Primary 4 Subject Briefing 2016

Science

An Overview of the 2014 Primary Science Syllabus

Themes Topics to be covered in Primary 3 & 4

Diversity • Diversity of Living & Non-living things

• Diversity of Materials

Systems • Plant System

• Human System

Interactions • Interactions of Forces (Magnets)

Cycles • Cycles in Plants and Animals

• Cycles in Matter and Water

Energy • Energy Forms and Uses (Light and Heat)

P4 Science

Changes in the

2014 Primary Science Syllabus

Themes Topics covered in Primary 3 (2015)

Diversity • Classification: Living & non-living things

• Plants

• Animals

• Fungi and bacteria

• Exploring materials

Systems • Your amazing body as a system

• Plants and their parts

Interactions • Magnets and their characteristics

• Making magnets

P4 ScienceTextbooks & Workbooks: My Pals Are Here! Science 3 & 4

Time Frame Theme Topic

Term 1 EnergyCycles

• Light and shadows• Matter

Term 2 Energy • Heat & Temperature

Term 3 Cycles (Upper Block)

• Water and the changes of state

• The water cycle

Term 4 Cycles • The cycles of some animals

• Life cycles of plants

Sequence of Topics to be Covered in P4 (2016)

Skills and Processes Required at P4 Level

Skills

• Observing

• Comparing

• Classifying

• Using apparatus and equipment

• Communicating

• Inferring

• Predicting

• Analysing

• Generating possibilities

• Formulating hypothesis

P4 Science

Skills and Processes Required at P4 Level

Processes

• Creative Problem Solving

• Decision Making

• Investigation

P4 Science

Attitude Coverage

1) Curiosity

2) Creativity

3) Integrity

4) Objectivity

5) Open-mindedness

6) Perseverance

7) Responsibility

P4 Science

Science as an Inquiry

1. Question - Learner engages in scientific questions

2. Evidence - Learner collects data in response to questions

3. Explanation - Learner formulates explanations from evidence

4. Connection - Learner connects explanations to scientific knowledge

5. Communication - Learner communicates and justifies explanations

P4 Science

Components of Lessons1) Theory – Concept teaching

2) Hands-on : Practical sessions in the Science Laboratory

3) Topical Spelling (based on the Science Spelling list

for the respective level)

4) Discussions on Common Misconceptions

5) Topical Supplementary Worksheets (comprises of MCQ

and Open-Ended Questions)

6) Vitamindz Booklets

7) CA/SA Practice Papers

P4 Science

Written Assignments

1) Science Workbooks (Energy, Cycles – lower & upper

blocks)

2) Topical Spelling Worksheets

– contextualised to aid understanding

3) Topical Supplementary Worksheets

4) Misconception Assessment Probes

5) Vitamindz Booklets

6) CA/SA Practice Papers

NOTE : Worksheets and workbooks will be returned for parents’

checking and signature upon completion of each topic.

To be filed

in the

Science File

P4 Science

Enrichment Activities

• River Monster Programme (Term 3)

(More details will be provided at a later date)

• Sony Creative Science Award (Optional)

The main objective of this competition is to

promote creativity among the primary

students. (More details will be provided at a

later date)

P4 Science

Young Scientists Programme (Optional)

• To stimulate interest in Science activities, enable students

to carry out self-directed activities and provide

opportunities for students to develop initiative and

creativity.

• Recommended Young Scientists Card ($2.50 each)

• Young Botanist

• Young Ecologist

• Young Geneticist

• Young Ornithologist

• Young Entomologist

• Young Environmentalist

• Young Water Ambassador

P4 Science

P4 Science

Assessment – Primary 4

Term 1 – Daily worksheets & Performance-based

assessment

Term 2 – SA1

Term 3 – CA2 & practical test

Term 4 – SA2

Total assessment component – 100%

CA 1 SA 1 CA 2 SA 2

10% 20% 20% 50%

SA1 and SA2

Items Number of

Questions

Marks

Multiple-choice 30 60

Open-ended 14 40

Total 44 100

P4 Science

Note: P3 topics will be included in CA2, SA1 & SA2

TIPS to be better prepared for the subject

1) Do KEEP the Primary Three & Four Science Textbooks,

Science file(s) and Workbooks as reference.

2) Revise topics learnt in P3 as these will be included in

the CA2, SA1 & SA2.

3) Refer to the Spelling List in the preparation for the

Science Spelling Test conscientiously.

4) Avoid ROTE memorising of the subject.

Be curious, inquisitive and persevere in the

learning of science.

P4 Science

How can you help to bridge the gap between home and

school to motivate your child in the learning of Science

1) Stimulate your child to make use of all senses in discovering

the surrounding world.

2) Train your child to look carefully and to see beyond the surface

appearance of the environment.

3) Encourage them to find answers to questions by patient

observation and through the use of references and making

scientific connection between concepts and observations.

4) Ask them to manipulate and learn about familiar objects e.g.

discarded appliances, old doorbells, dripping faucet etc.

P4 Science

How can you help to bridge the gap between home and

school to motivate your child in the learning of Science

5) Include your child as observer when making household repairs

or domestic equipment

6) Consider subscription to a scientific magazine, a general

science kit, aquarium or terrarium, a biography of an inventor

7) Help to reinforce your child’s formal science training by

working with your child on simple family projects e.g. caring

for pet , preparing a potted garden etc.

8) Listen with interest, encourage and ask questions, be

generous with praise, enthusiasm and sympathy.

P4 Science

Available Supplementary Reading Materials

• Science Supplementary Reading Materials :

• The Young Scientists Magazine

• Science Adventure Magazines

• Science Spy Magazines

• National Geographic Explorer

The school will arrange the subscription drives in

Jan/Feb. More details will be provided at a later date.

P4 Science

Useful Website

SciberDiver

http://sciberdiver.wikispaces.com/

• SciberDiver is a web portal containing a repository of

the best science websites, specially selected to

closely match the learning objectives in the Primary

and Lower Secondary Science syllabuses in

Singapore schools.

• The range of e-resources includes simulations, text,

images, videos, games, quizzes.

P4 Science

Thank You