PRIMARY 4SCIENCE CURRICULUM BRIEFING

2 February 2017

AgendaDepartment vision

MOE Science Curriculum

Use of Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

Supporting Science Teaching & Learning

Why does my child learn Science?

• What does my child learn in science?

• How does my child learn science?

• How is my child assessed in science?

• How can I support my child in learning science?

Holistic Assessment Overview

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning

Q&A

To nurture and develop every HGS girl with an inquiring mind for Science

HGS SCIENCE DEPARTMENT VISION

Science Curriculum Framework by MOE

Using Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

What does my child learn in science? How does my child learn science?

How is my child assessed in science? How can I (as a parent) support my child in learning science?

Why does my child learn science?

Why does my child learn science?

Have learning experiences

which build on interest and stimulate curiosity

Learn basic conceptsto understand themselves and things around them

Develop skills Cultivate attitudes

What does my child learn in science?

• Learn basic concepts, develop basic skills, cultivateattitudes

• Apply concepts and skills in different contexts

Ask questions / predict Do simple hands-on activities / observe Explain observations and make connections

Themes * Lower Block (P3-P4) ** Upper Block (P5-P6)

Diversity Diversity of living and non-living things

(General characteristics and classification)

Diversity of materials

Cycles Cycles in plants and animals (Life cycles)

Cycles in matter and water (Matter)

Cycles in plants and animals (Reproduction)

Cycles in matter and water (Water)

Systems Plant System

(Plant parts and functions)

Human System

(Digestive system)

Plant System

(Respiratory and circulatory systems)

Human System

(Respiratory and circulatory systems)

Cell System

Electrical System

Interaction Interaction of forces

(Magnets)

Interaction of forces

(Frictional force, gravitational force, force in

springs)

Interaction within the environment

Energy Energy Forms and Uses

(Light and Heat)

Energy Forms and Uses (Photosynthesis)

Energy Conversion

Note:

•*Lower Block (Primary 3 and 4); ** Upper Block (Primary 5 and 6).

•Topics which are underlined are not required for the Foundation Science .

What does my child learn in science?

Engaging with an

event, phenomenon

or problem through:

Collecting and

presenting

evidence

through:

Reasoning;

Making meaning of

information and

evidence through:

Skills

Formulating hypothesis

Generating possibilities

Predicting

Observing Using apparatus

and equipment

Comparing Classifying Inferring Analysing Evaluating

Communicating

Processes Creative problem-solving, Investigation and Decision-making

What does my child learn in science?

What does my child learn in science?

• Curiosity

• Creativity

• Integrity

• Objectivity

• Open-mindedness

• Perseverance

• Responsibility

Introduction to concepts Exploring magnets through

hands-on experiences

Applying concepts in various contexts

Relating to Science

In past & present

Making links

between concepts

How does my child learn science?

Using both textbooks and workbooks

How is my child assessed in science?

• Conceptual understanding and application of concepts and skills

Students can explain their understanding of concepts in their own words

Concepts which are correct in the context of the questions will be carefully evaluated and awarded marks

Science in Everyday LifeBe curious . Ask questions

Why do I need to wear gloves when I hold a hot pot?

How does this toy work?

How can I conserve energy at home?

How do I keep my drink hot for a longer time?

What characteristics does this animal have?

Why do I not fall down when walking?

Why does my ball always fall to the ground?

How can I support my child in learning science?

Which materials shouldI use to make the curtain in my room?

How tall has my brother grown?

Check your child’s handbook to assist in monitoring homework / correction / signing of returned work

Stimulate your child’s interest in Science NOT just by doing a lot of assessment books / other school papers. There are interesting shows on OKTO, TV channels (eg National Geographic, Discovery Science), interesting news articles, games, toys or self-discovery through experiments that allow them to learn Science in a more engaging manner.

There are online work assignments / research given at times, support your child’s online learning (with supervision).

How can I support my child in learning science?

Reference book - Science PSLE Revision Guide (3rd

Edition) with useful notes and tips.

Useful links in HGS website for parents / students

How can I support my child in learning science?

