Students attending Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Primary Schools in Singapore follow a well-defined Science syllabus.
The learning journey can be divided into a Lower Block (Primary Three and Primary Four) and an Upper Block (Primary Five and Primary Six).
The Upper Block builds upon the foundation established in the Lower Block. The topics are inter-related, anchored by fundamental scientific principles, processes and thinking skills.
In Primary 5 and Primary 6, there is more content and the pace of learning is faster. The student consolidates and expands his scientific knowledge, refines his analytical skills as a scientist, in preparation for the exam at the end of Primary 6.
Here is a simple overview.
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Primary Five |
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Theme: Cycles |
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1. Human reproduction – inheritance of characteristics |
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2. Plant reproduction |
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3. Water cycle (Non-Living) |
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Theme: Systems |
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1. Cells – structure and functions |
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2. Plant transport and gaseous exchange |
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3. Human respiratory and circulatory systems |
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4. Electrical system (Non-Living) |
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Primary Six |
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Theme: Energy |
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1. Sources of energy – photosynthesis, respiration, digestion (Living) |
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2. Forms and uses of energy – KE, GPE, heat, sound, light, electricity, elastic PE, chemical PE – energy conversion |
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Theme: Interactions |
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1. Forces – gravitational, frictional, elastic |
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2. Living together – populations, habitats, communities – living and environmental factors |
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3. Food chains and food webs – producers, consumers, decomposers – preys, predators |
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4. Man’s impact on environment – reduce, reuse, recycle |
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5. Adaptation – structural, behavioral
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With effect from 2017, students are increasingly assessed on their ability to understand and apply scientific concepts, process and thinking skills to realistic scenarios. This is slightly more difficult than simple regurgitation of scientific facts.