Zambia Integrated Science Syllabus (Grades 1-7)

This document outlines the Integrated Science syllabus for Grades 1-7 in Zambia. It covers a range of topics related to the human body, health, the environment, plants and animals, and materials and energy. The syllabus emphasizes a learner-centered, hands-on approach to science education.

Unit 1: The Human Body

• Grade 1: Students learn about the external parts of the human body and the five senses. They also explore the stages of human life and the role of clinics in the community.
• Grade 2: The focus shifts to the internal parts of the body, their functions, and basic hygiene practices related to food and HIV/AIDS awareness.
• Grade 3: Students learn about the functions of the mouth and nose, body structure and movement, and the human skeleton. They also explore common diseases, their causes, and prevention.
• Grade 4: The syllabus covers the care for eyes, ears, skin, and the importance of water for the body. Traditional and conventional medicines are also introduced.
• Grade 5: Students learn about the heart, its function and structure, how to take a pulse, and the changes that occur during puberty.
• Grade 6: The focus is on the composition and functions of blood, features of pregnancy, health risks associated with teenage pregnancy, and early sexual debut.
• Grade 7: Students learn about the digestive system, its organs, and the process of digestion.

Unit 2: Health

• Grade 1: Emphasis on personal hygiene, communicable diseases, and their prevention.
• Grade 2: Food hygiene, HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, and the importance of clean water are covered.
• Grade 3: Food nutrients, drug abuse, common illnesses and diseases, and their prevention are explored.
• Grade 4: Personal hygiene, the importance of water for the body, and traditional and conventional medicines are discussed.
• Grade 5: The syllabus covers fresh air and ventilation, airborne and waterborne diseases, malaria, HIV/AIDS and STIs, and harmful substances.
• Grade 6: Food nutrients, deficiency diseases, the effects of harmful substances, and the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS are addressed.
• Grade 7: The focus is on distinguishing between viruses and bacteria, common skin diseases, and the importance of fruits and seeds for health.

Unit 3: The Environment

• Grade 1: Introduction to the local environment and its importance to living things.
• Grade 2: Harmful things in the environment, waste disposal, and keeping the environment clean are covered.
• Grade 3: Soil formation, weathering, and soil layers are explored.
• Grade 4: Forests, game management areas, soil types, soil fertility, and pollution are discussed.
• Grade 5: The syllabus covers the importance of water in the soil, fertilizers, and their impact on agriculture.
• Grade 6: The water cycle, its processes, and effects are examined.
• Grade 7: Water supply systems, water treatment methods, and water conservation are covered.

Unit 4: Plants and Animals

• Grade 1: Local plants, plant growth stages, and animal activities are observed.
• Grade 2: Plant parts, life cycles, different types of animals, and their food sources are explored.
• Grade 3: Plant classification, animal classification, and the habitats of living things are covered.
• Grade 4: Flowering plants, their functions, plant growth, and domestic animals are discussed.
• Grade 5: Non-flowering plants, invertebrate animals, pests, and parasites are examined.
• Grade 6: Photosynthesis, care for domestic animals, and vertebrate animals are covered.
• Grade 7: Flower parts, pollination, fertilization, seed dispersal, and plant propagation are explored.

Unit 5: Materials and Energy

• Grade 1: Types, properties, and uses of materials are introduced.
• Grade 2: Soluble and insoluble materials, sources of sound, and light are explored.
• Grade 3: Three states of matter, solutions, and their properties are examined.
• Grade 4: Forces, air, magnets, and light are discussed.
• Grade 5: Electricity, heat conductors, measuring matter (mass, weight, volume), and simple machines are covered.
• Grade 6: The nature of air, sound, pressure, and communication methods are explored.
• Grade 7: Energy, electric current and circuits, lightning, the solar system, metals and non-metals, and mining are covered.