano and the rocks found at that location.  There will also be an optional externally assessed Achievement Standard offered in either Physical principles of the Earth System or the Causes of Extreme Earth Events.

L3 Unit Standards 7, L2 Achievement Standards 16 plus 4 optional externally assessed credits. 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.