Learning Outcomes
Your CBAs and final assessment are based on the learning outcomes of the Junior Cycle Science specification. Not all outcomes will be assessed. The course is split into four contextual strands with one ‘unifying’ strand (Nature of Science).
Biological World
This strand is about living things and how they interact with each other and the environment. You will learn that the cell is the basic unit of life and see how characteristics are inherited from one generation to the next. You will develop an understanding of the diversity of life, life processes and how life has evolved. Other topics will explore body systems and how they interact and you will learn about human health.
Chemical World
This strand focuses on the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. As you study this strand, you will develop your understanding of the composition and properties of matter, the changes it undergoes and the energy involved. You will learn to interpret your observations by considering the properties and behaviour of atoms, molecules and ions.
Physical World
This strand is about the exploration of physical observables, often in relation to motion, energy and electricity. You will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as length, time, mass and temperature through appropriate experiments. Topics include area, density, current and energy and you will design and build simple electronic circuits. The sustainability of energy sources will also be discussed.
Earth and Space
This strand focuses on developing a sense of the structure of the universe and some organising principles of astronomy. You will explore relationships
between many kinds of astronomical objects and evidence for the history of the universe. Topics in this section include the relationship between the sun, moon and stars; recycling of matter; the impact of human activity on Earth; and implications of human space travel.
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Author
Theresa Heffernan
