Earth & Space Science
Earth and Space Science is a hands-on science course that explores our planet and its place in the universe. It looks at how different systems work together, from the rocks beneath your feet, the air we breathe, the water in our oceans and the stars above your head. Earth and Space Science looks to understand processes on our planet, other planets, stars, and space phenomena. This subject integrates many different scientific disciplines through real-world applications, making it perfect for students curious about the environment around them or fascinated by the night sky. It provides students with a holistic scientific understanding of our world and its cosmic context.
Year 12
The Earth and Space Science course covers a comprehensive range of topics from our planet's geological processes to the formation of stars. Key areas may include: • Extreme Earth Events – Understanding the science behind volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis • Plate Tectonics – How Earth's surface moves and changes over time • Atmospheric Processes – Weather patterns and climate systems • Oceanic processes – Waves, currents and composition • Astronomy – Star and planet formation and our solar system's place in the universe • Solar System Interactions – Planetary movements and space phenomena • Biological Systems – Life on Earth and its relationship with environmental processes • Geological Processes – How landscapes form and evolve This course equips students with the scientific knowledge to understand natural disasters,
Prerequisite There is no prerequisite for Level 2 Earth and Space Science, although any prep science would be an advantage. Description This course is designed to help students build scientific understanding of the world around us and the stars and planets above. Students will have to opportunity to study various environments through a scientific lens. Earth and Space Science offers diverse learning opportunities including: • Field Trips – Investigating how processes have shaped environments and making astronomical observations. • Practical Investigations – Hands-on experiments and data collection • Research Projects – gathering resources, making field observations, analysing and communicating science. • Real-world Applications – Connecting scientific concepts to current events and environmental issues
38 NCEA Course Booklet 2026
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