Singapore Secondary Science Syllabus (G1, G2, G3)

This syllabus outlines the Science curriculum for the General 1, General 2, and General 3 courses, implemented starting with the 2021 Secondary One Cohort. It aims to provide students with a strong foundation in science, fostering scientific literacy for informed decision-making and responsible actions, while also preparing students for future STEM learning and work. The curriculum emphasizes the three "IN"s: Inspire, Inquire, and Innovate.

Core Ideas, Practices, and Values

The curriculum focuses on Core Ideas of science, Practices of Science (POS), and Values, Ethics, and Attitudes (VEA). Core Ideas are central to science and link different sub-disciplines. POS involves demonstrating scientific thinking, understanding scientific knowledge, and relating science to technology, society, and the environment. VEA emphasizes curiosity, creativity, integrity, objectivity, open-mindedness, resilience, responsibility, and healthy skepticism.

Themes and Topics

The syllabus is organized around five themes:

1. The Scientific Endeavour: This theme introduces the nature of scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, and the impact of scientific applications. It covers topics such as observation, experimentation, analysis, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

2. Diversity: This theme explores the classification and characteristics of living and non-living things. Topics include physical properties of materials, chemical composition, separation techniques, and the importance of sustainable resource use.

3. Models: This theme focuses on using models to represent abstract or invisible phenomena. Topics include the ray model of light, cell models, the particulate nature of matter, atomic models, and their applications in understanding and predicting phenomena.

4. Interactions: This theme examines the relationships between different forms of matter and the transfer of energy. Topics include forces, energy transfer, heat transfer, chemical changes, ecosystem interactions, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

5. Systems: This theme explores how different components within a system interact and function. Topics include electrical systems, the human digestive system, transport systems in living things, the human reproductive system, and the consequences of system disruptions.

Pedagogy

The curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning, with teachers acting as facilitators. Blended learning approaches, integrating in-person and online learning experiences, are encouraged. The use of ICT is promoted for active learning, assessment, and feedback. Authentic contexts, such as sustainability, climate change, healthcare, and emerging technologies, are used to make learning relevant and engaging. STEM learning experiences are designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Assessment

Assessment is integral to the learning process and aims to provide feedback to students, teachers, schools, and parents. Various assessment modes, including written assessments, performance-based assessments (debates, projects, practical work, etc.), are used to evaluate student learning. Assessment tasks often involve real-world contexts to demonstrate the application of scientific knowledge.