Junior Cycle
Junior Cycle science is broken into five strands; Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth & Space and Nature of Science. Nature of Science is an approach to science and examines how scientists work; this is incorporated into all other strands. A list of the main topics can be found below.
Biology
- Living things & cells
- Microbiology
- The digestive system & nutrition
- The respiratory system
- The circulatory system
- Human reproduction
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Genetics, inheritance & variation
- Evolution
- Ecology & conservation
Physics
- Measurement
- States of matter
- Density
- Speed, velocity and acceleration
- Forces
- Energy & energy conversions
- Electricity & electrical circuits
- Physics in society
Chemistry
- Elements, compounds & mixtures
- Solutions
- Separating mixtures
- Acids & bases
- Chemical reactions & rate of reactions
- Atomic structure
- The periodic table
- Sustainability
Earth and Space
- Space and the origin of the universe
- Celestial bodies & the solar system
- The Earth, sun and moon
- The water cycle
- The carbon cycle
- Climate change
Examination
Junior Cycle Science is assessed through a two-hour Common Level exam at the end of Third Year. The exam is broken into two sections:
Section A 10 short questions (150 marks)
Section B 6 long questions (210 marks)
Answer all parts of all questions.
Note all the questions carry equal marks. The number of marks for each question is stated at the top of the question.
You should spend about 50 minutes on Section A and 70 minutes on Section B.
An example of a Junior Cycle science exam can be found here. You can also find all past exam papers as well as additional sample papers here.
Classroom-based Assessments (CBAs)
Two CBAs are conducted in Junior Cycle science. The teacher assesses the quality of work completed by the student and assigns a descriptor – Exceptional, Above Expectations, In Line with Expectations or Yet to Meet Expectations.
CBA1 (Extended Experimental Investigation) takes place in Second Year over the course of three weeks, during which students must conduct research, plan an investigation, conduct the investigation and analyse and reflection on their investigation. This involves writing a report on their investigation.
CBA2 (Science in Society Investigation) takes place in Third Year over the course of three weeks, during which students must conduct research on a topic, evaluate reliability of sources, communicate their findings, and write a report on their findings.
Events held during the year
The science department actively encourages student involvement in various science-related activities. These activities include:
- External speakers
- Science Week
- Science club
- Ecology field study in Tayto Park (now Emerald Park)
- Chemistry trip to water treatment plant
- Visits to third-level institutes
Links
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stmarysmathssci
JC Science Specification: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/f668d804-6283-4d4a-84ab-c71e5b37d198/Specification-for-Junior-Cycle-Science.pdf
NASA: www.nasa.gov