South Sudan Primary 8 Science Curriculum

This curriculum aims to develop learners' competences through practical interaction with their environment. It emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through specific learning activities. The curriculum focuses on four key competencies: critical and creative thinking, communication, cooperation, and culture and identity. It also addresses cross-cutting issues like environmental sustainability, peace education, and life skills.

Unit 1: The Relationship Between Hygiene and Diseases

This unit focuses on applying knowledge of hygiene and diseases to personal and home sanitation, and food preservation. Learners explore the importance of personal hygiene, home sanitation, and food safety. They investigate methods of food preservation and the scientific principles behind disease control.

Unit 2: Reproduction and Sustainability

This unit covers reproduction in mammals and birds. Learners investigate reproductive processes, pre- and post-natal care in humans, and the conditions for a sustainable environment.

Unit 3: Interdependence Between Plants and Animals

This unit explores the processes of respiration and photosynthesis, highlighting the differences between plants and animals. Learners investigate the interdependence of living organisms and the carbon cycle.

Unit 4: Weather and Climate

This unit focuses on the relationship between weather and climate and their effects on land use and human populations in South Sudan. Learners investigate the relationship between temperature, pressure, and volume of air, explore the concept of a vacuum, and learn about water conservation strategies.

Unit 5: Acids, Bases and Indicators

This unit investigates the properties and uses of acids, bases, and indicators through practical activities. Learners explore the concept of pH and design tests to determine acidity. They also learn about safety precautions when handling chemicals.

Unit 6: Sound and Light

This unit explores how light and sound travel as waves. Learners investigate the structures of the eyes and ears, how they capture and convert light and sound into electrical signals, and the structure and function of the nervous system. They also experiment with a pinhole camera.

Unit 7: Electromagnetism

This unit revisits magnetism and polarity. Learners investigate how to create electromagnets, measure their strength, and explore their applications in switches, electric motors, and dynamos.