South Sudan Primary 1 Science Curriculum

This curriculum is competency-based and learner-centered, aiming to equip pupils with lifelong skills applicable to real-life situations. It emphasizes a fun, practical approach to learning, incorporating group work and stimulating illustrations.

The curriculum focuses on developing four key competencies:

1. Critical and Creative Thinking: Encouraging investigation, analysis, problem-solving, and innovative approaches. 2. Communication: Fostering reading comprehension, report writing, clear speaking, listening, and utilizing various media for communication. 3. Cooperation: Promoting collaboration, tolerance, respect, adaptability, negotiation, and environmental sustainability. 4. Culture and Identity: Instilling pride in South Sudanese society, understanding heritage, appreciating culture, valuing diversity, and respecting others.

Three cross-cutting issues are integrated into the learning process:

1. Environment and Sustainability: Emphasizing environmental conservation through responsible waste disposal and other practices. 2. Peace Education: Promoting peaceful conflict resolution and tolerance through group work and discussions. 3. Life Skills: Equipping learners with practical skills like First Aid, communication, and conflict resolution.

The curriculum is divided into units, each with specific learning outcomes, activities, and assessment opportunities. The teacher's guide provides detailed instructions for facilitating learning and assessment. Key teaching methods include guided discovery, group discussions, project work, educational visits, and demonstrations.

Unit 1: Parts of the Body and Hygiene

This unit covers body parts, their functions, basic hygiene, and the use of toilets and latrines. Learners explore movement through examining bones, joints, and muscles. Activities include singing songs about body parts, measuring limbs, and creating models.

Unit 2: Plants and Animals

This unit focuses on identifying and grouping local plants and animals, understanding their interdependence, and recognizing similarities and differences between local and global species. Activities include nature walks, examining plant parts, and discussing food sources.

Unit 3: Our Five Senses

This unit explores the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Learners investigate sources of light and sound, and experience the effects of sensory deprivation. Activities include blindfolding games, identifying sounds, and tasting different substances.

Unit 4: The Weather

This unit covers weather conditions, changes, and their impact on human activities. Learners observe and record weather patterns, and explore the concept of air and wind. Activities include keeping a weather log, creating wind-measuring devices, and making kites.

Unit 5: Soil

This unit introduces different soil types and their properties. Learners investigate soil texture, composition, and how water affects different soils. Activities include collecting soil samples, sieving, mixing soil with water, and modeling with mud.

Unit 6: Water and Wheels

This unit explores sources and uses of water, measuring water, and the concepts of floating and sinking. Learners also investigate how water can create force to turn wheels. Activities include measuring water with different containers, experimenting with floating objects, and constructing water wheels.