Course info

This course aims to:

1. Develop scientifically and technologically literate students

2. Develop the ability to apply scientific concepts and principles to everyday situations

3. Promote a willingness to work cooperatively with others and to persist with a task to logical conclusion

4. Increase awareness of the importance of living in harmony with the environment

5. Encourage an appreciation of the need to preserve the natural environment

6. Develop experimental and critical thinking skills

7. Develop competencies that will enable students to make appropriate decisions regarding health, safety and some everyday life problems.

In our daily lives and in society at large, many of our decisions demand a knowledge of science. This knowledge is necessary for dealing satisfactorily with many of the situations that confront us daily in our home, at the workplace and in the wider environment. Science should, therefore, be an important part of our general education. The Integrated Science syllabus attempts to meet this need.

The syllabus is based on three themes: The Organism and Its Environment, The Home and Workplace, and Energy. Chosen because, they adequately reflect the common areas of human activity and experience. These themes form the unifying points of the syllabus which should, therefore, be a coherent unit. Integrated Science is a subject on its own right, encompassing topics mainly from Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The CSEC Integrated Science syllabus is designed to allow students to work individually and cooperatively, utilizing theoretical concepts of the course in interactive and practical activities. Students are expected to apply, scientific principles, investigative and problem-solving skills, be effective in communicating scientific knowledge and demonstrate an appreciation for all living organisms in their environment.

The Integrated Science syllabus is intended to contribute to the science education needs of Caribbean secondary level students in the following groups:

i. those whose abilities, aptitudes and choice of courses will allow them to pursue only one science subject, or who wish to pursue a science course in the interest of a rounded general education.

ii. those who study science-related subjects such as Home Economics, Physical Education and Sport and Agricultural Science, or who intend to go on to studies at the tertiary level, for careers in areas, such as, nursing and teaching.

For Practical Skills (P S)

Students should possess the ability in:

1. Observation/Recording/ Reporting

Use the senses to perceive objects and events accurately; present a written and oral report, drawing or other graphical representation, which is clear, concise, accurate and pertinent to the investigation; report and recheck unexpected results.

2. Drawing

 Make large, clear, labelled line representations of specimens, apparatus, or models.

3. Manipulation/Measurement

 Set up and use carefully and competently simple laboratory apparatus and measuring instruments; appropriately prepare specimens and materials for observation/investigation.

4. Planning/Designing

 Develop hypotheses and devise means of carrying out investigations to test them; plan experimental procedures and operations within the time allotted in appropriate sequence of operations as a result of difficulties encountered in carrying out experiments or obtaining unexpected results.

5. Analysis and Interpretation

 Use experimental data to infer, predict and draw conclusions, identify trends and patterns; make necessary and accurate calculations and recognize the limitations and assumptions of data.