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Science as we know it today has roots in African, Arabic, Asian, European and American cultures. It has been shaped by the search to understand the natural world through observation, testing and proving of ideas, and has evolved to become part of the cultural heritage of all nations. In all cultures and in all times people have wanted to understand how the physical world works and have needed explanations that satisfy them.
Science is a systematic way of looking for explanations and connecting the ideas we have. In Science certain methods of inquiry and investigation are generally used. These methods lend themselves to replication and a systematic approach to scientific inquiry that attempts at objectivity. The methods include formulating hypotheses, and designing and carrying out experiments to test the hypotheses. Repeated investigations are undertaken, and the resulting methods and results are carefully examined and debated before they are accepted as valid.
The science knowledge we teach at school is not in doubt – most of it has been tested and known since the 1800s – but a good teacher will tell the learners something of the arguments and confusion among the people who were the first to investigate this knowledge. And of course we do touch on some science at the frontiers of the unknown – Why is climate changing around the world? What is making the universe expand? What causes the earth’s magnetic field to change? Nobody knows for sure.
Technology has also existed throughout history. People use the combination of knowledge, skills and available resources to develop solutions that meet their daily needs and wants. Economic and environmental factors and a wide range of attitudes and values need to be taken into account when developing technological solutions. Technology also advances as our knowledge and needs expand.
Technological methods include identifying needs, planning, designing, making and evaluating products. The knowledge and skills used to make stone-age tools are an example of this.
Science and Technology have made a major impact, both positive and negative, on our world. Knowledge grows out of a view of how the world works. One of the differences between modern Science and Technology and traditional, indigenous knowledge systems is that they have their origins in different world views. As with all knowledge, scientific knowledge changes over time as scientists acquire new information and people change their ways of viewing the world.
Learners should
Be able to complete investigations, analyse problems and use practical processes and skills in designing and evaluating solutions
Have a grasp of scientific, technological and environmental knowledge and be able to apply it in new contexts
Understand the practical uses of Natural Sciences and Technology in society and the environment and have values that make them caring and creative citizens
Grade 4
Grade 4
Term 1:
Living and nonliving things
Structures of plants and animals
What plants need to grow
Habitats of animals
Structures for animal shelters
Term 2:
Materials around us
Solid materials
Strengthening materials
Strong frame structures
Term 3:
Energy and Energy transfer
Energy around us
Movement energy in a system
Energy and sound
Term 4:
Planet Earth
The Sun
The Earth & the Sun
The Moon
Rocket systems
Grade 5
Grade 5
Term 1:
Plants and animals on Earth
Animal skeletons
Skeletons as structures
Food chains
Life cycles
Term 2:
Metals and nonmetals
Uses of metals
Processing materials
Processed materials
Term 3:
Stored energy in fuels
Energy and electricity
Energy and movement
Systems for moving things
Term 4:
Planet Earth
Surface of the Earth
Sedimentary rocks
Fossils
Grade 6
Grade 6
Term 1:
Photosynthesis
Nutrients in food
Nutrition
Food Processing
Ecosystems and Food webs
Term 2:
Solids, liquids and gases
Mixtures
Solutions as special mixtures
Dissolving
Mixtures and water resources
Processes to purify water
Term 3:
Electric circuits
Electrical conductors and insulators
Systems to solve problems
Mains electricity
Term 4:
Electric circuits
Electrical conductors and insulators
Systems to solve problems
Mains electricity
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