L3ESSC01

Level 3 Earth and Space Science

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr R. Hodson.

This course focuses on the Science behind global climate and the challenges currently faced by all species as a result of human action (and inaction) to climate change. The focus of level three is mostly on Earth Science components such as how we know the climate has changed from pre industrial times, factors influencing climate change, investigations related to increased carbon emissions and how human actions (or inaction) affects the natural cycles in the ocean (aspects of oceanography) and atmosphere (aspects of meteorology). For learners who completed L2SPSC (Space Science) and are interested in that content the L3ESSC course offers some internal assessment with a Space theme (12 to 16 credits all internally assessed). 

Learners entering this course need to have good time management skills and be able to work independently on research and media production tasks (writing articles and making video presentations). The maximum number of credits learners should be attaining in this course is 16. The minimum to ensure that the learner obtains NCEA L3 is 12 credits (3 standards). It is relatively easy to obtain endorsement in this course by completing one external standard, usually ocean systems (AS91413) in addition to three internal assessments.

Course Overview

Term 1
Introductory teaching and learning for geological, hydrological and meteorological systems.
AS91411 - Socio-scientific Issue.
AS91410 - Investigation setup

Term 2
AS91410 - Investigation data gathering
AS91415 - Aspect of Astronomy - Life on other planets/moons in the solar system.

Term 3
AS91410 - Investigation final write up
AS91412 - Dating a geological event - Chicxulub impactor event.
Optional AS91413 - Ocean systems.

Term 4
AS91412 - Dating a geological event - Chicxulub impactor event.
Optional AS91413 - Ocean systems.

Recommended Prior Learning

None

Course Costs and Equipment (this cost is only indicative)

Field Trip to University of Auckland Discovery Centre at the Leigh Marine Laboratory will have an additional cost. This will be advised when trip details are finalised and sent to parents from the Schoolbridge platform. Field trip costs are to be paid via the Kindo app. In 2023 this fee was $30.
If a learner wishes to sit an external exam there is an optional course workbook available to assist in preparation for this ($22 additional cost if requested).

Credit Information

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

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 30 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 22 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91101 v2
NZQA Info
English 2.4 - Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing

Utilised to help learners obtain UE Literacy writing credits

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

6
6
6
6
6
6

This course offers the following optional standards, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your teacher.

Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6w
Numeracy Credits: 0
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. 91412 v2
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.3 - Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s)
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
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: 30
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 6
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 26
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24

Applicants to New Zealand universities require 14 credits in three approved subjects. This course is an Approved Course for University Entrance

Disclaimer

Although we aim to enable every learner to have the course that they prefer,  limited places or learning requirements may restrict learners' choices.