Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
5th Year Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change
A comprehensive exploration of the building blocks of the universe and the principles governing chemical transformations. Students investigate atomic theory, quantitative relationships in reactions, and the energetic drivers of chemical change through rigorous laboratory practice.
01Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Investigating the evolution of atomic models and the arrangement of elements based on electronic configurations.
Introduce the concept of matter as anything that has mass and takes up space. Explore different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) through observation.
Investigate the observable properties of various solids, such as shape, hardness, texture, and whether they can be bent or broken.
Explore the characteristics of liquids, focusing on how they take the shape of their container, can be poured, and have a definite volume.
Discover that gases are invisible but take up space, can be compressed, and spread out to fill any container.
Observe and describe how solids can melt into liquids and liquids can freeze into solids, focusing on water as an example.
Explore how liquids can turn into gases (evaporation) and gases can turn back into liquids (condensation), using the water cycle as a context.
Introduce the concept of mixtures where different materials are combined but keep their individual properties and can often be separated.
Investigate simple methods for separating mixtures, such as sieving, filtering, and magnetism, based on the properties of the components.
Explore solutions as special mixtures where one substance dissolves completely into another, often water, becoming invisible.
Investigate the concept of solubility, understanding that there's a limit to how much solute can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature.
Classify common materials as natural (e.g., wood, rock, cotton) or man-made (e.g., plastic, glass, paper) and discuss their origins.
Explore and compare the physical properties of common materials like wood, metal, plastic, and fabric (e.g., strength, flexibility, absorbency).
Discuss the importance of recycling and reusing materials to conserve resources and protect the environment, identifying common recyclable items.
02Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
Analyzing the forces that hold matter together and how 3D shape influences physical properties.
Introduce the idea that new substances can be formed when materials react, observing simple chemical changes like baking soda and vinegar.
Identify common indicators of a chemical change, such as gas production (bubbles), color change, temperature change, or light production.
Differentiate between physical changes (e.g., tearing paper, melting ice) where the substance remains the same, and chemical changes where new substances form.
Introduce the concept of acids and bases using common household examples (e.g., lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda) and simple indicators.
Observe what happens when an acid and a base are mixed, demonstrating a simple neutralization reaction using indicators.
Explore combustion as a chemical reaction that produces heat and light, discussing the need for fuel and oxygen (with safety precautions).
Investigate rusting as a slow chemical reaction involving iron, oxygen, and water, and discuss ways to prevent it.
Explore chemical changes that occur during cooking and baking, such as eggs changing when heated or dough rising.
Discuss how different cleaning products work by dissolving dirt or reacting with stains, focusing on safe use.
Focus on water's unique ability to dissolve many substances, making it essential for life and many everyday processes.
Understand that air is a mixture of different gases (primarily nitrogen and oxygen) and explore its properties.
Discuss common sources of air and water pollution and simple ways we can help reduce them.
Learn and practice essential safety rules for conducting simple science experiments, including handling materials and cleaning up.
03Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept
Quantifying chemical reactions through the use of the mole and balanced equations.
Develop skills in observing and describing materials using senses (sight, touch, smell) and simple tools (magnifying glass).
Practice classifying materials based on observable properties like color, texture, hardness, and whether they float or sink.
Learn to make simple predictions about what might happen in an experiment based on prior knowledge or observations.
Follow simple instructions to conduct experiments, focusing on fair testing and collecting observable results.
Practice recording observations and results using drawings, simple charts, and verbal descriptions, and sharing findings with others.
Introduce basic measurement of liquid volume using non-standard units (e.g., cups, spoons) and simple graduated containers.
Explore the concept of mass and use simple balances to compare the mass of different objects.
Introduce the concept of temperature and use thermometers to measure and compare the temperature of different substances.
Revisit the water cycle, focusing on the roles of evaporation and condensation in moving water around our planet.
Investigate the different components of soil (sand, silt, clay, organic matter) and how they affect its properties.
Learn about composting as a natural process of decomposition that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Differentiate between renewable (e.g., sun, wind, water) and non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels) energy and material resources.
Explore different types of plastics, their properties, and the challenges and benefits of their widespread use.
Apply knowledge of material properties to design and create an object for a specific purpose, considering suitability and sustainability.