In this Biology topic we will be working towards recognising that there are life processes common to all living things and that these occur in different ways. We will understand how  plants, animals, and other living things into are assigned science-based classifications.

We will also explore how the groups of living things we have in the world have changed over long periods of time and appreciate that some living things in New Zealand are quite different from living things in other areas of the world.

Finally, we will investigate how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to environmental changes, both natural and human-induced.

In this unit, we will be exploring the vast expanses of Space looking at some of the following topics: 

• The scale of Space using astronomical units (AU) and light years

• The force of gravity

• The structure of our solar system

• The cycles of the moon

• The day night cycle, and the seasons that make up our year

• The complexities of humans travelling in space

• The life cycle of stars

• The first moon landing

In this topic we will be covering how living things sense and respond to their environment, while looking at the physics concepts of how light and sound exist and behave as waves. 

Our learning objectives are:

• Know the five classical senses and some other senses

• Describe sound as a vibration in a medium

• Classify sounds by frequency and volume

• Describe the structure of the ear 

• Describe how light behaves, using scientific words such as refraction/reflection

• Know the colours of light and describe them by wavelength. 

• Understand that different materials interact with light in different ways. 

• Describe the role of lenses and their interactions with light. 

• Describe the structure of an eye, and dissect one

In this unit we explore the concepts of molecules, mixtures, elements and solutions. We also look at pH, and how matter can exist in it's three main states, and what causes them to change between these states. We finish by learning about the water cycle, and relating our knowledge to a local water quality issue - where we then propose actions to improve the health of our local wai and awa! 

Junior students have the opportunity to work towards a unique science fair project in groups of up to 3 in their own time. Students must put forth a proposal on their topic, and what they want to do within this topic.

Students will also need to outline what they need from staff and the school in terms of resources to carry out their project. Having a general idea of what they want to achieve each week is vital. If you have an idea or need more support with your proposal, please speak to your teacher.