Zimbabwe Grade 2 Curriculum - Science

The Grade 2 Science curriculum in Zimbabwe is integrated with Mathematics and presented as a single syllabus document covering Early Childhood Development (ECD) A, ECD B, Grade 1, and Grade 2. The syllabus emphasizes a learner-centered, hands-on approach to learning through practical activities, promoting problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific discovery. Assessment is conducted through continuous assessment throughout the year.

Topics Covered:

The Grade 2 Science curriculum covers a range of topics, including:

• Water: Sources of water, different forms of water (liquid, ice, and water vapour), uses of water, water conservation, and the water cycle.
• Plants: Different types of plants, parts of plants, plant life cycles, the needs of plants (soil, water, and sunlight), and the importance of plants to the environment.
• Animals: Domestic and wild animals, animal habitats, animal features, animal movement, and the uses of animals.
• Soil: Properties of different types of soil, and the importance of soil for plant growth.
• Health, Nutrition, and Safety: Personal hygiene, good health practices, common diseases, disease prevention, safety rules, and the importance of a clean environment.
• Weather: Weather changes, weather conditions, and the effects of weather on human activities.
• Air: The presence of air, the movement of air (wind), and the uses of air.
• Simple Machines: Identifying and using simple machines like levers, wheels, and inclined planes.
• Light: Sources of light, the properties of light, light and shadow, and the importance of light.
• Fire: Properties of fire, fire safety, and the uses of fire.
• Electricity: Various electrical appliances, and the safe use of electricity.

Skills Developed:

• Observation: Learners develop observation skills through hands-on activities and experiments.
• Classification: Learners classify objects and living things based on their properties and characteristics.
• Comparison: Learners compare objects and living things based on size, shape, color, and other attributes.
• Measurement: Learners use non-standard units to measure length, weight, and capacity.
• Communication: Learners communicate their scientific findings through speaking, drawing, and writing.
• Problem-solving: Learners apply scientific concepts to solve simple problems.
• Critical thinking: Learners analyze information and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Assessment:

Continuous assessment is used to evaluate learner progress. This includes:

• Practical assignments: Hands-on activities and experiments.
• Profiling: Assessment of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Written exercises: Worksheets and tests to assess understanding of concepts.