Science topics - Different school, different topics. Why?

[mwchua]

Actually for me, I just find it curious that why the syllabus order can be standardized for other subjects, but not for Science?


For example, for Maths, even though there are so many sub-topics, usually all schools will cover the same topics in P3 Term 1 Term 2 etc and also for other levels. This makes buying of assessment books and doing past year other schools' test papers much easier.

Just my small grievance :imsorry:

[SAHM_TAN]

mwchua:

Actually for me, I just find it curious that why the syllabus order can be standardized for other subjects, but not for Science?


For example, for Maths, even though there are so many sub-topics, usually all schools will cover the same topics in P3 Term 1 Term 2 etc and also for other levels. This makes buying of assessment books and doing past year other schools' test papers much easier.

Just my small grievance :imsorry:

I think for maths the topics are easier to sequence. For example, learn addition within 10 before going on to 20. But science perhaps more room to customise based on situation bah.

I think it's based on preference and views bah rather than right or wrong. Depending on individual circumstances bah, for those whose child has tuition or revise using past year papers, the preference would be standardisation bah. Those who don't or not bothered will not care how the syllabus is taught as long as the child understand.

[phtthp]

is it true that there is a jump in difficulty of Science concepts -

from P3 Science to P4 Science ?

[sembgal]

If parents really want their child to score in Science, at least Band 1 85 marks and above, it’s possible! Go through the Science text books with your child, explain on the concept parts that you child needs clarification before allowing your child to practise as many past year exam papers as possible. Any mistakes made, must go through with the child and let the child understand why the child made that mistake. With lots of exam paper practice, your child can score in Science.

[TheAnswer]

phtthp:

is it true that there is a jump in difficulty of Science concepts -

from P3 Science to P4 Science ?

From P3 Science to P4 Science, there is a slight jump in difficulty. P3 Science is more of memorizing while P4 Science is a mixture of memorizing and application.

[SAHM_TAN]

sembgal:

If parents really want their child to score in Science, at least Band 1 85 marks and above, it's possible! Go through the Science text books with your child, explain on the concept parts that you child needs clarification before allowing your child to practise as many past year exam papers as possible. Any mistakes made, must go through with the child and let the child understand why the child made that mistake. With lots of exam paper practice, your child can score in Science.

Agreed. Misconceptions need to be cleared. For example simple ones like spider is not an insect, batteries do not store electricity, the definition of terms like reproduction and live births etc.

[phtthp]

SAHM_TAN:

Agreed. Misconceptions need to be cleared. For example simple ones like spider is not an insect, batteries do not store electricity, the definition of terms like reproduction and live births etc.

is there any P3 / P4 Science book on clearing Misconceptions, like why spider not an insect, etc ?

[SAHM_TAN]

phtthp:

SAHM_TAN:

Agreed. Misconceptions need to be cleared. For example simple ones like spider is not an insect, batteries do not store electricity, the definition of terms like reproduction and live births etc.

is there any P3 / P4 Science book on clearing Misconceptions, like why spider not an insect, etc ?

I can't remember the title right now, someone posted the title of the guide bk that has a list of misconceptions in the science guide thread. I know some schools will have science briefing in P3 and address such misconceptions too.

[sembgal]

phtthp:

SAHM_TAN:

Agreed. Misconceptions need to be cleared. For example simple ones like spider is not an insect, batteries do not store electricity, the definition of terms like reproduction and live births etc.

is there any P3 / P4 Science book on clearing Misconceptions, like why spider not an insect, etc ?

Spider has two body parts and eight legs. An insect has three body parts and six legs found on thorax. Spider is not classified as an insect. P3 students must know this fact for exam purpose.

[Champion]

SAHM_TAN:

I can't remember the title right now, someone posted the title of the guide bk that has a list of misconceptions in the science guide thread. I know some schools will have science briefing in P3 and address such misconceptions too.

Am not too sure about the lower primary but for upper primary:-
\tACE Publications
Pr 5 Science Misconceptions (Systems)\t\t
\tPr 5 Science Misconceptions (Cycles)\t\t
\tPr 6 Science Misconceptions (Interactions)\t\t
\tPr 6 Science Misconceptions (Energy)