Useful links for parents https://www.schoolbag.sg

• Schoolbag.sg is an online publication by the Ministry ofEducation, Singapore. It provide parents, educators andthe general public with education news, school featuresand tips.

• https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/helping-your-child-to-enjoy-science

How can I support my child in learning science?

2017 Holistic Assessment Overview Science (P6)- (STANDARD & FOUNDATION)

AfL & non-weighted AoL Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Science Practice Science Journal Workbook Process Skills

worksheets Mastery worksheets Topical self-

assessment checklist

Science Journal Workbook Process Skills

worksheets Mastery worksheets Topical self-

assessment checklist

Science Journal Workbook Process Skills

worksheets Mastery worksheets Topical self-

assessment checklist

Science Journal Workbook Process Skills

worksheets Mastery worksheets Topical self-

assessment checklist

Performance task / Practical Practical work - Use of scientific skills / process skills & scientific instruments and apparatus to conduct simple tasks / experiments.

Practical work - Use of scientific skills / process skills & scientific instruments and apparatus to conduct simple tasks / experiments.

Practical work - Use of scientific skills / process skills & scientific instruments and apparatus to conduct simple tasks / experiments.

Practical work - Use of scientific skills / process skills & scientific instruments and apparatus to conduct simple tasks / experiments.

Review Exercise Practice papers Practice papers

Assessment(Total Weighting)

SA1 (30%) Practical Test (10%) SA2 (60%)

• Concept Maps

• Classroom Questioning

• APRICOT (use of whiteboard)

• 4-in-1 Formative Assessment Student (FAST)-kit

• Teacher’s observation and marking

• Reflection

• Science Journal

• Worksheets and activity books

• Mconline assignments

• Science Practical / Hands-on Experiments

Formative Assessment includes :

Booklet Item

Type

No of

questions

No of

marks per

question

Marks(Weighting in %)

A Multiple

choice

(4-Option)

28 2 56

(56%)

B Open-ended 10-13 2,3,4 44

(44%)

TOTAL 38-41 100

(100%)

Duration of paper – 1h 45 min

2017 P4 Science Examination Format

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning School laboratories 1 & 2

Resources for hands-on activities (dataloggers, science kits)

Outdoor learning environment / Learning Journeys

Use of ICT (multimedia / mconline / virtual experiments)

Talent Development Programme, D3T2 Science (P4, 5 and 6)

Remedial/Stretch programmes / 1 to 1 consultation

(Wed / Thurs)

Science Games @ Recess (Every Friday during both recesses outside the canteen. Announcement will be made.)

Science magazines available for browsing in school library and books for loan for enrichment.

Encourage pupils to participate in ICAS Science, subscription ofmagazine and self-directed learning through the activities inYoung Scientist Cards.

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning

Use of innovative pedagogies to engage our pupils (Knowledge building, Knowledge Forum, Drama in Science, Assessment for Learning strategies)

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning

Drama in Science

Co-operative strategies

Use of APRICOT to assess pupils’ learningUse of ICT

Use of strategies (in answering MCQ and OE)

Explicit teaching of skills to use when answering

open ended questions

(Reference : PSLE Guide (3rd Ed) Pgs 264-307 for more details)

Keywords What should you do? Skill(s) tested

Classify Find out the characteristics of the objects given.

Arrange the items in groups according to similar

characteristics that they share.

Classifying

Draw Draw clearly. Make sure the lines are clean and not

messy.

Communicating

State Answer the question directly and briefly. Need not

explain.

Analysing

Explain Require a more elaborate answer giving the reason

and the explanation.

Generating

possibilities

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning

Educate our pupils in time management. Good Time Management is important!For Standard Science : (1h 45 min)

BOOKLET A 28 MCQ Average Time spent for each Question

Total Time spent(approx. 1 hr)

56 marks 2 marks each 28 qns x 2 min (avg) 56 - 60 min

BOOKLET B 10-13 OE Average Time spent for each Question

Total Time spent(approx. 45 mins)

44 marks 2/3/4 marks 10-13 qns x 3 min (avg) 30 - 40 min

(Extra time to be spent on revisiting difficult

qns/checking)

School’s Support in our Pupils’ Learning

Thank you