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3 Draft Leaving Certificate specifications consultations

3 Draft Leaving Certificate specifications consultations

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Rationale and Aim

Rationale

This short course is designed to develop the student’s science process skills at a basic level: observing, recalling, retelling, naming, labelling, sequencing, classifying and measuring, in addition to skills needed for following procedures and problem-solving. These skills are developed through a number of interactive, fun, role-play activities and inquiry-based science experiments in the context of solving a mystery crime. The student learns to work as part of a team, to take direction from others and to take on a role with responsibilities appropriate to their ability. Some students will have heard the term ‘CSI’ and may have a basic familiarity with the world of forensic science from what they have learned through the TV programme or movies. This can act as a reference point to start from. Others will have participated in related experiments through the Discover Primary Science project during their primary school years and will bring this experience to the course. 

Activities such as learning about crime investigation methods and gadgets, and collecting and studying evidence at a crime scene, will help improve the student’s ability to apply logical thinking in different situations and find solutions to problems. Learning to think critically and work collaboratively are important life skills. Other skills for future life are developed through links with the community, creative projects, numeracy, communication and literacy.

Aim

This short course aims to facilitate the development of basic science process skills and other key skills for life and learning such as working collaboratively, planning sequentially and thinking logically. The skills gained through a focus on basic science are ones that can be used by the student in many areas of his/her future life.

 

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