Weekly outline

  • General

  • 29 January - 4 February

  • Term 1 Week 2

    Kia ora year 9's and welcome to science for 2024! 

    Our first context of the year is 'History's mysteries', but we will be starting the year off by recapping lab safety and lab equipment. 

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can list lab safety rules
    • I can explain the reason behind lab safety rules
    • I can recall the names and meanings of chemical hazard symbols
    • I can identify important lab equipment

    Activities:

    1. Lab safety recap
    2. Hazard symbols page
    3. Equipment labelling

  • Term 1 Week 3

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING science through history by investigating the strength of ancient buildings
    • We are EXPLORING science through history by discovering the importance of science in Ancient Egypt

     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be beginning by practising our measuring skills, before launching into our new context by learning about science in Ancient Egypt.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can measure accurately
    • I can work safely and sensibly in a group carrying out a practical
    • I can list important scientific advancements in Ancient Egypt
    • I can compare the importance of science in Ancient Egypt vs today
    • I can explain why pyramid structures are strong and stable

    Activities:

    1. Colour magic lab activity
    2. Ancient egypt worksheet
    3. Strength of pyramids lab activity



  • Term 1 Week 4

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING science through history by investigating the strength of ancient buildings


     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be exploring the structure of the Egyptian pyramids and how they were built

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain why pyramid structures are strong and stable
    • I can describe a NZ example fo traditional construction knowledge
    • I can define friction
    • I can explain how the Egyptians reduced friction when building the pyramids

    Activities:

    1. Wharenui reading 
    2. Friction experiment



  • Term 1 Week 5

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING the human body by researching about the mummies of Ancient Egypt
    • We are EXPLORING the human body by investigating the structure and function of the human heart


     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be exploring Ancient Egyptian mummies and investigating the heart.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe the mummification process
    • I can write a clear method
    • I can describe the purpose of the heart

    Activities:

    1. Mummy method task
    2. Heart fact organiser



  • Term 1 Week 6

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING the human body by investigating the structure and function of the human heart


     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be continuing to investigate the structure and function of the heart.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can name different structures of the heart
    • I can describe the flow of blood through the heart

    Activities:

    1. Heart diagram task
    2. Heart dissection

  • Term 1 Week 7

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI learning intentions:

    • We are PLANNING to apply knowledge of forensic science so that we can solve a murder mystery


     Kia ora year 9s,

    A murder has taken place at MHJC! This week we will be learning the science of chromotography to determine which pen was used by the killer.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe the purpose of chromatography
    • I can carry out a chromatography experiment

    Activities:

    1. Murder mystery investigation assessment


  • Term 1 Week 8

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI learning intentions:

    • We are PLANNING to apply knowledge of forensic science so that we can solve a murder mystery


     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be continuing our murder mystery investigating by learning about trace evidence, and how to draw scientific drawings from microscope images.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe the purpose of trace forensics
    • I can use a microscope
    • I can draw a scientific drawing
    • I can compare features of a trace substance

    Activities:

    1. Murder mystery investigation assessment - microscope analysis

  • Term 1 Week 9

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI learning intentions:

    • We are PLANNING to apply knowledge of forensic science so that we can solve a murder mystery


     Kia ora year 9s,

    This week we will be concluding our murder mystery investigating by learning about fingerprint analysis.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe the purpose of fingerprint analysis
    • I can determine different types and features of fingerprints

    Activities:

    1. Murder mystery investigation assessment - fingerprint analysis

  • Term 1 Week 10

    FOCUS / ARONGA

    FOCUS / ARONGA learning intentions:

    • We are FOCUSING...on solving historical and forensic mysteries using scientific tools, knowledge and techniques

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING science through history by investigating aspects of archeology and paleantology

     

    Kia ora year 9s, This week we will be exploring archeology in New Zealand, and some science around bones. 

