You have just taken your first step into secondary school life. New school, new classmates, new subjects, new uniforms, and a new environment. The academic experience of a secondary school student is wildly different from primary school, especially in the number of subjects you must take. With various combinations of humanities, maths and sciences, here are what to expect from lower secondary sciences and how you can prepare yourself for them.
The Lower Secondary Science Syllabus
Acting as a bridge between primary school science and Pure Sciences or Combined Science that you may be picking up in Upper Secondary, the Ministry of Education has designed the lower secondary syllabus to work effectively as a foundation for your future scientific pursuits.
During these two years, you will be taught the basics of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. These subjects are touched upon in Primary school, where you learn about the different states of matter, forces, and life cycles, for example. In lower secondary science, the topics are grouped into different themes: Diversity, Models, Systems, and Interactions.
Diversity
The natural world is vast and diverse, and science studies natural phenomena that happen around us. Naturally, the first thing you learn when you embark on your scientific journey is how to classify and categorise the things around you to understand them better. In primary school, you were taught to identify the different states of matter through their properties. Now, you will be taught how to further expand upon their physical properties and chemical composition and, with this knowledge, how to separate materials using separation techniques.
Models
There are many things that the naked eye cannot see, but this does not mean that they do not exist. Through years of hard work by generations of scientists and researchers, we have come to an understanding of the different phenomena that happen around us. Scientific models are built to describe better and represent the knowledge we have learned. In lower secondary science, you will learn about the ray model of light (a simplified understanding of how light interacts with its surroundings), the model of cells (living blocks that make up all life), the model of matter (molecules, atoms and particles and they exist in different states). At Heuristics Science, we organise science workshops for students, such as our Sec 1 Head Start Program to give you a better understanding of such models through activities and make learning about science fun.
Interactions
Under interactions, you will expand upon your knowledge of forces and energy. You will be taught how matters interact with each other through the transfer of energy. You will also learn about chemical reactions and how everyday occurrences, such as rust, are caused by such interactions. Lastly, you will also learn about how our environment has been changed through interference and how living things affect each other through interactions.
Systems
Systems refer to a group of parts that work together to perform a function. Systems could be both man-made or natural. In lower science, you will be taught the man-made electrical system, what is an electric current, and how we can use it to our benefit. You will also learn about body systems, such as the digestive, transport, and reproductive systems. Our bodies are complex, and each organ or cell has a role to play. You will be able to learn about these systems work together to allow you to function.
Conclusion
All this information may sound jarring and complex at first glance. However, do remember that even though grades are important, it is also crucial for you to enjoy learning about the world around you and how you can play a part. If you require further help, we provide Secondary 1 and 2 science tuition in Singapore for students who want to catch up or be better prepared for the upcoming challenges.
At Heuristics Science, we are a dedicated science tuition centre in Singapore that can help students better understand science and its workings. We are committed to helping young minds become critical thinkers instead of memorising facts and answers. Contact us today for a consultation and check out our line of science revision guides.