Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/1SCI

What is this course about?
The aim of this course is to:


 * allow you to explore science by researching and investigating ideas.
 * increase your scientific literacy and understanding.
 * develop an understanding of the knowledge, concepts and processes of science.
 * allow you to make informed choices when deciding whether to continue studying in the science field.

Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and from creative insight, built on a foundation of respect for evidence. Different cultures and periods of history have contributed to the development of science.

Science is able to inform problem solving and decision making in many areas of life. Many of the major challenges and opportunities that confront our world need to be approached from a scientific perspective, taking into account social and ethical considerations.

By studying science, students:


 * develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories * learn that science involves particular processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve * use their current scientific knowledge and skills for problem solving and developing further knowledge * use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment.

What will I learn?
You will be learning about scientific concepts ENERGY, MATTER and LIFE

You will also develop your key competencies and learn what it means to be scientific.

What sorts of things will I do?
You will be developing your ability to think and act as a scientist by:


 * investigating scientific phenomena, issues and technologies,
 * conducting experiments with specialized equipment,
 * using the language and symbols of science to communicate your understanding of ideas,
 * taking existing knowledge to make new meaning of scientific concepts and processes.

What standards are covered by the course?
 These are subject to review and may change 

'''NO RE-ASSESSMENTS ARE OFFERED. '''

If a deadline is missed for an internal assessment, work may still be submitted but re-submission possibilities are then forfeited.

Formative assessment during each unit of work allows your teachers to provide feedback to allow you to succeed.

This is dependent on you managing yourself to complete required work on time and to use feedback to gain QUALITY CREDITS for each standard.

What else?
How much homework do I get?

This is work which will prepare you for the next lesson and or review the lesson just been. It will also allow for revision of key ideas and knowledge.

What is expected of me in Level 1 Science?


 * that you are willing to take on challenges and try out new ways of doing things.
 * that you are responsible for your own learning by making a good set of notes and keeping records of what you learn.
 * that you reach key milestones to ensure successful completion of internal assessment for NCEA.
 * that you are prepared for a high level of achievement in external NCEA assessment.
 * that you provide authentic evidence for assessment and reporting purposes.

Can I use my cellphone, iPod, own laptop in class?

Only if it is directly related to the learning.

What about text books?

A limited number of copies of a variety of text books are available in the school library which you may borrow.The internet has a number of e-books which you may contribute to.

If you find it useful to be able to write, highlight make your own margin notes then it is HIGHLY recommended that you buy your own books.

There are excellent worbooks available which the department may decide is worthwhile as a resource for you to buy as well.

What stationary, do I need?

The usual basic stationary:


 * at least 2 blue and or 2 black pens
 * an HB pencil, sharpener (if needed for your type of pencil) and good eraser for drawings
 * a ruler
 * a calulator
 * a marker pen to label beakers and test tubes
 * glue
 * scissors
 * A 2B8 hardcover notebook in which to record information AND to keep handouts and worksheets.