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe what a midden is
    • I can discuss the information that a midden can provide
    • I can name the layers that bones are made of
    • I can explain the function of each layer of the bones

    Activities:

    1. Midden article + questions
    2. Bone structure diagram

  • Term 1 Week 11

    FOCUS / ARONGA

    FOCUS / ARONGA learning intentions:

    • We are FOCUSING...on solving historical and forensic mysteries using scientific tools, knowledge and techniques

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING science through history by investigating aspects of archeology and paleantology

    Kia ora year 9s, This week we will be exploring the archeology of teeth

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can name different types of teeth
    • I can describe the function of different types of teeth
    • I can link the types of teeth an animal has to their diet
    • I can identify skulls based on their teeth
    • I can describe the structure of a tooth
    • I can draw and label a tooth

    Activities:

    1. Teeth identification activities
    2. Tooth structure cut and paste

  • Term 2 Week 1

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING science through history by investigating aspects of archeology and palaeantology

    Kia ora year 9s, This week we will be finishing off the context by exploring fossils - what they are and what they can teach us.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can identify different kinds of fossils
    • I can describe what fossils are made of
    • I can discuss an issue based on a NZ fossil case study
    • I can explain different ways fossils are made

    Activities:

    1. Fossil types table
    2. Foulden Maar case study
    3. Make a cast-and-mold fossil

  • Term 2 Week 2

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING... space science by recognising features of our solar system


    Kia ora year 9s, This week we will be beginning our new context - May the force we with you -  by beginning to observe our solar system

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can name the planets of the solar system
    • I can define important space terms
    • I can discuss the scale of our solar system
    • I can describe the composition, tilt and size of planet earth

    Activities:

    1. New context title page
    2. Space definitions
    3. Planet earth reading + questions
    4. Scale of the solar system - walking task
    5. Solar system education perfect 

  • Term 2 Week 3

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING... space science by recognising features of our solar system


    Kia ora year 9s, This week we will be investigating the important features of our solar system - the sun, earth and other planets

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can name the planets of the solar system
    • I can describe features of the planets in our solar system
    • I can explain the nature of the sun

    Activities:

    1. The sun - reading + questions
    2. Planets worksheet
    3. Planetary Mnemonics task
    4. 'Design a planet'

  • Term 2 Week 4

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering the cause of our tides, seasons and moon phases


    Kia ora year 9s, This week is all about the moon - we will be investigating the cause of our tides, and moon phases in the night sky.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe what tides are
    • I can identify the cause of the tides
    • I can explain the roles of the sun, moon and earth's rotation in causing the tides
    • I can identify and name the phases of the moon
    • I can describe and model the cause of the phases of the moon that we observe

    Activities:

    1. Tides cut-and-paste activity
    2. Moon phases table
    3. Moon phases oreo activity


  • Term 2 Week 5

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering the cause of our tides, seasons and moon phases


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be investigating the cause of craters, and exploring the cause of our seasons on earth.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe what a meteorite is
    • I can explain the cause of meteorite craters
    • I can experiment creating craters of different sizes by changing one variable
    • I can define seasons
    • I can relate the tilt of the earth to the cause of the seasons

    Activities:

    1. Moon craters experiment
    2. Seasons cut and paste diagram

  • Term 2 Week 6

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering how humans have explored space

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be investigating astronauts - the equipment they use, and how life in space affects their bodies.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain the job of an astronaut
    • I can describe how life is different on the ISS
    • I can draw and label an astronaut suit
    • I can explain the purpose of different parts of an astronaut suit
    • I can discuss the affects of living in space on the human body

    Activities:

    1. Astronaut suit diagram
    2. Astronaut journal entry
    3. affect of space - reading + questions

  • Term 2 Week 7

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering how humans have explored space

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be examining conspiracy theories and learning how to use evidence to make judgements

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can outline the 'earth is flat' conspiracy
    • I can describe reasons people believe/d the earth is flat
    • I can explain the difference between a statement and evidence
    • I can explain evidence that the earth is a sphere/ the 1969 moon landing took place
    • I can discuss evidence that the earth is a sphere/ the 1969 moon landing took place

    Activities:

    1. Astronaut suit diagram
    2. Astronaut journal entry
    3. affect of space - reading + questions

  • Term 2 Week 8

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering how humans have explored space

