Course Layout

Units:

• Unit 1- Fragile Earth

• Unit 2- Human Health

• Unit 3- Applications of Science

• Assignment:

• National 4 only- Added Value Unit

Course Assessment:

Internal assessment- Learners must pass assessments on each of the three units, this is applicable at both National 3 and National 4. Assessments will be internally marked.

Added Value Unit (National 4 Only)- Learners will draw on and apply the skills and knowledge they have learned during the course. They will carry out an in-depth investigation on an unfamiliar and/or integrated context. This will be assessed through an assignment

Course Details

Learners will focus on two choices from the following four: energy, metals, water, food. They will investigate these resources through activities related to their source, origin, production and/or extraction. Uses and benefits will be explored. Conflicts and also possible local, national, or global solutions will be identified. Learners will gain knowledge of how science is involved in environmental issues.

Learners develop an understanding of factors which contribute to a healthy lifestyle, through a personal, community-based and global approach. Learners cover procedures to measure physical fitness, investigate mental/social health issues and research media reports of national/international health areas.

Learners explore science’s contribution to communication technologies and the impact that these have had on the environment/society. Learners research the production and use of new materials. They cover how science helps the understanding of risk and how it can be reduced in modern life.