Matter and Chemical Systems | Ngā Āhuatanga Matū
Atoms, reactions, and the materials around us
Invisible particles explain visible changes — from fizzing reactions to climate data.
Wero — the big question
How do atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions explain the materials and processes around us?
What you will investigate
Curriculum strands
- Physical Science Yr 9: Matter — elements, compounds, periodic table, chemical reactions
- Physical Science Yr 10: Atomic theory, acids and bases, rate of reaction, carbon cycle
- Technology Yr 9–10: Materials & Processing (food, fermentation, pH applications)
Technology strands
- Materials and Processing
- Digital Technologies — data visualisation
Studies in this world
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Elements, Compounds, and Chemical Reactions
Every substance around you is built from elements. When they combine, something new appears — and the evidence is often visible.
Chemical reactions shape food, fuel, and living systems in Aotearoa — from fermentation to combustion in everyday life.
You will interpret formulas, classify elements, observe reactions, and write word equations using clear evidence from the lab.
Atomic Theory, Bonding, and the Bohr Model
You cannot see atoms — but models let you predict how elements bond and what formulas mean.
Molecular-level models underpin biotechnology and materials science — from medicines to new materials developed in Aotearoa.
You will represent atoms, ions, and simple molecules using the Bohr model and valence rules, then connect model history to how science builds knowledge.
Acids, Bases, and pH Investigation
Acids and bases are everywhere — from kai preparation to stream health. pH is how we measure them.
pH affects food safety, fermentation, and water health — knowledge communities use when monitoring awa and when processing kai.
You will measure pH, run controlled reactions, identify gases safely, and explain how acid-base chemistry matters in food or environmental contexts.
Carbon Cycle and Climate Investigation
Carbon moves through forests, oceans, soil, and air. Human activity shifts those flows — and the data tells part of the story.
Carbon flows connect whenua, moana, and atmosphere — communities need clear evidence when evaluating climate actions and kaitiakitanga.
You will model carbon across spheres, interpret real datasets, evaluate mitigation strategies, and communicate findings without overclaiming.
What you might make
Maker pathways connect your evidence to a real prototype or build.
- 3D-print test piece3D print
Isolate one fair-test comparison with a disposable small print
When one variable dominates your comparisons, printing a test shape keeps other factors steady.
- 3D-print test piece3D print
Isolate one fair-test comparison with a disposable small print
When one variable dominates your comparisons, printing a test shape keeps other factors steady.
- 3D-print test piece3D print
Isolate one fair-test comparison with a disposable small print
When one variable dominates your comparisons, printing a test shape keeps other factors steady.