Science Department

“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.” – Albert Einstein

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Grouping of pupils (Mixed ability & Streaming):

In DGS our science classes (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) are mixed ability. The science department is convinced that differentiation is key to meeting the needs of all pupils in a mixed ability classroom. We understand that if differentiation is to be a success in the classroom, it is essential to take account of the characteristics of the learners involved – their preferred modes of working and learning and thus it is our responsibility to create lesson plans that will meet the needs of each individual pupil in our laboratory.

Student Access to Subject / Level:

All students in 1^st year and 2^nd year Junior Science concentrate on higher level science thus covering all aspects of each chapter – however those who feel the higher level is too difficult to continue with in the junior cert year can then focus on the ordinary level elements of the course, this decision is made in consultation with Teachers, Parents/Guardians and the Career Guidance teacher.

The above also applies to senior Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Higher and ordinary levels are covered in both form 5 and form 6.  Students are interviewed by the Guidance Counsellor while in Transition year regarding subject choice. To date there has been no restriction to Chemistry i.e. all students have access.

Variety of Resources / Availability of ICT Resources

The Science Department makes ample use of the following resources:

• Data projector – used for showing science DVDs, videos and PowerPoint notes & diagrams from the computer.
• Microscopes, Hotplates, Water baths, Incubators
• There is a storeroom for chemicals and a preparation area. There is also a domestic dishwasher, freezer and fridge.
• Interactive Data projector
• Over-head projector
• Computer
• Whiteboard/blackboard

In the science laboratory the computer is used as much as possible by each teacher to assist in the teaching of science to pupils. We frequently use the computer to show prepared power-point presentations and diagrams by connecting the computer to our data projector. We also use the computer to play science DVD’s again connecting it to the data projector. Fourth year science is taught on a modular basis and each pupil is expected to spend a certain amount of time collecting relevant scientific data from the internet for a particular science project that will be displayed on TY night – to assist with this pupils avail of our computer lab containing 19 computers – this lab is also open to pupils after school hours.

Recent Science Achievements:

• DAVID O’LOUGHLIN (2012): First Place in All-Ireland Crystal Growing Competition

(DCU & Royal Society of Chemistry)

• SADBH de BUITLEIR KEARNEY (2012) : Young Scientist project was published in

“EPILEPSY NEWS”.

• AIDAN KELLY (2010) :

Silver medallist in the Senior International Science Olympiad (Sweden).

• AIDAN KELLY (2009) :

Gold medal (first place) in the Senior Irish Olympiad (Biology).

• AIDAN KELLY (2008) :

Gold medal in Junior Irish Science Olympiad, and represented Ireland in Korea.

• JOSHUA JOYCE (2009) : ‘Highly Commended’ in BT Young Scientist Competition for Ecology project.

• LISA MURPHY (2005): First Prize Young Scientist Intermediate Social & Scientific category (A study of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease).

• LISA MURPHY (2005): First Prize in Chemistry essay competition (“Foods for Thought”), sponsored by Institute of Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Chemical Industry, the Irish Times, and AGB Scientific Ltd.

• CATRIONA KELLY (2005): Gold medal in Junior Irish Science Olympiad.

• CATRIONA KELLY (2005) : Bronze medal in International Science Olympiad (Indonesia).

Textbooks and Course Materials:

Junior Cycle Science

What are the Aims of the new Junior Cycle Science?

The new Junior Science Course encourages students:

• To develop a sense of enjoyment in the learning of science, leading to a lifelong interest in science.
• To develop scientific literacy and apply this in cognitive and effective dimensions to the analysis of science issues relevant to society, the environment and sustainability.
• To develop a scientific habit of mind and inquiry orientation through class, laboratory and/or off-site activities that foster investigation, imagination, curiosity and creativity in solving engaging, relevant problems, and to improve their reasoning and decision-making abilities.
• To develop the key skills of junior cycle, including literacy and numeracy skills: to find, use, manage, synthesis, evaluate and communicate scientific understanding and findings using a variety of media; and to justify ideas on the basis of actual evidence.
• To acquire a body of scientific knowledge; to develop an understanding of Earth and space and their place in the physical, biological, and material world and to help establish a foundation for more advanced learning.

What to expect in the new course?

The specification for junior cycle science focuses on the development of students’ knowledge of and about science through the unifying strand, Nature of science, and the four contextual strands: Physical world, Materials, Biological world, and Earth and space. It has been designed for a minimum of 200 hours of engagement across the three years of junior cycle.