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be taking our field trip to Stardome, and continuing to explore how people have explored space.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can describe the conditions on mars
    • I can explain the purpose of the mars rovers
    • I can list different features of mar rovers and explain their purpose

    Activities:

    1. Stardome visit
    2. Mars rover diagram

  • Term 2 Week 9

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...space science by discovering how humans have explored space

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be looking at the science behind how rockets work, and carrying out our own rocket activity.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can outline Newton's 3rd law
    • I can explain the purpose and function of rockets
    • I can identify the products of a simple chemical reaction
    • I can describe how air resistance and gravity act on a rocket
    • I can explain how rockets work against air resistance and gravity

    Activities:

    1. Streamline research
    2. Rocket experiment

  • Term 2 Week 10

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...forces in space by investigating physics of forces and motion


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be recapping forces, and carrying out an experiment looking at thrust force.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain how thrust works on an object
    • I can create a model aeolipile engine
    • I can identify what forces are
    • I can explain how forces act on an object
    • I can give examples of different kinds of forces

    Activities:

    1. Aeolipile engine experiment
    2. Force research mini poster task

  • Term 3 Week 1

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating optical science
    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating atoms and the periodic table
    • We are EXPLORING...gold, silver and bronze by researching metals and their properties


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be launching into our new context by exploring science in Ancient Greece, and the importance of light.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can name scientific ideas that were studied by Ancient Greek philosophers
    • I can describe some ideas/discoveries by Ancient Greek Philosophers
    • I can define light source and reflector
    • I can explain energy and the electromagnetic spectrum
    • I can describe the importance of light in technology

    Activities:

    1. Science in Ancient Greece - reading and questions
    2. Light and technology EP task
    3. Energy and Electromagnetic spectrum notes



  • Term 3 Week 2

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating optical science


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be looking at the science of shadows and reflection

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can draw an accurate shadow diagram
    • I can define opaque, translucent and transparent
    • I can draw an accurate light ray diagram
    • I can measure angles using a protractor
    Activities:
    1. Shadow diagram example
    2. Light ray practical task
    3. Energy and Electromagnetic spectrum notes

  • Term 3 Week 3

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating optical science


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be exploring light further by looking at reflection in curved mirrors and beginning to learn about refraction.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can identify concave and convex mirrors
    • I can draw reflective light rays from concave and convex mirrors
    • I can define refraction
    • I can draw a refractive diagram
    • I can describe examples of phenomena caused by refraction
    Activities:
    1. Curved mirrors ray box task
    2. Refraction diagram
    3. Refraction beaker task


  • Term 3 Week 4 and 5

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating optical science


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be exploring light further by investigating lenses, colour and beginning to look at the structure of the eye.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can identify biconcave and biconvex lenses
    • I can draw lens ray diagrams
    • I can explain how objects appear to be different colours
    • I can identify and describe the features of the eyeball
    • I can explain how the eyeball enables us to view and understand the world around us
    Activities:
    1. Lens ray diagrams
    2. Coloured light worksheet
    3. Coloured light EP task
    4. Eye diagrams labelling task
    5. Eye dissection
    6. Eye anatomy EP task

  • Term 3 Week 6

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating atoms and the periodic table
    • We are EXPLORING...gold, silver and bronze by researching metals and their properties


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be exploring the particle theory of matter and different states of matter

    Success Criteria: 

    • I explain the particle theory of matter
    • I can describe and compare differences and similarities between solids, liquid and gases
    • I can name different types of particles
    Activities:
    1. Atoms and particle theory worksheet
    2. Solids, liquids and gases worksheet

  • Term 3 Week 7

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating atoms and the periodic table
    • We are EXPLORING...gold, silver and bronze by researching metals and their properties


    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be continuing exploring the particle theory of matter and different states of matter

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain the process of diffusion
    • I can describe the structure of atoms
    • I can categorise elements of the periodic table
    Activities:
    1. Diffusion experiment
    2. Atoms diagram
    3. Periodic table colouring and labelling task

  • Term 3 Week 8

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...gold, silver and bronze by researching metals and their properties

