L2 Earth and Space Science

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. Students will explore the geology of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) linking it's current landform to the geological processes that have shaped it and 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, which along with the Extreme Earth Events, 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.