Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/1SCI

Are you curious about your world? Do you enjoy a being creative?   Can you carry out experiments?  Do you enjoy a challenge?  This course is for you!
Science is everywhere, our modern way of living depend on science and technology.

The aim of this course is to allow you to make informed choices by engaging with science on a personal level.

During the course you will be:


 * investigating and researching ideas.
 * developing scientific literacy.
 * developing an understanding of the knowledge, concepts and processes of science.

Science is built on the contributions from different cultures and periods of history; it is built on a foundation of respect for evidence and progress is made from creative insight followed by logical and systematic work.

What will I learn?
You will be learning about the Nature of Science, what science is and how it works.

This involves the processes and practices used in science to create scienctific knowledge.

What to do with the growing body of scientific knowledge and build on it.

You will be developing key competencies and learn what it means to be scientific.

What standards are covered by the course?
 These are currently under review and may change 

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 depends on the work needed to prepare you for the next lesson; review the lesson just been and 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.

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 text book.

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.