Course Overview

At Stage 1, students consider a range of the Earth hazards that illustrate the dynamic nature of the Earth’s systems. Students critically examine the scientific evidence for the origin of life, linking this with their understanding of the evolution of the Earth’s hydrosphere and atmosphere. Students review evidence from the fossil record that demonstrates the interrelationships between major changes in the Earth’s systems and the evolution and extinction of organisms. They investigate how the distribution and viability of life on Earth influences, and is influenced by, the Earth’s systems.

The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are: 
•    science inquiry skills
•    science as a human endeavour
•    science understanding.

The topics for Stage 1 Earth and Environmental Science are:
•    Topic 1: Turbulent Earth
•    Topic 2: Composition of the geosphere
•    Topic 3: Processes in the geosphere
•    Topic 4: The Earth’s atmosphere
•    Topic 5: Importance of the hydrosphere
•    Topic 6: Biosphere
For a 10 credit subject, students study a selection of concepts from at least two topics.
 

Assessment

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 1 Earth and Environmental Science:
•    Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio
•    Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks.
For a 10 credit subject, students provide evidence of their learning through four assessments. Each assessment type should have a weighting of at least 20%.

Students complete:
•    at least one practical investigation, either in the laboratory or in the field
•    one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
•    at least one skills and applications task.
 

Teacher Information

Science Teacher