Level 3 Earth and Space Science. Student Information

Transcription

1 Level 3 Earth and Space Science Student Information Science Department Onslow College 2015

2 Introduction Welcome to Level 3 Earth and Space Science. This is a relatively new full year course it is now in its third year. Six topics are offered in 2015 and each student completes 5 of these. There is a major practical investigation involved as an internal assessment, and two other internally assessed topics, one of which you have a choice in. The two other topics are externally assessed. You ll have the opportunity to earn up to 20 Level Three credits for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The theme for the course will the science behind global warming and the New Zealand-made documentary movie Thin Ice will provide the underpinning linkages between the topics. Two of the internally assessed topics can be space-based, for those with an interest in Astronomy. 1. Level 3 Earth and Space Science Topics Investigating some Earth processes What does it matter to me? How old? Really? Splash Planet all you need to know about the sea. Topic Earth processes: This topic is your chance to do some experiments to find out for yourself about some of the processes that happen in Earth Science. What is the effect of temperature and salinity on water density? Where can we observe this locally? Perhaps you d prefer to investigate liquefaction what are some factors which influence the extent of liquifaction? ESS issues: Global warming, climate change, fracking, ocean acidification, peak oil, renewable energy, what laws would be appropriate in a Martian settlement? Some of these issues you will have heard about but how much do you know? Does it matter to you? In this topic you will have the chance to explore one issue for yourself and develop your own opinion. Geological dating methods: Geologists and anthropologists keep coming up with these really old ages for ice, soils, rocks and fossils. But how do they know how old they are? How reliable are these ages? How do they compare with each other? Do some research into an event and understand how it all fits together. The ocean system: Two thirds of this planet of ours is covered by ocean, but how much do you know about it? Where does all that water come from? How come the ocean has more CO 2 in it than the atmosphere? How do the oceans transport heat around the world and so control our climate and weather? What role do the oceans play in global warming? Achievement Standard ESS 3.1 (91410) v1 Internal Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science Investigation ESS 3.2 (91411) v1 Internal Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context ESS 3.3 (91412) v1 Internal Dating a geological event ESS 3.4 (91413) v2 External Demonstrate understanding of the processes in the ocean system Credits and UE Literacy 4 Read Yes Write Yes 4 Read Yes Write Yes 4 Read No Write No 4 Read Yes Write Yes

3 Windy Wellington why? Outside our Planet What s Up? The atmosphere system: What is this stuff we call air? Why is it the way it is and where did it come from? What causes it to move around so much, particularly here? What actually controls our climate and how does it do it? Issues of our place and our age learn more about something we take for granted, and how we are affecting something so critical. Space: We just landed a robot probe on a comet why do we spend so much money on such projects? In this topic you can explore in depth some event or discovery such as this, or explaining where life might be possible elsewhere in our Solar System, or how we are finding new planets in other systems. ESS 3.5 (91414) v1 External Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system ESS 3.6 (91415) v1 Internal Investigate and aspect of astronomy 4 Read Yes Write Yes 4 Read Yes Write No 2. Assessment There will be one assessment opportunity for each of the two external Achievement Standards. This will be carried out by NZQA with a written examination in term four. The date for this will be advised during the year. There will be formative assessment opportunities for these external standards at the end of the teaching on the topic. These end-of-topic assessments are very important as they WILL be used to derive grades in the event you cannot sit the external NZQA examinations. Externals* The external Achievement Standards require you to demonstrate understanding, in-depth understanding or comprehensive understanding. In general, the following apply: Demonstrate understanding requires you to describe, give characteristics of, or an account of. In-depth understanding requires you to explain causes, or provide reasons for how and why. Comprehensive understanding requires you to explain in detail, make explicit links to science ideas, and identify interconnectedness between relevant Earth and Space Science processes. Internals (Please refer to the individual Achievement Standards in this booklet for further detail.) The Earth and Space Science course offers three internal Achievement Standards: AS 3.1 (91410) Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation. The due date for the assessment is 13 May, unless you are notified otherwise. The investigation and data collection may be done in class time and/or in the student s own time. The April holiday period would be an ideal time to do the field work. AS 3.2 (91411) Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context. The due date for the assessment is 18 March, unless you are notified otherwise. The research needs to be done in Term 1 and in your own time. AS 3.3 (91412) Dating a geological event: OR AS 3.6 (91415) Investigate an Aspect of Astronomy. The due date for the assessment is 24 June, unless you are notified otherwise. The research for and writing of this report will be done in class and in your own time. For each internal standard, there will be only one assessment opportunity for the topic. The form of the assessments will be an extended, written, original report. No further assessment opportunities will be offered except in exceptional circumstances. All work submitted for internal assessment must be your own work. The NCEA booklet issued to all students by Onslow College gives guidance on what this means. All of the standards being offered can contribute to NCEA endorsement at Merit and Excellence levels.

