Zambia Grade 6/Form 1 Science Curriculum (Curriculum Change in Progress)

The Zambian Grade 6/Form 1 Integrated Science curriculum covers a range of topics designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of the human body, health, the environment, plants and animals, and materials and energy. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations to foster scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

Unit 1: The Human Body

• The Blood: This topic explores the composition of blood (red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma) and its functions, including transportation of food, gases, and water, and defense against disease. Learners also study the circulatory system, including the double circulation of blood through arteries and veins, and learn how to take a pulse.
• Features of Pregnancy: This topic covers the features and signs of pregnancy, as well as the health and social risks associated with teenage pregnancy and early sexual activity.
• Health Risks: This section focuses on the health and social consequences of teenage pregnancy and the risks associated with early sexual debut, including STIs and HIV.

Unit 2: Health

• Food Nutrients: This topic examines the sources and roles of vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet. Learners study the importance of balanced diets, food labeling, and the interpretation of children's clinic cards. Common deficiency diseases are also covered.
• Effects of Harmful Substances: This section explores the impact of substance abuse on individuals and society, and discusses strategies for helping substance addicts.
• Living with HIV and AIDS: This topic addresses the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV and AIDS, including emotional, economic, social, and moral implications.

Unit 3: The Environment

• The Water Cycle: This topic investigates the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and examines its effects on daily life, such as droughts, floods, and weather changes.

Unit 4: Plants and Animals

• Photosynthesis: This topic explores how plants make food through photosynthesis, including the role of water, mineral salts, carbon dioxide, light, and chlorophyll. Learners also test for the presence of starch in leaves.
• Care for Domestic Animals: This section covers the basic needs of livestock (food, shelter, water), the importance of cleanliness in animal care, and the advantages and disadvantages of keeping livestock together.
• Vertebrate Animals: This topic classifies vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians), examines their adaptations, describes their life cycles, and discusses ways to conserve them.

Unit 5: Materials and Energy

• Nature of Air: This topic explores the composition and physical properties of air, and demonstrates that air has weight and occupies space.
• Sound: Learners investigate how sound is produced, how it travels, and how its volume can be increased.
• Pressure: This topic examines the effects of pressure on objects, explains the importance of sharp tools, and demonstrates that air exerts pressure.
• Communication: This section covers methods of communication, their importance, and the use of sound waves in communication.

This curriculum is often taught using textbooks such as the Longman Integrated Science series, including the Pupil's Book and Teacher's Guide for Grade 6 by Chansa Njeleshi.