South Sudan Primary Science Curriculum - Science

This curriculum aims to develop learners' competencies, enabling them to interact with their environment practically. It emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through various 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: Human Systems and Plant Reproduction

This unit explores the structures and functions of human circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems, as well as the reproductive systems in flowering plants.

1.1 Circulatory System

The circulatory system comprises the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Blood, the primary transport medium, carries oxygen, nutrients, and other substances throughout the body while removing waste products like carbon dioxide. The heart, a muscular organ on the left side of the chest, pumps blood throughout the body. It is divided into four chambers: two auricles (receiving chambers) and two ventricles (pumping chambers). Blood vessels include arteries (carry oxygenated blood away from the heart), veins (carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart), and capillaries (connect arteries and veins, facilitating exchange of substances with body tissues).

1.2 Respiratory System

The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. It includes the nose, trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The diaphragm and rib cage play a crucial role in the breathing mechanism.

1.3 Excretory System

The excretory system removes waste products from the body. Key organs include the skin (excretes sweat), lungs (excrete carbon dioxide), and kidneys (filter blood and produce urine).

1.4 Digestive System

The digestive system breaks down food into absorbable nutrients. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Accessory organs like the liver and pancreas aid in digestion.

1.5 & 1.6 Plant Reproduction

Flowering plants reproduce sexually through flowers. Key parts of a flower include sepals, petals, stamens (male reproductive parts producing pollen), and pistil (female reproductive part containing ovules). Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma, facilitated by agents like insects, wind, and water. Fertilization occurs when a pollen grain unites with an ovule, leading to the development of seeds and fruits.

Unit 2: Diseases and Hygiene

This unit covers waterborne and airborne diseases, stress and depression, home nursing, nutritional needs, and hygienic food preparation.

2.1 Water Sources and Purification

Water sources include rain, lakes, rivers, boreholes, and wells. Water purification methods involve filtration, boiling, and chemical treatment to make water safe for consumption.

2.2 Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs due to contamination from various sources, including sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. Reducing water pollution involves proper waste disposal, sanitation practices, and responsible use of chemicals.

2.3 Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are caused by consuming contaminated water. Examples include cholera, typhoid, and bilharzia. Prevention involves drinking clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices.

2.4 Airborne Diseases

Airborne diseases are spread through the air via droplets released during coughing or sneezing. Examples include tuberculosis, measles, and influenza. Prevention involves covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, proper ventilation, and vaccination.

2.5 Stress and Depression

Stress and depression can negatively impact physical and mental health. Managing stress involves identifying triggers, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking support.

2.6 Home Nursing

Home nursing provides care for patients at home, assisting with daily activities and medication. It offers privacy, security, and personalized attention, promoting faster recovery.

2.7 Nutritional Needs

A balanced diet, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats, is essential for good health. Special groups like infants, pregnant women, and people with HIV/AIDS have specific nutritional requirements.

2.8 Hygienic Food Preparation

Hygienic food preparation practices prevent food contamination and foodborne illnesses. These practices include washing hands, cleaning utensils, storing food properly, and cooking food thoroughly.

Unit 3: The Earth and the Solar System

This unit explores the components of the solar system, orbits of planets and moons, and the arrangement of planets in relation to the sun.

3.1 Studying the Solar System

Studying the solar system helps us understand the Earth's place in the universe, the forces governing celestial bodies, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

3.2 Arrangement of Planets

The eight planets in the solar system orbit the sun in elliptical paths. The order of planets from the sun is Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Unit 4: Energy Changes

This unit covers physical and chemical changes, humidity, evaporation, and the importance of humidity measurements.

4.1 Physical Changes

Physical changes are reversible changes in the state or form of matter, such as boiling water or melting ice.

4.2 Chemical Changes

Chemical changes are irreversible reactions that result in the formation of new substances, such as burning wood or rusting iron.

4.3-4.6 Humidity

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is measured using a hygrometer. Humidity plays a crucial role in weather patterns, cloud formation, and the water cycle.

Unit 5: Using Energy

This unit explores force, mass, weight, different forms of energy, energy transformation, energy conservation, and the use of gears and pulleys.

5.1 Force, Mass, and Weight

Force is a push or pull. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass. Force is measured in Newtons.

5.2 Forms of Energy

Different forms of energy include heat, chemical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, static, elastic, and sound energy.

5.3 Energy Transformation

Energy can be transformed from one form to another, such as mechanical energy converting to heat energy through friction.

5.4 Energy Conservation

Energy conservation involves using energy efficiently and minimizing waste. This can be achieved by using energy-efficient devices, reducing energy consumption, and utilizing renewable energy sources.

5.5 Gears and Pulleys

Gears and pulleys are simple machines that make work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of force. Gears are used in bicycles and other machinery, while pulleys are used for lifting heavy objects.