    FOCUS / ARONGA

    FOCUS / ARONGA learning intentions:

    • We are FOCUSING on developing our ability to recognise and describe the property of materials

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be learning about chemical vs physical properties of matter

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can compare physical and chemical properties
    • I can give examples of chemical and physical properties
    Activities:
    1. Physical and chemical properties worksheet

  • Term 3 Week 9

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI learning intentions:

    • We are PLANNING to apply our knowledge of properties of matter so that we can justify the results of our scientific testing

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be beginning our 2nd assessment categorising materials as metals or nonmetals

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can carry out practical work appropriately
    • I can give examples of chemical and physical properties
    • I can categorise materials based on their physical and chemical properties
    Activities:
    1. Science Assessment 2

  • Term 3 Week 10

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...science in Ancient Greece by investigating atoms and the periodic table

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we will be learning to use bunsen burners, and carrying out an experiment to separate mixtures.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can use a bunsen burner sensibly
    • I can name the parts of a bunsen burner
    • I can follow a process to separate mixtures
    Activities:
    1. Bunsen burner demo
    2. Bunsen burner EP task
    3. Separating mixtures experiment

  • Term 4 Week 1 and 2

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...the history of NZ currency by discovering the material makeup of NZ coins

    Kia ora year 9s, this week aftrr following up with an activity from last term, we will be learning about the history of NZ coins, and learn what alloys are.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can draw scientific diagrams
    • I can define alloy
    • I can name different types of alloys
    • I can discuss the benefits of alloys over pure metals
    • I can outline the history of NZ coin materials
    • I can use a bunsen burner safely
    Activities:
    1. Scientific diagrams task
    2. Alloy research task
    3. NZ coin reading + questions
    4. Turning a coin gold lab

  • Term 4 Week 3

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...our priceless environment by researching native plants and animals

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we are moving on to looking at our environment, by exploring the structure of plants and how they reproduce.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can label a plant
    • I can describe the function of parts of a plant
    • I can label a flower
    • I can categorise parts of a flower
    • I can describe the function of parts of a flower
    • I can carry out a dissection
    Activities:
    1. Parts of a plant diagram and function
    2. Parts of a flower diagram and function
    3. Flower dissection

  • Term 4 Week 4

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...our priceless environment by researching native plants and animals

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we are focusing on plant reproduction.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain the different between pollination and fertilisation
    • I can name different strategies of pollination
    • I can describe the importance of a seed
    • I can name and describe different strategies of seed dispersal
    • I can design a seed for a specific purpose
    Activities:
    1. Pollination and fertilisation step-by-step task
    2. Seed dispersal quiz and questions
    3. Design a seed task

  • Term 4 Week 5 and 6

    Kia ora year 9's, this week we will be preparing for and carrying out your CAT exams.

  • Term 4 Week 7

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...our priceless environment by researching native plants and animals

    Kia ora year 9s, this week we are learning about our priceless environment by looking at the structure and function of leaves.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can label the different parts of a leaf
    • I can name the primary purpose of leaves
    • I can name the products of photosynthesis
    • I can observe and draw stomata using a microscope
    • I can explain why leaves are different shapes and sizes
    Activities:
    1. leaf rubbing and labelling activity
    2. Photosynthesis EP task
    3. Stomata microscope task
    4. Leaf adaptations identification

  • Term 4 Week 8 and 9

    Enter text here...

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING...our priceless environment by researching native plants and animals


    Kia ora year 9s, for our final 2 weeks we will be exploring animal adaptations.

    Success Criteria: 

    • I can explain challenges of different habitats
    • I can name the 3 main types of adaptations
    • I can define adaptations and their purpose
    • I can identify and explain examples of adaptations
    • I can carry out experiments
    • I can use my knowledge of adaptations to invent a unique organism
    Activities:
    1. Habitat challenges group brainstorm
    2. Habitats in Aotearoa research task
    3. Adaptations EP task
    4. Dinosaur adaptations worksheet
    5. Opposable thumbs experiment
    6. Design a unique organism task

  • 25 November - 1 December

  • 2 December - 8 December

  • 9 December - 15 December