Year 8 Science
8SCIE Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs J. Langdon.
Recommended Prior LearningNone
This is the introductory course for Science at Whangaparaoa College. Learners are taught in Science classrooms with access to the laboratory spaces for experimental work. Much of the focus in this year’s work is from Level 4 of the NZ Science Curriculum.
Course work for 2026 will include:
● An introduction to the Sciences including Health and Safety and basic laboratory practice
● Freshwater Ecology (Local stream systems).
● Exploration of the Solar System
● Earth Cycles
● Science Fair Investigation
● Physical properties of Matter
● Forensic Science including separating mixtures
● Energy transformation including Rube Goldberg Machines
Course Overview
Term 1
Introduction to Science
Ecological systems (Wetland and Stream Ecology)
Term 2
Solar System Exploration
Earth cycles
Science Fair
Term 3
Science Fair (if in school finals or on to North Harbour regionals)
Matter
Term 4
Forensic Science
Rube Goldberg Machines and Energy
Assessment Information
Each topic of study will have a summative end of topic assessment.
To ensure correct preparation habits and retention of content knowledge towards NCEA external assessment in any of the Sciences, the Junior Science courses have Mid Year (first half of year content) and End of Year (second half of year content) assessments. These provide an opportunity for learners to improve upon attainment from the end of topic assessments.
Results from all assessments contribute to overall academic excellence award determination. The results of the Science Fair, the Mid, and End of Year Assessments all carry a higher weighting in these determinations than the topic tests.
Agricultural Technician, Anaesthetic Technician, Animal Care Attendant, Author, Glazier, Baker, Farmer/Farm Manager, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Beekeeper, Zookeeper, Meat/Seafood Process Worker, Acupuncturist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Metal Worker, Phlebotomist, Geologist, Registered Nurse, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Chemist, Insurance Loss Adjuster, Sound Technician, Mining Engineer, Air Force Aviator, Aircraft Loader, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Refueller, Product Assembler, Building Surveyor, Architect, Architectural Technician, Heavy Truck Driver, Collision Repair Technician, Automotive Electrician, Automotive Technician, Automotive Refinisher, Wall and Floor Tiler, Building Insulator, Aeronautical Engineer, Arborist, Property Manager, Urban/Regional Planner, Interior Designer, Industrial Designer, Storeperson, Plastics Worker, Landscape Architect, Fire Engineer, Copywriter, Survey Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Air Force Officer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Paramedic, Business Analyst, Software Developer, Patternmaker, Aquaculture Farmer, Marine Biologist, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Medical Physicist, Electronics Engineer, Bank Worker, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Fabrication Engineer
Course Contribution and Equipment (this value is only indicative)$45 SciPAD Workbook Big Ideas Book 1 and an education session/visit from MOTAT at the beginning of Term 3.