Level 1 Science
11SCI Course DescriptionContact Person: H. Feek.
Recommended Prior LearningThis course is a great science course for any student coming from 10SCI. If you want to be extended in science as you plan on taking senior science or want to work towards a science career one day, then taking either 11SCP or 11SCB in addition to this course is recommended.
This general Science course offers a balanced exploration of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to help ākonga (students) understand the natural and physical world around them. Students will learn how science is used to explore, explain, and improve our environment and everyday lives—at home, in our communities, and in Aotearoa, New Zealand more broadly.
With an emphasis on inquiry, observation, and communication, this course builds essential scientific skills to support students who may wish to continue with any of the senior sciences (Level 2 or 3). Learning activities are designed to be relevant to students’ experiences and to reflect te ao Māori and the diverse cultures of Aotearoa.
Through hands-on investigations and real-world examples, ākonga will:
- Investigate genetic variation and how it affects living things
- Explore chemical reactions through contextual and practical learning
- Analyse physical systems and energy through everyday examples
- Strengthen scientific thinking and develop the ability to ask questions, make predictions, and test ideas
Course Overview
Term 1
Topics:
o Introduction to Science skills and safety
o Start Chemistry unit – Chemical reactions in context
o Experimental investigations, observations, and simple modelling
Assessment:
o AS 92021 – Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactions in a context
(6 credits, Internal) – Assessed end of Term 1
Term 2
Topics:
o Begin Biology unit – Genetic variation and inheritance
o Real-life contexts e.g., human traits, biodiversity, whakapapa
Assessment:
o Formative test for AS 92022 (External)
Term 3
Topics:
o Begin Physics unit – Physical systems and energy
o Concepts of energy, forces, and everyday applications
Assessment:
o Formative test for AS 92047 (External)
School-wide formative assessments
Term 4
Topics:
o Exam preparation and review of both external standards
Assessments (External, NZQA Examination):
o AS 92022 – Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation in relation to an identified characteristic (5 credits)
o AS 92047 – Demonstrate understanding of a physical system using energy concepts (5 credits)
Year 11 Compulsory Science Options, Science
Pathway
Level 2 Biology, Level 2 Chemistry, Level 2 Earth and Space Science, Level 2 Physics
Career PathwaysPersonal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Beekeeper, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Arborist, Meat/Seafood Process Worker, Brewer, Midwife, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Clinical Coder, Community Karitāne, Pharmacist, Dental Assistant, Oral Health Therapist, Health and Safety Adviser, Optometrist, Physiotherapist, Agricultural Technician, Air Force Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Animal Care Attendant, Author, Baker, Carpenter, Science Technician, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Watchmaker and Repairer, Diver, Crop Worker, Forensic Scientist, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Air Force Aviator, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Software Developer, Building Surveyor, Architect, Architectural Technician, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Electronics Engineer, Mining Engineer, Acupuncturist, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Chemist, Marine Biologist, Medical Physicist, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Metal Worker, Phlebotomist
Contributions and EquipmentApprox. $30.00 for recommended Year 11 Science SciPad Workbooks