Introduction

Science education provides a means by which learners can interact with the world around them and understand how scientific concepts can be used to make sense of the physical world. As learners’ scientific literacy grows they will be able to make sense of the various ways in which scientific knowledge is communicated. Science is a human construct. Scientific knowledge is constructed by the sharing of ideas and by developing, refining, and rejecting or accepting these ideas. Through engagement with science learners will acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will allow them to take informed positions on scientific issues. As well as constructing knowledge of science they will construct knowledge about science and the nature of science, including its moral and ethical dimensions. Changes in science education reflect the advances in science and technology. Emphasis is placed on society’s general scientific and technological literacy and this includes an understanding of socio-scientific issues, including ethical decision making. 

Learners will draw on their knowledge and understanding of the facts, principles and concepts from different areas of chemistry to evaluate and use arguments about the place of chemistry in society. They will develop an appreciation of the significance of chemistry in personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts, and an awareness of advances in technology, including ICT, relevant to chemistry.  

Practical skills are seen as an integral accompaniment to theory. Investigation and the theories that arise from experimentation are central to the study of chemistry. Learners will develop an understanding of the links between theory and experiment and develop an understanding of scientific practices. The specification is designed for all learners. The skills developed will form part of their lifelong learning and prepare them both for the workplace and for further studies in chemistry. 

Students of Leaving Certificate chemistry will be expected to tackle chemical problems using fundamental mathematical skills. Learners will be expected to understand abstract concepts and to transfer them to new contexts. They will also be expected to be able to apply skills and strategies of scientific inquiry to solve physical problems. In participating in practical activities learners will be required to manipulate and use tools, equipment and materials safely.