Thailand Prathom 3 Curriculum - Science

The Prathom 3 Science curriculum in Thailand, as outlined in the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (A.D. 2008), focuses on developing fundamental scientific understanding and skills. It emphasizes a learner-centered approach, encouraging students to explore and investigate the world around them. The curriculum aims to cultivate scientific thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an appreciation for the environment.

Key Learning Areas:

• Living Things and Life Processes: Students learn about the basic characteristics of living things, their diverse existence in the local environment, and the essential factors for plant and animal growth. This includes exploring the needs of plants and animals for water, light, nutrients, and air.
• Life and the Environment: This area introduces the concept of the local environment and the relationships between living things and their surroundings. Students explore natural resources in their local area and discuss their utilization.
• Substances and Properties of Substances: Students investigate the properties of materials used in everyday objects, classifying them based on observable characteristics. They also explore the effects of forces (pushing, pulling) and temperature changes on objects.
• Forces and Motion: This area introduces the concept of forces, including magnetic and electrical forces, and their effects on objects. Students explore gravity through observations of falling objects.
• Energy: Students learn about different forms of energy, including electricity, and explore natural energy sources. They also investigate light and sound, including their motion, reflection, and refraction.
• Change Processes of the Earth: Students explore the components and physical properties of soil, rock, water, and air in their local environment. They also learn about the formation of clouds, rain, and wind.
• Astronomy and Space: Students learn about the sun, moon, and stars, observing their rising and setting. They also explore the concept of directions and create models to understand the characteristics of the solar system.
• Nature of Science and Technology: This area focuses on developing scientific inquiry skills. Students pose questions, plan observations and experiments, use simple instruments, and record and present their findings. They are encouraged to express opinions and draw conclusions based on their learning.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of Prathom 3, students should be able to:

• Describe the general characteristics of living things and their diversity in the local environment.
• Understand basic phenomena and changes in materials, natural forces, and forms of energy.
• Understand the physical properties of soil, rock, water, air, the sun, and stars.
• Pose questions, observe, explore, and conduct simple experiments using basic instruments.
• Apply basic scientific knowledge and processes in everyday life.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and an appreciation for the environment.
• Complete assignments with care, honesty, and cooperation.