4 Additional stationery Students will need to obtain several additional stationery items throughout the year: 1. A logbook for the practical investigation (AS 3.1). A gridded maths book such as 1J5 or 1E5 is recommended. 2. A journal/workbook for EACH of the two research tasks (AS 3.2 and 3.3). For these an A4 book such as a 1B8 is recommended. These will need to be handed in separately with each assessment report. There is no set reference text for Earth and Space Science as one has not been written which fits the course. A workbook is due for release in term 1, but this has not yet been approved. We may suggest that students use this workbook when we are in a position to recommend it the cost is likely to be less than $40. Students can expect to receive printed handouts and reference material as well as taking a lot of notes in class. In order to keep this material organised and easy to locate, students should have a clear-file folder in which to keep the handouts. Students will require the use of a laptop or other suitable device which can link to the school wireless system for undertaking web-based research and writing of reports in class time. While these may be available from the school, this cannot be guaranteed and bringing your own device would assist your studies. 3. Year Timeline Please take note of the supplied timeline for the course and keep it in a safe place. There will also be a copy on display in the classroom.

5 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.1 AS91410 version 1 Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: Internal This standard contributes towards both reading and writing Literacy requirements for University Entrance Provisional due date: 26 March 2014 This achievement standard involves carrying out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation. Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation. Carry out an in-depth independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation. Carry out a comprehensive independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation. Explanatory Notes A practical Earth and Space Science investigation involves: stating a purpose for the investigation developing a method that includes: - the valid ranges for key variables - how key variables are measured - the management of other variables - the reliable collection of raw data collecting valid raw data consistent with the chosen method recording and processing raw data relevant to the purpose interpreting the processed data to draw a conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation explaining how the investigation method allowed for reliable data to be collected reporting on the investigation. An in-depth practical Earth and Space Science investigation involves: confirming or refining the original method to improve the validity and reliability of collected data by the: - valid measurement of key variables - valid management of other variables interpreting the processed data to draw a valid conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation relating how the Earth and Space science links to the investigation explaining in-depth how the investigation method allowed for valid and reliable data to be collected. A comprehensive practical Earth and Space Science investigation is further developed by: justifying how the investigation method supports the collection of valid and reliable data evaluate the investigation with respect to the relevant Earth and Space Science. Independent investigation refers to a student initiated investigation. The investigation itself can be done in small groups, but all data processing and writing-up must be done individually and independently.

6 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.2 AS91411 version 1 Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: Internal This standard contributes towards both reading and writing Literacy requirements for University Entrance Due date: 2 July 2014 This achievement standard involves investigating a social-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context. Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Investigate a socioscientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context. Investigate in depth a socioscientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context. Investigate comprehensively a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context. Explanatory Notes 1 Investigate a socio-scientific issue involves: selecting and processing a valid range of scientific information on the issue explaining the issue and the impact on individuals and society describing a personal response to the issue describing a societal response to the issue. Investigate in depth a socio-scientific issue involves: explaining in detail the issue and the impact on individuals and society explaining a personal response to the issue explaining a societal response to the issue. Investigate comprehensively a socio-scientific issue involves: evaluating the issue and the impact on individuals and society justifying a personal response to the issue evaluating a societal response to the issue. 2 A socio-scientific issue refers to a current issue in an Earth and Space Science context that has an impact on individuals and society. 3 An Earth and Space Science context means that the issue can be in Earth science, space science, or a combination of both. 4 Investigate involves collecting scientific information from a variety of sources and reporting an the investigation. 5 A personal response is the student s own point of view on the issue. 6 A societal response may represent family, whānau, or a small or large group consensus.

