This unit involves selecting and processing a wide range of reliable information related to an astronomical aspect and the relevant science explaining it. As a class we will be building our understanding of the key science behind why complex life thrives on earth, and using this information to help answer the question whether life could exist on other planets or moons in our solar system. To do this we  will consider the conditions on other planets or moons that may be supportive of life, and the possible forms that such life would take to survive in these conditions.

For this externally assessed unit we will be exploring the importance of the Earth's oceans. We will be building our understanding in the following areas: 

• Ocean composition

• Ocean circulation

• The ocean's role in the carbon cycle, and  transport of matter and energy

• The Southern Oscillation

This topic is assessed externally and is worth 4 credits. 

This achievement standard involves carrying out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation, which involves: 

• Stating a purpose for the investigation  

• Developing a method that includes:  the valid range for key variables  how key variables are measured  the management of other variables  

• The control of potential sources of error  

• The management of sampling bias  

• The reliable collection of raw data consistent with the chosen method  

• Recording and processing raw data relevant to the purpose  interpreting the processed data to draw a conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation

•  Explaining how the Earth and Space Science links to the investigation  

• Explaining how the investigation method allowed for reliable data to be collected  reporting on the investigation. 

In this unit we will be working towards building our understanding of processes in the atmosphere system. The processes we will be looking at include:

• Composition of the atmosphere

• Atmospheric circulation

• Carbon cycle

• Transport of matter and heat

• Climate and weather