Investigate the impact of chemical pollutants on air and water quality, considering the global implications of pollution on ecosystems and human health.
Analyze the ethical and environmental consequences of chemical waste disposal, emphasizing responsible waste management practices in a global context.
Explore the role of chemistry in sustainable energy solutions, including renewable resources and their potential to address global energy challenges.
Investigate the global distribution of natural resources used in chemical processes, considering the importance of equitable resource utilization and addressing resource scarcity.
Examine the carbon footprint of different chemical processes and products, fostering awareness of chemistry's contribution to carbon emissions and climate change.
Analyze the global impact of chemical reactions involved in atmospheric processes, such as ozone depletion and acid rain formation, and discuss strategies for mitigation.
Investigate the use of chemistry in water treatment and purification, emphasizing access to clean water as a global concern and discussing technologies for addressing water scarcity.
Explore the ethical considerations surrounding the development and use of pharmaceuticals, including access to medicine and the responsibility of the chemical industry in global healthcare.
Examine the implications of emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, on global sustainability and responsible innovation.
Investigate the role of chemistry in addressing challenges related to food security, including food production efficiency, food preservation, and minimizing waste.
By incorporating these learning outcomes, students can develop a deeper understanding of chemistry's impact on global issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness as engaged global citizens.
The Leaving Certificate Chemistry curriculum is divided into several units:
Unit One: Stoichiometry and Atomic Structure
Unit Two: Acids, Bases, and Chemical Reactions
Unit Three: Volumetric Analysis and Organic Chemistry
Unit Four: Rates of Reaction and Chemical Equilibrium
Unit Five: Industrial Chemistry and Material Science
Unit Six: Atmospheric Chemistry and Water
Unit Seven: Energy and Electrochemistry
The Chemistry curriculum is structured to cover a wide range of topics, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Within each unit, there are specific learning outcomes that offer opportunities to incorporate Global Citizenship Education (GCE) principles (see above).
The Leaving Certificate Chemistry curriculum encourages practical and inquiry-based learning. Students engage in laboratory experiments, hands-on investigations, and problem-solving activities that allow them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Through these practical experiences, students can develop an understanding of how chemistry is relevant to addressing global challenges.
Although GCE is not explicitly mentioned, many topics covered in the Leaving Certificate Chemistry curriculum intersect with global issues such as environmental sustainability, resource management, and ethical considerations related to chemical processes and technologies. These intersections create openings for interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations with other subjects that emphasize global citizenship, ethics, and sustainability. For example, the curriculum prompts students to explore ethical considerations in chemical processes, such as waste management and responsible chemical use. This exploration encourages students to think critically about the social and environmental implications of their actions and decisions, fostering an understanding of their role as informed and responsible global citizens.
In summary, the Leaving Certificate Chemistry curriculum's structure and content provide opportunities for students to engage with principles of Global Citizenship Education, even if not explicitly mentioned. By examining the ethical, environmental, and social dimensions of chemistry, students can develop a broader perspective on their responsibilities as global citizens in a complex and interconnected world.
Two Assessments:
Written Examination
Laboratory Investigations (Coursework)
The written examination can have questions related to global challenges such as pollution, sustainable energy, and the ethical implications of chemical advancements. For instance, students may be prompted to analyze the environmental consequences of specific chemical processes or to evaluate the role of chemistry in addressing climate change.
- Practical assessments, including laboratory investigations, offer opportunities for students to engage with GCE principles. These practical activities might involve analyzing water quality, investigating air pollution sources, or exploring the chemical composition of sustainable materials. Through hands-on work, students can gain insights into the impact of chemical phenomena on the environment and society.
GCE: Encouraging students to apply chemical knowledge to real-world issues and have practical learning experiences.