Science Overview
The curriculum for Social, Environmental and Scientific Education incorporates a science programme for children in all classes in the primary school.
SESE: Science enables children to develop basic scientific ideas and understanding about the biological and physical aspects of the world.
The Science Curriculum gives special attention to the process through which children develop this knowledge and understanding by helping them to develop scientific skills. The curriculum also helps children to develop positive
attitudes to science. It encourages them to examine and to appreciate how science and technology impact on their lives and on the environment.
SESE: Science Curriculum
Science is for all children in the primary school from junior
infants to sixth class. The curriculum is presented in two sections: a skills
section and a content section.
Skills
The Science Curriculum supports children in working
scientifically and in developing their designing and making skills.
Content
The Science Curriculum includes four strands:
Each strand is subdivided into strand units which focus on particular concepts.
The curriculum for Social, Environmental and Scientific Education incorporates a science programme for children in all classes in the primary school.
SESE: Science enables children to develop basic scientific ideas and understanding about the biological and physical aspects of the world.
The Science Curriculum gives special attention to the process through which children develop this knowledge and understanding by helping them to develop scientific skills. The curriculum also helps children to develop positive
attitudes to science. It encourages them to examine and to appreciate how science and technology impact on their lives and on the environment.
SESE: Science Curriculum
Science is for all children in the primary school from junior
infants to sixth class. The curriculum is presented in two sections: a skills
section and a content section.
Skills
The Science Curriculum supports children in working
scientifically and in developing their designing and making skills.
- Working scientifically – Children learning by investigating
is at the heart of the Science Curriculum. Children are encouraged to work as
scientists as they investigate and explore their physical and natural
surroundings. These first-hand experiences help them to find answers to problems
themselves by exploring their own environment. The curriculum supports children
in developing skills of enquiry during this investigative work: observing,
asking questions, suggesting explanations, predicting outcomes, planning
investigations or experiments to test ideas and drawing conclusions. - Designing and making - Designing and making is the
technological component of the Science Curriculum. This aspect of the curriculum
provides children with opportunities to apply scientific ideas to everyday
situations and problems. The children are challenged to explore, plan and make
models and functional objects in order to solve practical problems. Designing
and making simple magnetic games, wind/water mills, floating vessels,
telescopes, containers for specific purposes, electrical circuits and so on
develop children's awareness of the value of technology in their
lives.
Content
The Science Curriculum includes four strands:
- Living things
- Energy and forces
- Materials
- Environmental awareness and care.
Each strand is subdivided into strand units which focus on particular concepts.