Level 2 Environmental Science
Option Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs F. Booker.
Environmental Science is a course designed to work at the interface between Mātauranga Māori and Science, paying respect to both ways of understanding the world around us. The specific learning outcomes will be partially co-constructed with students. The course will be semester based and will offer credits at level 2 with some level 1 credits available if needed. This course is open to any students who wish to take it.
The course is made up of two semesters: Semester A is likely to be focussed on an environmental science and action topic - potentially at the seashore. Semester B will be based on designing and making a scale sustainable future building. This will involve testing of natural and recycled materials, understanding the position of the sun in relation to this part of Aotearoa, testing thermal properties of insulation, learning how to use solar panels for energy and natural means of collecting water etc. If there is time we aim to share some learning with our community such as teaching practical mātauranga and science to our local primary school.
Option Overview
Semester A
Making a difference in Tamaki Strait
This semester will involve field work, exploring and examining a beach environment. It will draw on Mātauranga Māori understandings and practices as well as scientific investigation practices
We will be gathering sufficient data to assess the health of the ecosystem and the environment in terms of chemical and physical pollution.
We will then plan and carry out actions to improve this environment.
Semester B
Designing a Sustainable Building
This semester involves exploring and investigating sustainable ways we can design and construct a building.
It will explore how to gather materials sustainably, test both natural and recycled materials to identify their strengths and potential uses, investigate how to generate electrical energy and conserve energy in the building, how to position the building to get the best light and heat etc.
The final project will be a scale model of the building.
We hope to have time in this semester to do some teaching at a local school - to lead with empathy and understanding and to give confidence to younger people in the areas of Mātauranga and Science.
Pathway
This course leads on to level 3 Environmental and Space Science (2025), Level 3 Biology, Level 3 Chemistry, Level 3 Physics
Assessment Information
Assessments will be chosen based on the student pathways and interest and specific details of the environment we investigate. Most students will be aiming to sit a minimum of 4 standards.Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Education for Sustainability 2.2 - Explain how human activity in a biophysical environment has consequences for a sustainable future
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 2.1 - Carry out a practical Earth and Space Science investigation
NZQA Info
Physics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of physics to a selected context
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.2 - Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
Pathway Tags
Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Air Force Aviator, Air Force Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Anaesthetic Technician, Animal Care Attendant, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Marine Biologist, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Author, Glazier, Microbiologist, Baker, Farmer/Farm Manager,
Disclaimer
NCEA Levels 1, 2 & 3 courses will be made up of a selection of the stated standards. This will happen at the beginning of the year with the assigned teacher.