Junior Science: Reproduction

It focuses on aspects of levels 3, 4 and 5 of the New Zealand Science Curriculum.

In this workbook, students practise completing a fair test investigation using a generalised template that links into what is expected at NCEA Level 1.

The literacy tasks in this workbook encourage the students to read for meaning, scan material, select appropriate information and understand key words. The inclusion of mini-research projects prepares students for what is required in the Senior Sciences.

The numeracy tasks involve averaging, rounding, graphing, tabulating data and interpreting graphs accurately. These are all vital skills in the Sciences and beyond.

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this topic, students should be able to:

• describe sexual and asexual reproduction and give examples of organisms that perform them.
• list the positives and negatives of sexual and asexual reproduction.
• describe mitosis and meiosis and identify when and where each process occurs.
• explain the stages of the reproductive cycle of a generalised plant including: -pollination -germination -fertilisation -flowering -fruit formation -seed dispersal
• label the parts of a generalised flower and describe the basic functions of each part.
• carry out a seed and flower dissection to find and name the key structures present.
• explain the stages of the reproductive cycle of a generalised animal (with a human focus) including: -sexual maturity (puberty) -mating -fertilisation -development and growth -birth
• label the parts of a human reproductive system and describe the basic functions of each part.
• read and interpret information from a text with a science focus.
• write mini-research projects using scientific text.
• draw accurate tables and graphs and interpret data from tables and graphs.