P3 & 4 Science
Parents’ Briefing 2012
Overview
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Learning outcomes
Topics
Assessment
Pedagogy
School Programmes
Doing well in Science
Nurture your child to be a/an
• Inquirer: One who questions, investigates
and explores
• Thinker: One who thinks critically, creatively
and reflectively
• Ambassador: One who cares for the
environment and spreads the message of
conservation
P3 & 4 Science Topics
P3
topics
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Living and
Non-living
things
Diversity of
Materials
Cycles in
plants and
animals
(Life cycles)
Diversity of
Living things
P4
topics
Matter
Term 4
Plant system
(Plant parts
and
functions)
Human system
(Digestive
System)
Magnets
Heat &
Temperature
Light
Components of lessons
1) Theory – Concept teaching
2) Hands-on : Practical Sessions in the science
laboratory
3) Inquiry-based Worksheets
4) Topical Revision Papers (MCQ & Open-Ended
Questions)
4) Process Skills booklet
5) Higher Order Thinking Skills Worksheets (HOTS)
P3 & 4 School-based Assessments
Term 1
Term 2
Performance SA1
-based Task
Term 3
Practical test
10% of SA2
Revision Paper
Term 4
SA2
(90%)
Process/Thinking skills
Examples of Process Skills
Observing
Lower-order Thinking Skills
Comparing
Classifying
Practical (Hands-on) Skill
Measuring and using apparatus
Higher-order Thinking Skills
Communicating
Analyzing
Generating
Evaluating
Integrated Processes
Higher-order Thinking Skills
Creative Problem Solving
Decision Making
Investigation
Pedagogy – Teach for Understanding
• 5E Learning Cycle
Engage
Explore
Explain
Elaborate
Evaluate
Pedagogy – Teach for Understanding
Engage
Teachers present a discrepant event or conducting
some other short activity that promotes curiosity and
engages the pupils.
Explore
Pupils work in collaborative groups to generate ideas.
Explain
Pupils can present their ideas and theories through
presentations. Teacher guides the pupils to a deeper
understanding of the concept.
Elaborate
Pupils will conduct other activities to build on the
concept that has already been explained.
Evaluate
Both the pupils and the teacher assess on how well
the concept has been understood or whether the
learning outcomes have been met.
Pedagogy-Teach for Understanding
• Concept maps
• Concept Cartoons
• Hands-on activities
(Predict-Observe-Explain)
Science Practical Tests
• Science Practical Test is a test to assess the
student's understanding of science concepts
and mastery of basic process skills and
integrated processes through practical work.
P3 & 4 Science Practical Test
• 10 marks of SA2
• 3 questions
• Test on process skills of observing,
comparing, classification and using
apparatus and equipment
Science activities planned for 2012
• Learning Journeys
- Learning Trail at Zoo (P3)
- Wireless Trail at Horticultural Park (P4)
• Hydroponics Programme (P4)
• National Geographic Magazine Subscriptions
• Fun with Science Day
How to do well in Science?
1. Knowledge
How much do I know about the topic? Do I read
and find out more about the topic?
2. Understanding
Am I able to explain the concept clearly to others?
Am I able to apply the concept to new situations?
How to do well in Science?
3. Answering techniques during exams
Do I phrase my answers using scientific
concepts?
How do I use my thinking/process skills to answer
the question?
4. Concept maps
Am I able to come up with a comprehensive
concept map on a topic?
What are my misconceptions?
What can we do at home?
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Engage in discussion – TALK, WRITE
Encourage questioning and researching
Experiment !
Mastery of content
Approach questions in a scientific
manner
• Think Science!
Daily experiences
Situations
Ask
After a rain…..
Where did the puddle of water
go?
When taking out an apple Where did the water droplets on
the apple come from?
from the refrigerator…
When purchasing
vegetables…..
Which vegetables are fruits?
Which are leaves?
Which are stems?
Websites & Resources
• http://www.sciberdiver.edu.sg
• Science Magazines Subscription –
National Geographic Explorer, Wildlife
Wonder, The Singapore Scientist, Young
Scientist
• Science Guide Books - Mini Guide Books by
Science Centre, Mini Science Encyclopaedia
• SCV Discovery Channel, National
Geographic, Animal Planet
Contacts:
Level Head (Science)
Ms Ong Shir Ling
ong_shir_ling@moe.edu.sg
Senior Teacher
Mrs Jenny Yeo
chan_peck_yoke_jenny@moe.edu.sg