Science and Technology Curriculum Notes
STRAND 1: SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1.1 Nature of Science
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and
analysis. It helps us understand how things work and solve problems in everyday life.
Importance: Solves problems, improves technology, and helps us understand our environment.
Scientific Skills:
- Observation
- Classification
- Communication
- Measurement
- Inference
- Prediction
1.2 Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with
each other and their non-living environment.
Types: Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Components: Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living).
Interdependence: Plants provide oxygen, animals provide carbon dioxide.
1.3 Environmental Activities
Activities that protect and improve the environment like tree planting, recycling, and cleaning water
sources.
Problems: Pollution, deforestation, climate change.
Conservation: Reforestation, recycling, protecting wildlife.
STRAND 2: LIVING THINGS
2.1 Classification of Living Things
Living things show MRS GREN (Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction,
Excretion, Nutrition).
Grouped into: Plants, Animals, Fungi, Bacteria, Protists.
2.2 The Cell
Basic unit of life. Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts, animal cells do not.
Parts: Nucleus, membrane, cytoplasm, vacuole, chloroplast (plants).
2.3 The Human Body
Systems: Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous.
Each has specific organs and functions.
2.4 Microorganisms
Tiny organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa.
Useful: Making bread, decomposing waste.
Harmful: Cause diseases.
2.5 Gaseous Exchange
In humans: In lungs (alveoli).
In plants: Through stomata in leaves.
2.6 Transport in Plants
Xylem - moves water; Phloem - moves food.
Transpiration pulls water upward.
2.7 Transport in Animals
Circulatory system: heart, blood, vessels.
Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste.
2.8 Nutrition
Plants: Make food through photosynthesis.
Animals: Need balanced diet for health.
2.9 Reproduction in Plants
Sexual (flowers), asexual (cuttings, tubers).
Pollination, fertilization, seed dispersal.
2.10 Reproduction in Humans
Male and female systems.
Fertilization leads to pregnancy and birth.
STRAND 3: MATTER
3.1 Properties of Matter
Matter: Has mass and occupies space.
States: Solid, liquid, gas.
Changes: Melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation.
3.2 Air
Composition: Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide.
Uses: Breathing, burning, pollination.
Pollution: Causes and prevention.
STRAND 4: FORCE AND ENERGY
4.1 Force and Gravity
Force: Push or pull.
Gravity: Pulls objects to Earth.
4.2 Friction
Opposes motion.
Useful in walking; reduces machine efficiency.
4.3 Upthrust, Cohesion, Adhesion
Upthrust: Makes objects float.
Cohesion: Same substances stick.
Adhesion: Different substances stick.
4.4 Energy
Types: Kinetic, potential, heat, light, sound, chemical.
Sources: Sun, wind, fuel, water.
4.5 Light Energy
Properties: Travels straight, reflects, refracts.
Uses: Seeing, photosynthesis.
4.6 Sound Energy
Made by vibrations.
Properties: Pitch, loudness, travels through materials.
4.7 Renewable/Non-Renewable Energy
Renewable: Sun, wind.
Non-renewable: Fuel, coal.
Importance of conservation.
STRAND 5: WORK, POWER AND MACHINES
5.1 Work, Power, and Machines
Work = Force × Distance. Power = Work ÷ Time.
Machines make work easier. Types: Levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels, screws, wedges.
Efficiency = Output/Input × 100
