Earth and Environmental Science in Stage 6 Science is the study of the Earth and its processes. The course aims to provide an understanding of systems and processes in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It seeks to explore changes that have occurred during Earth's history, including changes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and the evolution of organisms since the origin of life on Earth.
The study of planet Earth and its environments recognises that while humans are part of nature they continue to have a greater influence on the environment than any other species. Earth and Environmental Science is built on the premise that the natural environment is the host to all local environments and that, therefore, an understanding of the natural environment is fundamental to any analysis of more specific local environments.
The common factor in all of the environmental hazards that humanity faces is that they are derived from peoples' lack of awareness that society is part of an environment that is composed of the interactions of the sub-systems: water, land, air, ice and living things. The history and philosophy of science as it relates to the development of the understanding, utilisation and manipulation of sub-systems by humans is an integral part of the study of contemporary Earth and Environmental Science.
Earth and Environmental Science is not isolated from the other science disciplines and the multi-disciplinary nature of many aspects of the subject is recognised. Earth and Environmental Science in Stage 6 draws upon and builds onto the knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes developed in Stages 4–5 Science. It further develops students' understanding of science as a continually developing body of knowledge, the role of experiment in deciding between competing theories, the provisional nature of scientific explanations, the interdisciplinary nature of science, the complex relationship between evidence and ideas, and the impact of science on society.
The study of planet Earth and its environments involves students working individually and with others in practical work, fieldwork and interactive media experiences that are related to the theoretical concepts considered in the course. It is expected that students studying Earth and Environmental Science will apply investigative and problem-solving skills, effectively communicate information and appreciate the contribution that a study of planet Earth and its environments makes to our understanding of the world. The course aims to assist students to recognise and understand our responsibility to conserve, protect and maintain the quality of all environments for future generations.
The Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 course is designed for those students who have a substantial achievement level based on the Science Stages 4–5 course performance descriptions. The subject matter of the Earth and Environmental Science course recognises the different needs and interests of students by providing a structure that builds upon the foundations laid in Stage 5 yet recognises that students entering Stage 6 have a wide range of abilities, circumstances and expectations.