Slovenia 3rd Grade Curriculum - Natural Science

Environmental Studies

The 3rd grade curriculum for Environmental Studies in Slovenia covers a range of topics encompassing both natural and social sciences. The aim is to equip students with basic knowledge about the world and develop essential competencies for lifelong learning. The curriculum utilizes e-learning materials designed to encourage active student participation through experiments and interactive exercises.

Key Competencies:

The curriculum focuses on developing key competencies including:

• Communication in the mother tongue
• Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology
• Digital competence
• Learning to learn
• Social and civic competences
• Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship
• Cultural awareness and expression

Generic Competencies (with a focus on Natural Sciences):

E-learning materials are designed to further develop generic competencies such as:

1. Ability to collect information (from web pages) 2. Ability to analyze literature and organize information 3. Ability of interpretation (especially of animations and films of experiments) 4. Ability of drawing conclusions 5. Ability to learn and solve problems 6. Transfer of theory into practice 7. Ability of individual work and organization and planning activities 8. Using mathematical ideas and techniques 9. Adaptability to new situations 10. Care for quality 11. Ability of individual and team work 12. Verbal and writing communication 13. Inter-personal interaction 14. Safe operation

Topics Covered:

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics grouped into broader themes:

• Who We Are and What We Are Doing: Focuses on the importance of school, knowledge, work, leisure, and money.
• Me and You, You and Us: Emphasizes cooperation, tolerance, help, and solidarity.
• Where We Are Living: Introduces local institutions and neighboring countries.
• Slovenia, My Country: Provides fundamental information about Slovenia.
• Celebration: Teaches about personal celebrations, holidays, and other important days.
• Once Upon a Time: Explores history, culture, customs, and traditions.
• Me and the Nature/Man and Nature: Explains the relationship between humans and the environment, including the importance of water, pollution, and the effects of smoking.
• Illnesses/Protection Against Illnesses: Covers symptoms of illnesses, doctor's prescriptions, personal hygiene, and microbes.
• What I Am Able To Do: Focuses on practical skills like sewing, using tools, and garbage collection.
• Things Change: Observes changes in materials due to exposure to air, water, and light.
• Natural Science Topics: Includes specific topics related to physics such as:
• Air (properties and importance of oxygen)
• Movement (influence of forces)
• Light (importance of illumination and sun safety)
• Sky (movement of the sun, night sky, Polaris)
• Weather (rain, thunder, snow, wind, temperature)
• Sound (properties and generation)
• Time (relationships between time units, measurement)
• Looking Around (waste and waste treatment)
• Traffic (types and influence on people)
• Transmission of Data and Information (communication devices)
• Data Storage (magnetic, optical, and electronic media)
• Things and Its Parts (components of appliances)

E-learning Materials:

E-learning materials are utilized to present these topics through various multimedia elements including figures, sound, films, explanations, motivational questions, and interactive tests. Each topic is structured with learning goals, explanations, presentations, and a mascot (an owl) to guide students. Interactive elements and knowledge tests are incorporated to assess understanding. The materials are designed to encourage active learning and experimentation.