Investigative Study Guide (Leaving Cert Agricultural Science): Revision Notes
Investigative Study Guide
The Individual Investigative Study (IIS) is a crucial component of your Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science course, representing a significant portion of your overall assessment. This guide will help you understand what's required and how to approach this important project successfully.
What is the Individual Investigative Study?
The IIS is a research-based project that allows you to explore a specific agricultural topic in depth. In early September of your 5th year, the Department of Education and Science releases the official title for the IIS. Your teacher will inform you about this, and you can also find the information on the DES website.
The IIS title is always released in early September of 5th year by the Department of Education and Science. Make sure to check with your teacher or the DES website for the official announcement.
This research project gives you the opportunity to investigate a real agricultural issue by combining theoretical knowledge with practical investigation. It's designed to develop your research skills, scientific thinking, and understanding of agricultural enterprises.
Understanding the research topic
For students sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2024, the research topic focuses on agricultural sustainability and innovation. You'll be provided with relevant articles and resources to help you get started with your research. These materials serve as a foundation for understanding the broader context of your chosen investigation.
The key is to use these resources as a starting point rather than relying on them exclusively. They'll help you identify potential areas of focus and understand the current issues in the field.
Essential steps for completing your IIS
Successfully completing your Individual Investigative Study requires following a structured approach. Here are the key steps you need to take:
Choose your focus
Select a specific agricultural enterprise and identify a topic that's relevant to both that enterprise and the overall theme. Your choice should be practical and allow for meaningful investigation. Consider enterprises that you can access easily or have some familiarity with, as this will make your research more manageable.
Develop your research question
Create a clear, focused research question that relates directly to your chosen theme. Your question should be specific enough to investigate thoroughly but broad enough to allow for comprehensive exploration. A good research question will guide your entire investigation and help you stay focused throughout the process.
Your research question is the foundation of your entire IIS. Take time to refine it - it should be specific enough to investigate thoroughly but broad enough to allow for comprehensive exploration.
Conduct initial research
Begin by reading the articles provided in the coursework brief, along with any other relevant materials you can find. This might include academic papers, industry reports, online resources, or educational videos. Remember to keep detailed records of all sources you consult, as proper referencing is essential for your final report.
Always document where you found your information, whether it's from television programmes, articles, websites, or other media. This creates a solid foundation for your bibliography and demonstrates the breadth of your research.
Investigate through experimentation
This is where your investigation becomes hands-on. Design and carry out one or more experiments related to your research question. You might also supplement these experiments with other investigative activities such as surveys, case studies, or observational research.
Example Investigation Approach:
Step 1: Develop specific hypotheses based on your initial research Step 2: Test these hypotheses systematically using controlled experiments Step 3: Gather evidence to support or refute your hypotheses Step 4: Draw clear conclusions based on the evidence collected Step 5: Show how your findings relate to your original research question
Your experimental work should involve developing specific hypotheses based on your initial research. Test these hypotheses systematically and gather evidence to support or refute them. Draw clear conclusions based on the evidence you've collected, showing how your findings relate to your original research question.
Document your work
Present all your research, experiments, and findings in the digital coursework booklet. This final documentation should be comprehensive, well-organised, and clearly written. Include all your research notes, experimental data, analysis, and conclusions in a logical sequence.
Important considerations for success
Start early and maintain records
It's crucial to begin your IIS work as early as possible. Consider using the summer holidays in 5th year to start practical activities like growing crops or weighing animals. Keep meticulous records of everything you do, including articles you read, experiments you conduct, and data you collect. This documentation will be invaluable when preparing your final report.
Time Management Warning: Don't underestimate the time required for this project. The IIS is worth 25% of your overall Agricultural Science result, making it a significant component of your final grade. Rushing through the work will likely result in lower quality and reduced marks.
Plan your time effectively
Don't underestimate the time required for this project. The IIS is worth 25% of your overall Agricultural Science result, making it a significant component of your final grade. Rushing through the work will likely result in a lower quality submission and reduced marks.
Focus on quality over quantity
Rather than trying to cover too many aspects superficially, focus on doing fewer things really well. A thorough investigation of a specific aspect will generally score better than a broad but shallow coverage of multiple topics.
Exam tips
Success Strategies for Your IIS:
- Choose a topic that genuinely interests you, as you'll be working on it for an extended period
- Ensure you have access to the resources needed for your investigation
- Keep a research diary throughout the process to track your progress and thoughts
- Seek guidance from your teacher regularly, especially when developing your research question and experimental design
- Pay attention to proper scientific methodology in your experiments
- Don't forget to include proper citations and references for all your sources
Key Points to Remember:
- The IIS title is released in early September of 5th year by the Department of Education and Science
- This project is worth 25% of your overall Agricultural Science grade, so invest appropriate time and effort
- Success requires choosing a specific agricultural enterprise and developing a focused research question
- Keep detailed records of all research, experiments, and data throughout the process
- Your investigation should combine background research with hands-on experimental work
- The final documentation must be completed in the digital coursework booklet with proper referencing