Junior Cycle Science Overview
Junior Cycle Science is a course taught over three years. It consists of five different strands- Biological World, Chemical World, Physical World Earth and Space and The Nature of Science
There are many different learning outcomes that can be linked and taught across the five different strands.
Assessment:
Assessment takes place at four different points throughout the three year cycle.
CBA(classroom based assessment) 1: Second Year. This is an Extended Experimental Investigation whereby the student runs an experiment of their own design from eight topics - Water, Chemical Reactions, Earth/Sun/Moon System, Plastics, Food, Forces, Plant Growth and Behaviour, Energy Conservation and complete a write up over a three week period. This is graded by the teacher and a descriptor is provided on the Student's Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
CBA 2: Third Year - Science in Society Investigation. The students complete an individual research project on a scientific topic or issue. This is also run over a three week period, is graded by the teacher and a descriptor is provided on the Student's Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
Assessment Task: Third Year. This is based on the CBA 2 and is worth 10% of overall examination grade. It is marked by the SEC.
Examination: Third Year. 90% of overall grade. This is an examination on the content learned over the three years as outlined in the various learning outcomes. It is marked by the SEC and again a descriptor will be provided on the JCPA.
There are many different learning outcomes that can be linked and taught across the five different strands.
Assessment:
Assessment takes place at four different points throughout the three year cycle.
CBA(classroom based assessment) 1: Second Year. This is an Extended Experimental Investigation whereby the student runs an experiment of their own design from eight topics - Water, Chemical Reactions, Earth/Sun/Moon System, Plastics, Food, Forces, Plant Growth and Behaviour, Energy Conservation and complete a write up over a three week period. This is graded by the teacher and a descriptor is provided on the Student's Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
CBA 2: Third Year - Science in Society Investigation. The students complete an individual research project on a scientific topic or issue. This is also run over a three week period, is graded by the teacher and a descriptor is provided on the Student's Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
Assessment Task: Third Year. This is based on the CBA 2 and is worth 10% of overall examination grade. It is marked by the SEC.
Examination: Third Year. 90% of overall grade. This is an examination on the content learned over the three years as outlined in the various learning outcomes. It is marked by the SEC and again a descriptor will be provided on the JCPA.