What is General Science?
The S3 General Science course is a mixed course of all three sciences. You will:
- learn through experiments, what you see and research
- learn how to solve practical problems
- learn how to discuss science issues
- learn how science impacts on our local world of work
- develop an understanding of the impact of science in changing our environment and society
You should choose S3 General Science if you are still working on level 2 or Bronze level 3 in S2 Science.
How will I learn?
A large part of the course takes the format of whole class direct teaching . There will also be activity based learning on practical tasks. During practical tasks you will need to solve problems and use your results to find answers.
You develop your practical and research skills, along with knowledge and understanding when studying this course.
What topics will I learn?
- Human health—looking at personal, local and global issues
- Applications of science—looking at things like satellites or mobile phones, how they work; what they are made of and safety in the home.
- Fragile Earth—looking at our natural resources, where they come from, how we get them, what they are used for and issues with this. This will be based on metals and water.
As part of the BGE, your S3 choices will help build the knowledge and skills required for a successful S4. Completing the S3 General Science course covers many of the outcomes related to science and supports progression to National Science along with developing essential skills used in many other subjects.
What skills are developed?
The course is intended to develop skills that will help you in the workplace or further learning.
Science learners develop skills in:
- Numeracy – graphs and basic number skills
- Practical techniques
- Problem solving skills
- Awareness of Science in the local and global environment
How will I be assessed?
Your progress on the course will be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment by tests, research tasks and experiments.
What might this help me with when I leave school?
Completing this course will help build the skills and knowledge for local careers – farming, whisky or food industry and oil industry. Also many science related courses at Moray College or Rural College (Aberdeen).
