1SCI

NCEA Level 1 Science

Course Selection for 2025 is now closed.

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms H. Dixon.


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
  • communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations.

This course will provide a broad foundation in Science for all students. You will learn key concepts associated with biology, chemistry and physics. There will be a mix of internally and externally assessed standards offered to you in this course depending on student interest and pathways.



NCEA Level 1 Science continues from the science content taught in Year 10. It provides an intensive general basis for the study of physics, biology, and chemistry at the senior level and contains a combination of Achievement Standards in the four Science areas. The course also provides an increased awareness of the relevance of science in everyday life.

Students will experience a wide variety of learning opportunities involving scientific knowledge and application, thinking skills, literacy and numeracy skills, research techniques, experimental design, problem solving and practical skills.  

Studies in Science are essential for students considering careers in the following areas: sciences, engineering, technology, medical and health sciences, architecture and landscape design, environment, farming, computing and electronics, communication, aviation and many others.

Pathway

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 26
Internal Assessed Credits: 16
External Assessed Credits: 10
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 92020 v3
NZQA Info

Chemistry and Biology 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between a microorganism and the environment


Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92021 v3
NZQA Info

Chemistry and Biology 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactions in context


Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92045 v3
NZQA Info

Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of a physical phenomenon through investigation


Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92046 v3
NZQA Info

Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the effect on the Earth of interactions between the Sun and the Earth-Moon system


Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 92047 v3
NZQA Info

Physics, Earth and Space Science 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of a physical system using energy concepts


Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: Y
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 26
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 5