NCEA L1 ChemBio study plan

NCEA L1 ChemBio · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Chemistry

Define and apply the mole concept, molar mass, and Avogadro's number to convert between mass, moles, and particle number
Balance chemical equations and classify reaction types (combination, decomposition, precipitation, combustion)
Calculate empirical and molecular formulae from percentage composition data
Name and write formulae for common ionic and covalent compounds

A worked problem set of 20 stoichiometry and formula calculations, self-marked with corrections noted

Week 2

Describe atomic structure in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and relate electron configuration to periodic trends
Explain ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding with reference to electron transfer and sharing
Predict properties (conductivity, melting point, solubility) from bond and structure type
Draw Lewis structures and relate shape to bonding pairs and lone pairs

A one-page summary table linking structure type to three physical properties, plus 10 Lewis structure drawings

Week 3

Write and balance acid-base neutralisation equations and identify conjugate acid-base pairs
Calculate concentrations and perform dilution and titration-style calculations
Use the pH scale to classify solutions and relate pH to hydrogen ion concentration
Describe common reaction rates and identify factors affecting rate

A completed titration calculation worksheet (10 problems) with a short written explanation of pH trends

Week 4

Consolidate Chemistry by completing a timed mixed-topic practice set under exam conditions
Define the core features of living things and levels of biological organisation
Describe cell structure and function of key organelles in plant and animal cells
Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

A timed Chemistry practice test score recorded, plus a labelled cell diagram annotated with organelle functions

Week 5

Explain diffusion, osmosis, and active transport across cell membranes with examples
Describe the role of enzymes and factors affecting enzyme activity
Outline photosynthesis and respiration as complementary processes, including inputs and outputs
Interpret simple experimental data on enzyme rate or osmosis

A written explanation (300-400 words) of osmosis and enzyme activity with reference to a described experiment and data trend

Week 6

Describe DNA structure and its role in inheritance, including genes and chromosomes
Explain the relationship between genotype and phenotype using simple Mendelian crosses
Complete and interpret Punnett squares for monohybrid crosses
Distinguish mitosis from meiosis in terms of purpose and outcomes

A set of 8 completed monohybrid Punnett square problems with phenotype ratios stated

Week 7

Describe the structure and function of the human digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems at an overview level
Explain the role of the immune system in defence against pathogens
Interpret food webs and describe energy flow and trophic levels in an ecosystem
Explain how organisms interact within a community (competition, predation, symbiosis)

A one-page concept map linking at least three body systems to their functions and one ecosystem diagram with energy flow annotated

Week 8

Review flagged weak areas from weeks 1-7 and re-attempt previously incorrect questions
Complete two full mixed-domain practice papers under timed conditions
Summarise key formulas, definitions, and diagrams onto a single revision sheet
Practise explaining answers in full sentences using correct scientific vocabulary

Two timed practice paper scores recorded with a written reflection identifying three remaining weaknesses and a plan to address each

Week 2: Can balance any given equation and correctly predict bonding type from element position, scoring 8/10 on a self-made bonding quiz

Week 4: Chemistry practice test score of at least 60% with all calculation errors corrected and explained

Week 6: Can complete monohybrid crosses unaided and explain osmosis and enzyme activity in writing without notes

Week 8: Both timed mixed-domain practice papers completed within time, with scores improved over the week-4 baseline