7 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.3 AS91412 version 1 Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s) Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: Internal This standard does not contribute towards any Literacy requirements for University Entrance Due date: 14 May 2014 This achievement standard involves investigating the evidence related to dating geological event(s). Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s) Investigate in depth the evidence related to dating geological event(s) Investigate comprehensively the evidence related to dating geological event(s) Explanatory Notes 1 Investigate involves: explaining geological event(s) explaining a range of evidence related to dating geological event(s). Investigate in depth involves: explaining in detail how a range of key evidence contributes to the understanding of the dating of geological event(s). Investigate comprehensively involves: justifying how a range of key evidence contributes to the understanding of the dating of geological event(s). explaining how the cross-correlation of the evidence contributes to the understanding of the dating of geological event(s). 3 Evidence may include radiometric dating, stratigraphy, unconformities, fossils and fossil succession, stable isotopes, ice cores, sediment cores, tree ring data, magnetism in rocks, rock composition, relative dating methods and other processes e.g. weathering and erosion.

8 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.4 AS91413 version 2 Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: External This standard contributes towards both reading and writing Literacy requirements for University Entrance This achievement standard involves demonstrating understanding of processes in the ocean system. Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of processes in the ocean system. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of processes in the ocean system. Explanatory Notes 1 Demonstrate understanding involves: explaining processes and the links within processes in the ocean system. 2 Demonstrate in-depth understanding involves: explaining links between the processes in the ocean system. 3 Demonstrate comprehensive understanding involves: discussing the complexity of the ocean system. 4 Processes in the ocean system will be selected from: ocean composition gradients, temperature, density, salinity, pressure ocean circulation surface and thermohaline circulations, Coriolis effect carbon cycle carbonate chemistry, physical pumps, biological pumps transport of matter and energy heat, tides, waves Southern Oscillation El Niño and La Niña

9 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.5 AS91414 version 1 Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: External This standard contributes towards both reading and writing Literacy requirements for University Entrance This achievement standard involves demonstrating understanding of processes in the atmosphere system. Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of processes in the atmosphere system. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of processes in the atmosphere system. Explanatory Notes 1 Demonstrate understanding involves: explaining processes and links within the processes in the atmosphere system. 2 Demonstrate in-depth understanding involves: explaining links between the processes in the atmosphere system 3 Demonstrate comprehensive understanding involves: discussing the complexity of the atmosphere system.. 5 Processes in the atmosphere system will be selected from: atmospheric composition gases, aerosols including clouds, gradients, temperature, pressure, density atmospheric circulation convection cells Hadley, Ferrel, Polar wind belts Trade, Westerlies, Polar Easterlies, Doldrums Coriolis effect transport of matter and heat energy water, gases, aerosols from volcanic eruptions cycles water, carbon; biological pump and physical pump climate global and regional trends temperature, precipitation, weather.

10 Achievement Standard Earth and Space Science 3.6 AS91415 version 1 Investigate an aspect of astronomy Level : 3 Credits: 4 Assessment: Internal This standard contributes towards reading but not writing Literacy requirements for University Entrance Due date 14 May 2014 This achievement standard involves investigating an aspect of astronomy. Achievement Criteria Achievement Achievement with Merit Achievement with Excellence Investigate an aspect of astronomy. Investigate in depth an aspect of astronomy. Investigate comprehensively an aspect of astronomy. Explanatory Notes 1 Investigate an aspect of astronomy involves: selecting and processing a wide range of reliable information related to the astronomical aspect and the relevant science explaining the astronomical aspect. 2 Investigate in depth an aspect of astronomy involves: explaining the key science relevant to the astronomical aspect. 3 Investigate comprehensively an aspect of astronomy involves: explaining the key links between the astronomy aspect and the key science. An aspect of astronomy may include: an event a discovery principles knowledge gained from space probes or telescopes.

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12 LD Y13 last day EXAMS BEGIN 6th TOD ANZAC 3.1 Hand In 13 May TOD QB Hand in 3.3 / June Snr 1 st day Wed Waitangi Hand in March Easter 2015 Timeline 3ESS Term (Summ Tourn Wk) 9 Feb 2-6 Feb 9-13 Feb Feb Mar 2-6 Mar 9-13 Mar Mar Mar 30-Apr 3 AS 3.2 Socio-Scientific Issue AS 3.1 Practical Investigation Term Apr Apr 27-May 1 May 4-8 May May May June 1-5 June 8-12 June June June 29-July 3 AS 3.1 Practical Investigation AS 3.3 or AS 3.6 Geological Dating or Aspect of Astronomy AS 3.4 Term (Wint Tourn Wk) July July Aug 3-7 Aug Aug Aug Aug 31-Sept 4 Sept 7-11 Sept Sept Oceanic Systems AS 3.5 Atmospheric Systems Term Oct Oct Oct Nov and 3.5 Tests and feedback