Year 9 Science
9SCI Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs R. Chand.
Year 9 Science
The curriculum includes chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy and Earth science. For many students, this is their first year of secondary school science, so there is some emphasis on embedding skills required for learning in a science laboratory. In preparation towards senior science courses, students will be advancing their understanding of science through modelling, becoming familiar with scientific terms and symbols, and practical investigations in the laboratories,. Investigating in Science includes planning, carrying out experiments and recording and analysing their results and the results of other scientists. This will support the students to develop understanding of: scientific through:
- Practical and inquiry skills
- Critical understanding of evidence
- Communication
- Participating and contributing
Course Overview
Term 1
Introduction to the Laboratory: Students will learn scientific method and in doing so, how to behave in a laboratory, safety issues present in a science laboratory that are not in other classrooms, and how to use different pieces of equipment?
Chemistry: Students describe different types of matter (element, molecule, compound, mixture) and the differences between physical properties and chemical properties of matter.
Term 2
Physics: Waves and Energy. In preparation for senior science, students discover different types of waves and the parts of waves. There are multiple opportunities to perform practical activities to describe different forms of energy, energy transformations and conservation of energy. Emphasis is given to heat, sound and light energy.
Earth Science: The hydrological cycle (water cycle) is a fun way of looking at the idea that the Earth is a closed system, that 'what goes up must come down' and that 'matter can neither be created or destroyed'.
Term 3
Biology: Tuna Kuwharuwharu (long fin eel) contextual learning ecology unit. Students describe aspects of ecological systems in the context of this special endangered endemic species and begin to understand that New Zealand's ecological issues are complex and require multiple scientific capabilities to address.
Astronomy: Journey to Mars. Most students have a good idea about our solar system by the time they reach year 9. This contextual unit creates deeper knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics in space and supports students to refine their research and text analysis skills.
Term 4
Biology: Plants and Body Systems. These two units identify and explain three of the key concepts in biology: photosynthesis, respiration and diffusion/osmosis. Two are chemical opposites of each other and neither could happen without the third.
Detailed Course Outline Career Pathways
Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Air Force Aviator, Air Force Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Anaesthetic Technician, Animal Care Attendant, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Marine Biologist, Author, Glazier, Microbiologist, Baker, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biochemist, Metal Worker, Phlebotomist, Mechanical Engineer, Carpenter, Farm Assistant, Science Technician, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Psychologist, Watchmaker and Repairer, Diver, Technical Writer, Dairy Farmer, Crop Worker, Crop Farmer/Manager, Curator, Medical Imaging Technologist, Forensic Scientist, Electronics Trades Worker, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Economist, Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Energy and Chemical Plant Operator, Ranger, Wool Classer, Food Technologist, Professional Sportsperson, Forestry Scientist, Funeral Director/Embalmer, Gardener, Agricultural/Horticultural Field Representative, Groundsperson, Hairdresser/Barber, Industrial Spray Painter, Insurance Adviser, Medical Laboratory Technician, Optometrist, Packhouse Worker, Roading Construction Worker, Saw Doctor, Secondary School Teacher, Shearer, Intelligence Officer, Data Analyst, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Dairy Herd Manager, Dairy Farm Assistant, Dairy Farm Manager, Sharemilker, Viticulturist