Environmental Science (National 5)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali2cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot MAY 2018 For more detailed course information: SQA: Environmental Science National 5: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47429.html Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/Documents/CfEFactfileOverview.pdf NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland National 5 Summary Environmental Science SCIENCES National 5 progresses onto Higher Environmental Science WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, making independent decisions • A blend of classroom approaches including hands-on practical and experiential learning; experiments; one-to-one, whole- class, group and peer learning and discussion; field work; visits • Collaborative learning: working in pairs or small groups; working with partners in science and social studies as this course has a strong interdisciplinary nature; employers; businesses; STEMNET • Space for personalisation and choice: learners can choose their assignment topic in discussion with the teachers/lecturer • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: information-handling; processing data; measuring; communicating; analysing and evaluating; using technology; discussing. ASSESSMENT • The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D. • The question paper is worth 100 marks and makes up 80% of the total assessment mark. Sections 1 and 2 involve a series of restricted response questions. In section 3, learners answer two extended-response questions. • The assignment is worth 20 marks and makes up 20% of the total assessment mark. Learners carry out an experiment or fieldwork procedure and investigate a topic relevant to environmental science, before producing a report of their findings. What skills will my child develop? • Knowledge and understanding of environmental science • Understanding environmental science’s role in scientific issues and in society • The ability to apply environmental science knowledge to new situations • Practical fieldwork skills • Scientific awareness of environmental issues and the validity of source material • Using scientific technology, equipment and materials safely • The ability to research and communicate findings • Scientific literacy and scientific analytical skills • Scientific inquiry and investigative skills to test hypotheses and to illustrate effects • Creative thinking, analysing and problem-solving • Selecting information from a range of sources • Presenting and processing information appropriately in a variety of forms (using calculations and units where appropriate) NATIONAL 5