Guidelines for Level 1 Certificate in Science

Three major objectives are assessed:

Practical scientific work;
Recognition, recall and use of scientific knowledge;
Gathering and reporting scientific information.

A Certificate in Science course should involve at least six topics chosen from units 1 to 17 of the syllabus. There should be at least one topic from each of the major curriculum strands: Living World, Material World, Physical World, and Planet Earth and Beyond. The "Skills" topics 18 to 21 should also be covered.

Assessment is made for each objective above as described below. Achievement is at three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Moderation and reassessment shall be as required by NZQA and the school's own internal policies.

The award can be based on work completed during more than one calendar year.

Final award is Bronze, Silver or Gold depending on MINIMUM performance by the student in ALL THREE objectives listed below.

Objective 1: Practical work.

Bronze: ONE of US 18986, 21611 or "Fair Test" experiment.
Silver: TWO of US 18986, 21611 or "Fair Test" experiment.
Gold: ALL of US 18986, 21611 and "Fair Test" experiment.

Two Unit Standards are relevant: 18986 (Select and use basic science equipment); 21611 (Follow instructions to carry out a practical scientific activity, and report on the activity).

Students should also attempt at least one "Fair Test" experiment which is related to syllabus content. There are many "investigate" learning outcomes stated in the syllabus which lend themselves to this type of activity.

A "Fair Test" involves a student (with teacher assistance):
Stating a purpose for the experiment as an aim, question, prediction or hypothesis;
Using a method; (In their method students must deliberately change ONE variable, measure or observe a second variable and keep at least one other factor constant. Teacher may not give the method to the student but may assist in its development.)
Recording results;
Drawing a conclusion based on the results. Must relate to the stated purpose.

To complete this activity a student must show a written record of purpose, results and conclusion. The method may be written, recorded as a series of diagrams, reported verbally or demonstrated.

AND Objective 2: Science Knowledge

Bronze: 3 knowledge units passed.
Silver: 5 knowledge units passed.
Gold: 7 knowledge units passed.

The syllabus topics that cover this objective do NOT include topics 18, 19, 20 or 21. These are the "skills" topics, also assessed by Unit Standards 18986, 18988, 21611 and 21612.

For Certificate in Science the Knowledge topics can be passed in two ways.
Either: the relevant Unit Standard is achieved;
Or: a traditional marking schedule (designed by the teacher) is used beside the unit standard test. 50% or more is a pass.

AND Objective 3: Gathering and Reporting Science Information

Bronze: ONE of US 18988, 21612 or mini-project
Silver: TWO of US 18988, 21612 or mini-project
Gold: ALL of US 18988, 21612 and mini-project

Relevant Unit Standards are 18988 (Interpret information presented in tables, diagrams and graphs to answer given questions) and 21612 (Follow instructions to process and report on supplied scientific information).

Students should attempt a mini-project related to syllabus content. The project should explore the application of scientific knowledge and understanding in everyday life or in the wider community in agriculture, leisure activities, housing, health and medical services etc.

The teacher should advise on the choice and nature of mini-project. Suitable topics can be found in the Suggested Activities column of the syllabus.

Some examples are:

How smoking affects health
How metals are used in the home
Uses of electricity in the home
Keeping a plant healthy
Sport and fitness
Pollution in the local area
Pushing, pulling and turning forces in the school/college
Noise pollution in the school/college
Weathering of local buildings and statues

Method of presentation is open. Examples: role play, interview, oral presentation, poster/display, computer multi-media presentation, folder of notes and other materials.

Criteria are given below. To pass, a student must achieve in at least 3 of the aspects.