Science

Science aims to develop students’ evidence-based understanding of the natural world and their ability to gather and evaluate evidence, to consolidate and deepen their skills of working scientifically, to make them more self-aware as learners and become competent and confident in their ability to use and apply science in their everyday lives.

Junior cycle science places the student at the very centre of the educational experience. It is inclusive of all students and it promotes:

· A sense of enjoyment in the learning of science, leading to a lifelong interest in science.

· The development of scientific literacy and apply this in cognitive, affective and psychomotor dimensions to the analysis of science issues relevant to society, the environment and sustainability.

· The development of a scientific habit of mind and inquiry orientation through class, laboratory and/or off-site activities that foster investigation, imagination, curiosity and creativity in solving engaging, relevant problems, and to improve their reasoning and decision-making abilities.

· The key skills of junior cycle to find, use, manage, synthesise, and evaluate data; to communicate scientific understanding and findings using a variety of media; and to justify ideas on the basis of evidence.

· The ability to acquire a body of scientific knowledge; to develop an understanding of Earth and space and their place in the physical, biological, and chemical world and to help establish a foundation for more advanced learning.

The specification for junior cycle science focuses on the development of students’ knowledge of and about science through the unifying strand, Nature of science, and the four contextual strands: Physical world, Chemical world, Biological world, and Earth and space.

A variety of teaching strategies depending on the targeted learning outcomes, the needs of their students, and their personal preferences are implemented across the three years. Science is assessed using a combination of formative and summative assessment. There are two classroom-based assessments to be completed, one in second year and one in third year along with an assessment task worth 10%. There is a final exam in third year. Please click here for more information on junior cycle science.