Zambia Integrated Science Syllabus (Grades 1-7)

This document outlines the Integrated Science syllabus for Grades 1-7 in Zambia, drawing from the official curriculum. The syllabus aims to equip learners with scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to explore and understand their environment. It incorporates cross-cutting issues such as environmental awareness, health, hygiene, and nutrition. The syllabus emphasizes continuous assessment and encourages learner-centered, hands-on activities.

Unit 1: The Human Body

  • External Body Parts: (Grade 1) Identifying and appreciating the external parts of the human body (head, neck, arm, leg, hand, foot, etc.).
  • Senses: (Grade 1) Identifying the parts associated with the five senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch).
  • Stages of Human Life: (Grade 1) Identifying stages of the human life cycle (baby, toddler, child, teenager, adult, aged person) and describing activities at different growth stages. Understanding the role of clinics in community health.
  • Internal Body Parts: (Grade 2) Naming and appreciating major internal organs (brain, throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, heart) and describing their functions.
  • Mouth and Nose: (Grade 3) Understanding the functions of the mouth (teeth for chewing, tongue for tasting) and nose (smelling, breathing).
  • Body Structure and Movement: (Grade 3) Demonstrating movement of arms and legs, naming major movable joints, and explaining the roles of bones and muscles. Understanding the implications of a broken bone.
  • Eyes and Ears: (Grade 4) Identifying the basic parts and functions of eyes and ears.
  • Skin: (Grade 4) Identifying parts and functions of the skin (protection, sensitivity, fat storage, temperature control).
  • The Heart: (Grade 5) Understanding the function and structure of the heart and demonstrating how to take a pulse.
  • Puberty: (Grade 5) Identifying male and female body parts, describing physical and emotional changes during puberty, and showing respect for individual differences.
  • Blood: (Grade 6) Describing the composition and functions of blood, understanding blood circulation (arteries and veins), and the concept of double circulation.
  • Pregnancy: (Grade 6) Describing features and signs/symptoms of pregnancy and understanding health and social risks associated with teenage pregnancy.
  • Health Risks of Early Sexual Debut: (Grade 6) Identifying health risks associated with early sexual activity, including STIs, HIV, and unwanted pregnancy.
  • Digestive System: (Grade 7) Describing the process of digestion, identifying organs of the digestive system, and explaining the absorption of nutrients and the expulsion of undigested food.

Unit 2: Health

  • Hygiene: (Grade 1) Explaining the importance of keeping the body and surroundings clean, demonstrating hygiene practices, and understanding the role of handwashing in disease prevention.
  • Common Diseases: (Grade 1) Identifying common communicable diseases.
  • Food Hygiene: (Grade 2) Explaining the importance of food and water hygiene, the dangers of exposed food, and the need for clean drinking water.
  • HIV and AIDS: (Grade 2) Understanding what HIV and AIDS stand for, how HIV is transmitted, and how it can be prevented.
  • Drug Abuse: (Grade 3) Identifying common drugs and explaining the effects of drug abuse.
  • Illnesses and Diseases: (Grade 3) Identifying common causes of diseases (parasites, bacteria, viruses), distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious diseases, and explaining disease prevention methods.
  • Personal Hygiene: (Grade 4) Describing care for eyes, ears, feet, and skin.
  • Water in the Body: (Grade 4) Explaining the importance of water for bodily functions, the effects of dehydration, and prevention/treatment of dehydration.
  • Medicines: (Grade 4) Identifying traditional and conventional medicines for common ailments.
  • Fresh Air: (Grade 5) Explaining the importance of good ventilation and demonstrating first aid for suffocation.
  • Air and Waterborne Diseases: (Grade 5) Identifying common airborne and waterborne diseases, describing their symptoms, and explaining prevention methods.
  • Malaria: (Grade 5) Identifying causes, symptoms, and prevention/treatment of malaria.
  • HIV/AIDS and STIs: (Grade 5) Describing transmission routes of HIV and STIs, identifying prevention methods, and understanding care and treatment for AIDS patients.
  • Harmful Substances and Their Effects: (Grade 5) Identifying harmful substances and their effects on the body, including the effects of alcohol.
  • Food Nutrients: (Grade 6) Identifying food sources of vitamins and minerals, explaining their importance in a balanced diet, understanding food labeling, and identifying common deficiency diseases. Interpreting children's clinic cards related to dietary intake.
  • Effects of Harmful Substances: (Grade 6) Explaining how substance abuse can ruin lives and how addicts can be helped.
  • Living with HIV and AIDS: (Grade 6) Describing the challenges of living with HIV and AIDS.
  • Diseases (Viruses and Bacteria): (Grade 7) Distinguishing between viruses and bacteria, explaining their effects on health, identifying common skin diseases, and understanding the impact of disease prevalence on health services.
  • Fruits and Seeds as Food: (Grade 7) Identifying fruits and seeds used as food and explaining their importance for health.

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