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Science is a discipline that provides ākonga with a range of skills and ways of thinking that are valuable in many aspects of life and work. Have you thought about why you need to eat, why cars rust, how batteries produce electrical energy or why clouds produce rain? Science helps ākonga discover answers to such questions. Ākonga explore not just the world of living things, but all types of substances and how they react while gaining an understanding of concepts such as force and energy that affect the Earth and space. Many issues that confront us today, such as environmental concerns, energy use, manufacturer product claims, growing our own food, maintaining good health and raising children, have scientific aspects. Many choices we make in life have a scientific perspective. This subject is not just learning about science, but understanding how to make sense of scientific information we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
This course is aimed at ākonga in Year 9 and above who are studying at Curriculum Levels 2–5. It offers a flexible programme with a wide variety of topics that help ākonga build skills and understanding. By studying the living world, the material world (chemistry), the physical world, Earth and beyond, ākonga learn about the nature of science, what science is and how scientists work. Some of the current topics are space, electrical circuits, forces, acids and bases and how the body works.
The course includes hands-on experimental work, online activities and research investigations. Ākonga can progress through this course, year by year, up to Curriculum Level 5. When they have studied a range of topics at Curriculum Level 5, they will be well-prepared for NCEA study of the sciences.
No prior learning needed.