13ESS

Level 3 Earth & Space Science

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms R. Pevreal.

Level 3 Earth and Space Science

Earth and Space Science is the study of Planet Earth, and its place in the solar system and universe. This course is a great way to gain prior learning and understanding of how Earth systems work. This course is useful if you are considering further study of the environment, geology, physical geography, geophysics, engineering geology, physics (later astronomy, meteorology), marine science and many more interesting fields of study. 

Climate change is one of the great challenges of our time. Join the 13ESS class and explore what climate is, and how it works!


What you will study in Level 3 Earth and Space Science


Space science components:

There are two internal assessments which focus on aspects of space science: 

1. An independent investigation, where you will study impact cratering on Earth. (internal) In a group, you will research impact cratering and set up their own experiment to find out more about how they work.

2. A report on an aspect of astronomy (internal). This is a research topic on how scientists have discovered planets orbiting other stars - exoplanets! You will learn about stars and planetary formation and what makes Earth habitable, before conducting your own research on how exoplanets are found from so far away. 

 


Own-choice research:

This topic could be Earth or space science, or both, depending on your interests:

3. An own-choice research topic on an Earth and/or space science issue (internal). This is an open investigation about an Earth and/or space science issue, that could include ocean acidification, ocean pollution, global warming, mining of the moon, storing nuclear waste, or how to fix New Zealand's polluted rivers and lakes (or any other topic of your choice with your teacher’s permission). You will need to investigate the science of the issue as well as evaluating a societal response and justifying your own position on the issue.


Earth science components:

There are two main theoretical topics, both of which are assessed in an external examination at the end of the year:

4. An in-depth exploration of the complexity of the atmosphere system (external). This is a theory topic on the structure and composition of Earth’s atmosphere. You will learn how energy and matter is transported throughout the atmosphere, how winds and weather form, and the role the atmosphere plays in regional and global climate. Integrating concepts are the water and carbon cycles, as well as the concepts of conduction, convection and radiation. If you’ve wondered why the sky is blue, sunsets are red, and clouds are white, then this is the topic for you.

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5. An in-depth exploration of the complexity of the ocean system. (external) This is the other main theoretical unit, focussing on the global ocean system. Earth’s ocean covers about 71% of Earth’s surface, makes up 99% of the space where life can live. The structure and composition of the ocean are studied along with waves, currents, and tides. The marine food web, starting with marine plants, is linked to the movement of heat and nutrients (matter) through the ocean. This topic is linked to the atmosphere system through the water and carbon cycles. The El Nino-southern oscillation is explored, and what this means for New Zealand’s weather and climate. How Earth’s climate is moderated by the oceans is a key aspect to this topic. 

 


Entry Criteria

This is a restricted entry course.

Students who wish to study Earth and Space Science at Level 3 are recommended to have studied and successfully completed (14 or more credits at Achieved level or higher) in two of the following subjects:

Level 2 Chemistry (12CHE/12CHEE)

Level 2 Physics (12PHY/12PHYE)

Level 2 Geography (12GEO/12GEOE)

Pathway

Studying Earth and Space Science at School will prepare you if you are interested in the following fields of study at Tertiary level:
Engineering Geology, Geology, Geophysics, Geography, Ecology, Geographic Information Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Oceanography, Environmental Change, Earth Sciences, Marine Science, Astronomy.

Credit Information

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

This course is eligible for NCEA Course Endorsement.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 20 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 12 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
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
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 20
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: 20

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.

Pathway Tags

Geophysicist, Hydrologist, Marine geologist, Paleontologist, Petroleum geologist, Seismologist, Soil scientist, Space scientist, Volcanologist, Environmental consultant, Environmental education officer, Nature conservation officer, Researcher, Sustainability consultant, Conservation officer, Corporate environment manager, Environmental consultant, Environmental engineer, Health and safety professional, Pest manager, Policy analyst, Research scientist, Scientific officer, Waste management analyst, Wildlife manager, Assessing natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes), Coal field development, Engineering site investigations, Environmental impact audits, Geological surveys and mapping, Geochemical and geophysical exploration, Land stability studies, Mineral processing and mining, Oceanography, Petroleum and natural gas location and assessment, Rock and mineral resources survey, Atmospheric scientist, Energy industry career (hydrocarbon, geothermal), Geohazard research, Ground water exploration, monitoring companies, consultancies, Meteorological service, Mineral exploration, Oceanographer, Research at Crown Institutes, e.g.: GNS, NIWA, Conservation roles with councils and government departments (e.g. DOC, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), Biosecurity and pest management (e.g. MAF Biosecurity NZ, Regional Councils), Ecological and environmental research roles in crown research institutes (e.g. Landcare Research, NIWA, Cawthorn Institute), Roles in ecological restoration (in terrestrial and aquatic environments), Environmental policy, consulting and science advisory roles, Teaching careers in ecology, Environmental education and community liaison, Assayer, Engineering geologist, Geological technician, Geologist, Geotechnical engineer, Geotechnical technician, Seismic survey co-ordinator,

Disclaimer

Course selection does not guarantee a course will be available or that you have approval to take a course. Final course confirmation is in January and depends on your final results and in rare cases, staff availability.