PRIMARY 5 SCIENCE CURRICULUM BRIEFING 25 JANUARY 2017
Agenda Department 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
HGS SCIENCE DEPARTMENT VISION To nurture and develop every HGS girl with an inquiring mind for Science
Science Curriculum Framework by MOE
Using Inquiry-Based Learning Approach
Agenda Department 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
What does my child learn in science? How does my child learn science? Why does my child learn science? How is my child assessed in science? How can I (as a parent) support my child in learning science?
Learn basic concepts to understand themselves and things around them Why does my child learn science? Develop skills Cultivate attitudes Have learning experiences which build on interest and stimulate curiosity
What does my child learn in science? Learn basic concepts, develop basic skills, cultivate attitudes Apply concepts and skills in different contexts Ask questions / predict Do simple hands-on activities / observe Explain observations and make connections
What does my child learn in science? 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) Systems Interaction Energy Plant System (Plant parts and functions) Human System (Digestive system) Interaction of forces (Magnets) Energy Forms and Uses (Light and Heat) Note: *Lower Block (Primary 3 and 4); ** Upper Block (Primary 5 and 6). Topics which are underlined are not required for the Foundation Science. Cycles in plants and animals (Reproduction) Cycles in matter and water (Water) Plant System (Respiratory and circulatory systems) Human System (Respiratory and circulatory systems) Cell System Electrical System Interaction of forces (Frictional force, gravitational force, force in springs) Interaction within the environment Energy Forms and Uses (Photosynthesis) Energy Conversion
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? Curiosity Creativity Integrity Objectivity Open-mindedness Perseverance Responsibility
How does my child learn science? Relating to Science In past & present Using both textbooks and workbooks Introduction to concepts Exploring magnets through hands-on experiences Making links between concepts Applying concepts in various contexts
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
How do I keep my drink hot for a longer time? How does this toy work? How can I support my child in learning science? What characteristics does this animal have? How tall has my brother grown? Science in Everyday Life Be curious. Ask questions Why do I need to wear gloves when I hold a hot pot? Why does my ball always fall to the ground? Which materials should I use to make the curtain in my room? Why do I not fall down when walking? How can I conserve energy at home?
How can I support my child in learning science? 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 (3 rd 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 of Education, Singapore. It provide parents, educators and the general public with education news, school features and tips. https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/helping-your-child-toenjoy-science
Agenda Department 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
2017 Holistic Assessment Overview Science (P5) Standard AfL & non-weighted AoL Term 1 Term 2 (SA1) Term 3 Term 4 (SA2) Science Practice Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment 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 Mock Test (50 marks) Practice paper Practice paper Weighted AoL Performance tasks Practical test (10%) 25 marks Mid-year Assessment SA1 SA1 (30%) 100 marks End-of-year Assessment SA2 SA2 (60%) 100 marks Total Weighting 0% 30% 10% 60%
2017 Holistic Assessment Overview Science (P5) Foundation AfL & non-weighted AoL Term 1 Term 2 (SA1) Term 3 Term 4 (SA2) Science Practice Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment checklist Science Journal Activity Book Mastery worksheets Topical worksheets Review worksheets Topical selfassessment 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 Mock Test (50 marks) Practice paper Practice paper Weighted AoL Performance tasks Mid-year Assessment SA1 SA1 (30%) 70 marks End-of-year Assessment SA2 Practical test, 25 marks (no weightage) SA2 (70%) 70 marks Total Weighting 0% 30% 0% 70%
Formative Assessment includes : 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
2017 PSLE Science Examination Format 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 12-13 2,3,4,5 44 (44%) TOTAL 40-41 100 Duration of paper 1h 45 min (100%)
2017 PSLE Foundation Science Examination Format Booklet Item Type No of Qns A B Multiplechoice (3-Option) Structured Open-ended No of Marks per question Marks (Weighting in %) 18 2 36 6-7 5-6 2,3 2,3,4 (51.4%) 14 (20%) 20 (28.6%) TOTAL 29-31 70 Duration of paper 1h 15 min (100%)
Agenda Department 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
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)
School s Support in our Pupils Learning 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 of magazine and self-directed learning through the activities in Young 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) Drama in Science Co-operative strategies Use of ICT Use of APRICOT to assess pupils learning
School s Support in our Pupils Learning Use of strategies (in answering MCQ and OE) Explicit teaching of skills to use when answering open ended questions (Reference : PSLE Guide (3 rd Ed) Pgs 264-307 for more details) Keywords What should you do? Skill(s) tested Classify Draw State Explain Find out the characteristics of the objects given. Arrange the items in groups according to similar characteristics that they share. Draw clearly. Make sure the lines are clean and not messy. Answer the question directly and briefly. Need not explain. Require a more elaborate answer giving the reason and the explanation. Classifying Communicating Analysing 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 14 OE Average Time spent for each Question Total Time spent (approx. 45 mins) 44 marks 2/3/4/5 marks 12-13 qns x 3 min (avg) 39-45 min (Extra time to be spent on revisiting difficult qns/checking)
School s Support in our Pupils Learning Educate our pupils in time management. Good Time Management is important! For Foundation Science : (1hr 15 min) BOOKLET A 18 MCQ Average Time spent for each Question Total Time spent (approx. 36 min) 36 marks 2 marks each 18 qns x 2 min (avg) 36 min BOOKLET B 6-7 Structured 5-6 OE Average Time spent for each Question Total Time spent (38 mins) 14 marks 20 marks Structured (2/3 marks) OE (2/3/4 marks) 7 qns x 2 min (avg) = 14 6 qns x 4 min (avg) = 24 38 min (Extra time to be spent on revisiting difficult qns/checking)