The material world strand involves the study
of matter and the changes it undergoes. In
their study of chemistry, students develop
understandings of the composition and
properties of matter, the changes it
undergoes, and the energy involved. They
use their understanding of the fundamental
properties of chemistry to make sense of the
world around them. They learn to interpret
their observations by considering the
properties and behaviour of atoms,
molecules, and ions. They learn to
communicate their understandings, using
the symbols and conventions of chemistry.
Using their knowledge of chemistry, they are
better able to understand science-related
challenges, such as environmental
sustainability and the development of new
materials, pharmaceuticals, and sources of
energy.
Living World
The living world strand is about living
things and how they interact with each
other and the environment. Students
develop an understanding of the diversity
of life and life processes, of where and
how life has evolved, of evolution as the
link between life processes and ecology,
and of the impact of humans on all forms
of life. As a result, they are able to make
more informed decisions about significant
biological issues. The emphasis is on the
biology of New Zealand, including the
sustainability of New Zealand’s unique
fauna and flora and distinctive
ecosystems.
Planet Earth and Beyond
The planet earth and beyond strand is
about the interconnecting systems and
processes of the Earth, the other parts of
the solar system, and the universe
beyond. Students learn that Earth’s
subsystems of geosphere (land),
hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air),
and biosphere (life) are interdependent
and that all are important. They come to
appreciate that humans can affect this
interdependence in both positive and
negative ways. Students also learn that
Earth provides all the resources required
to sustain life except energy from the Sun,
and that, as humans, we act as guardians
of these finite resources. This means
knowing and understanding the
numerous interactions of Earth’s four
systems with the solar system. Students
can then confront the issues facing our
planet and make informed decisions
about the protection and wise use of
Earth’s resources.
Physical World
The physical world strand provides
explanations for a wide range of physical
phenomena, including light, sound, heat,
electricity, magnetism, waves, forces, and
motion, united by the concept of energy,
which is transformed from one form to
another without loss. By studying
physics, students gain an understanding
of interactions between parts of the
physical world and of the ways in which
they can be represented. Knowing about
physics enables people to understand a
wide range of contemporary issues and
challenges and potential technological
solutions.