The strands of the specification for Junior Cycle Science:

Nature of science

This is the unifying strand; it permeates all the strands of the specification. The elements of this strand place a focus on how science works; carrying out investigations; communicating in science; and developing an appreciation of the role and contribution of science to society.

Materials

This strand involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. As students study this strand they will develop understandings of the composition and properties of matter, the changes it undergoes, and the energy involved.

Earth and space

This strand provides an ideal setting for students to develop a sense of the structure of the Universe and some organising principles of astronomy, students explore relationships between many kinds of astronomical objects and evidence for the history of the universe.

Physical world

This involves the exploration of physical observables, often in relation to motion, energy, and electricity. Students gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as length, time, mass and temperature through appropriate experiments.

Biological world

This strand leads students to an understanding of living things and how they interact with each other and the environment. In this strand students develop an understanding of the diversity of life, life processes and how life has evolved.

Assessment of the new Junior Cycle Science:

Teachers and schools will have access to an Assessment and Moderation Toolkit. Along with the guide to school-focused moderation, the toolkit will include learning, teaching and assessment support material, including:

• ongoing assessment
• planning for and designing assessment
• assessment tasks for classroom use
• judging student work – looking at expectations for students and features of quality
• reporting to parents
• thinking about assessment: ideas, research and reflections
• a glossary of assessment and moderation terms.

The contents of the toolkit will be essential to ensure the correct teaching of the new Science course. It will include the range of assessment supports, advice and guidelines that will enable teachers to engage with the new assessment system in an informed and confident way.

Note:

Consultation in relation to the assessment of the new Junior Science course for certification arrangements was deferred.

Science in Transition Year

Transition year students do a module in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Leaving Certificate Biology

Aims

Leaving Cert Biology aims to:

• contribute to students’ general education
• encourage in students an attitude of scientific enquiry, of curiosity and self-discovery
• develop an understanding of biological facts and principles
• enhance an interest in and develop an appreciation of the nature and diversity of organisms
• create an awareness of the application of biological knowledge to modern society
• develop in students an ability to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.

Textbook and Course Materials :

“New Senior Biology” by  Scott & Maume

1 X hardback science notebook

1 X hardback manuscript copy

The Biology Leaving Cert Examination:

Both the Higher and the Ordinary Level students sit only 1 paper which lasts 3 hours.

Both the Higher and Ordinary Level papers are divided into 3 sections.

Section A – A series a short answer style questions

Section B – Questions based on experiments carried out throughout the Leaving Cert Course

Section C – Long answer/ problem style questions

Leaving Cert Chemistry

Aims:

Leaving Cert Chemistry aims to:

• Stimulate interest in chemistry.
• Provide relevant course for students.
• Encourage appreciation of scientific, social, economic, environmental, technological, historical aspects.
• Illustrate how humanity has benefited.
• Appreciate scientific method.
• Develop laboratory skills, including safety.
• Develop skills of observation, analysis, evaluation, communication and problem solving.

Textbook and Course Materials:

The Chemistry Leaving Cert Examination:

Both the Higher and Ordinary level pupils sit only 1 paper which lasts 3 hours.

Both papers are divided into 2 sections.

Section A – 3 questions based on mandatory experiments.

Section B – 9 long questions based on theory & experiments.

Leaving Cert Physics

Aims:

Leaving Cert Physics aims to:

• Give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and their application to everyday life and technology
• Develop an appreciation of physics as a human endeavour, thus enriching the students’ experience of life.
• Develop an understanding of the physical environment and of how human beings interact with it.
• Develop the ability to observe, to think logically, and to communicate effectively
• Develop an understanding of the scientific method
• Develop an appreciation of physics as a creative activity

Textbook and Course Materials:

Leaving Cert Physics Examination:

Both the Higher and Ordinary level pupils sit only 1 paper which lasts 3 hours.

Both papers are divided into 2 sections.

Section A – This section is made up of 4 experimental questions. Pupils are to answer 3 Q’s.

Section B – 8 long questions based on theory & experiments.

The main findings in the Science Department from our  latest WSE Inspection (2011) were:

• Teaching observed was good and in some instances very good.

• Where practical activities were observed, students displayed good attention to Health and Safety procedures.

• Students engaged well with the classroom activities and when questioned by the inspector, showed good understanding of concepts and facts taught.

• Good use of the scientific method and investigative approach was observed.

• Teachers of Science and Biology are appropriately qualified and have attended a good range of continuing professional development (CPD) activities.

• All recommendations from a previous subject inspection in Science and Biology (2006) have been acted upon.

All of the above and more may be found on the Department of Education’s website.

Teacher In – Career Development