Why study Science in the Environment?

Science is an important part of our everyday lives at work, at home, in learning and in leisure. Through science, we develop a curiosity and awareness of our environment and recognise the impact science makes on ourselves, on others and on everyday life.

This course will enable you to develop the confidence and ability to tackle everyday situations involving science. You will use your knowledge of science, equipment, tools and materials to make scientifically informed choices in a range of personal and social situations.

What do I need to get in?

The school or college will decide on the entry requirements for the course.

What will I study?

This course aims to develop skills in: recognising the use and value of science in the environment, and how it affects everyday life; using and understanding scientific literacy in everyday contexts; and using, tools, equipment and materials safely in practical scientific and environmental activities.

The course has two mandatory units and two optional units. 

Mandatory Units

Science in the Environment: Exploring Everyday Materials (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• explore the properties of different materials
• look at the changes made to these different materials using heat, force, and contact with other materials.

Science in the Environment: Living Things (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• develop an awareness and knowledge of living things
• explore the diversity of living things and the dependence between them
• develop an awareness of yourself as living being by finding out about the main parts of the human body and factors that affect your health and wellbeing
• begin to develop your scientific literacy by exploring living things through practical activities.

Optional Units (choose one)

Science in the Environment: Keeping our Planet Healthy (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• explore the environment and the impact humans have on the planet
• use everyday resources to test this impact.

Science in the Environment: Forces (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• explore different types of forces
• look into the effect these forces have on different objects
• examine the size and direction of the forces.

How will I be assessed?

You will be given practical work and other tasks to do when your teacher thinks you are ready. Your finished work should be kept in a folder. This is the record you keep of what you have done and how well you are doing.

If you do not pass a task first time you will be able to try again after more practice and help or advice from your teacher.

Your teacher will tell you how you are getting on. You will get the pass marked on your certificate.

You must pass all the required units to get the qualification. 

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• National 3 Environmental Science

Further study, training or employment in:

• Animals, Land and Environment
• Science and Mathematics

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - (National 2)