curriculum descriptors
SCIENCE (ACCESS 1)
INTRODUCTION
Candidates who are working within Access 1, for whom a complete Access 1 unit is
not appropriate, will focus on Learning targets and their related Success Criteria at an
Experiential, Awareness or Participation stage. Examples of targets are outlined in
the descriptors that follow. These descriptors have been organised under the
appropriate Access 1 unit title and then grouped using the Performance Criteria as the
Learning targets.
Each unit at Access 1 forms part of a set of units which are linked to a particular
Access 2 unit.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Science at Access 1 comprises two units:
Science: Science – Carrying Out Experiments
Science: Science – Handling Information
For candidates working within Access 1, examples of Success Criteria have been
described for both units, as they provide a range of useful targets for candidates at this
stage of learning.
RATIONALE
Science at Access 1 is designed to give candidates an introduction to some of the
basic principles and techniques. The emphasis is on a practical, problem solving
approach linked to developing a basic understanding of some of the relevant
applications of science in society. The aim is to develop attitudes such as being openminded, inquisitive and willing to recognise alternative points of view, as well as to
develop basic skills in carrying out experiments and information handling.
CONTENT
The units allow teachers/lecturers to select from a wide variety of contexts in order to
include content which is suitable for the candidates concerned. It is anticipated that
candidates should experience a range of aspects of science.
Access 1 unit: Science – Carrying Out Experiments
Outcome: Carry out practical experiments
In this unit candidates will plan experiments, participate in experiments safely,
according to the plans and record data and evaluate the outcomes.
Access 1 unit: Science – Handling Information
Outcome: Handle information from a provided source
In this unit candidates will select and present information, from different sources,
giving explanations and drawing conclusions supported by evidence.
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The range of contexts for the units is listed below:
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
The living body
Plants
The environment
Healthy bodies
The animal kingdom
Detergents
Fuels
Drugs
Matter substances
Metals
Clothing, fibres and dyes
Acids and alkalis
Energy
Forces
Electricity
Magnetism
Light, colour and sound
Earth and space
In the Carrying Out Experiments unit, candidates are expected to be involved in a
minimum of six experiments, drawn from three different contexts. In the Handling
Information unit, candidates will handle information from six sources, two each from
Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
CORE SKILLS
Learning targets within these units particularly lend themselves to the development of
the core skills:
Problem Solving
Working with Others
Communication
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Unit: Science – Carrying Out Experiments
Outcome: Carry out practical experiments
PC (a) Learning target: A realistic plan is prepared.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in identifying a sequence of steps for a planned
Experiment.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of the need to have a plan for an experiment.
E:
Actively experiences planning for science experiments.
PC (b) Learning target: Participation in the experiment is active.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in a science experiment.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of an experiment when involved in its activities.
E:
Actively experiences activities involved in carrying out science experiments.
PC (c) Learning target: The procedures are followed safely and according to the
plan.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in following the plan for an experiment, following
safe procedures.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of safe procedures as the plan for the experiment is
followed under direction.
E:
Actively experiences following safe procedures as science experiments are
carried out.
PC (d) Learning target: Relevant measurements or observations are recorded in
an appropriate format.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in recording some relevant measurements or
Observations.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of recording measurements and observations as
procedures are carried out.
E:
Actively experiences the recording of measurement and observation data.
PC (e) Learning target: The experiment is reviewed and evaluated.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in simple review of experiment outcomes.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of the results of the experiment.
E:
Actively experiences activities involved in the review of XXXX [may be
some text missing here]
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UNIT: SCIENCE – HANDLING INFORMATION.
Outcome: Handle information from a provided source.
PC (a) Learning target: Relevant information is selected and presented.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in selecting and presenting information from two
provided sources.
A:
Demonstrates awareness of the relevance of given information from a
provided source.
E:
Actively experiences activities involved in selecting and presenting
information from provided sources.
PC (b) Learning target: Conclusions drawn are valid and explanations given are
supported by evidence.
Success Criteria
P:
Participates, with support, in coming to a conclusion and giving an
explanation backed up by evidence.
A:
Demonstrates awareness that given conclusions should relate to the
evidence gathered.
E:
Actively experiences activities involved in giving explanations and
drawing conclusions.
Range statement
The range of contexts for experiments is listed in the contents section. The Access 1
units in Science provide a range of examples of topics and possible experimental
activities.
Evidence
 Proforma and candidate worksheets
 Teacher/lecturer observation checklists
 Candidate records (oral or written)
 Photographs and video of candidate work.
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