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Browse by Grade: Secondary 1

Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes

Secondary 1 Science

This course introduces students to the wonders of science through the lens of inquiry and the scientific method. Students investigate the physical and biological world by exploring the properties of matter, cellular systems, and the interactions between organisms and their environment.

10 units·53 topics·Ages 12-13

01The Spirit of Science

5 topics·Semester 1

Students explore the nature of scientific inquiry and learn to use laboratory apparatus safely and accurately.

The Nature of Scientific Inquiry

Understanding how scientists observe the world and develop testable questions through evidence.

Socratic SeminarCarousel Brainstorm
Designing Scientific Investigations

Students learn to formulate hypotheses, identify variables, and design controlled experiments.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingProject-Based Learning
Data Collection and Analysis

Students practice collecting quantitative and qualitative data, organizing it, and drawing conclusions.

Inquiry CircleStations RotationDecision Matrix
Measurement and Safety

Mastering the precision of physical quantities and the essential protocols of the laboratory.

Inquiry CircleStations RotationPeer Teaching
Scientific Communication

Students learn to present scientific findings clearly and effectively through written reports and oral presentations.

Press ConferenceRAFT WritingExpert Panel

02The World of Matter

6 topics·Semester 1

An investigation into the particulate nature of matter and how substances are classified based on their properties.

The Particulate Nature of Matter

Using the kinetic particle theory to explain the states of matter and their transitions.

Simulation GameRole PlayConcept Mapping
Diffusion and Osmosis

Exploring the movement of particles in solutions and across semi-permeable membranes.

Experiential LearningSimulation GameCase Study Analysis
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Distinguishing between pure substances and mixtures based on their chemical and physical characteristics.

Stations RotationGallery WalkHexagonal Thinking
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Introducing the basic structure of atoms and how elements are organized in the periodic table.

Concept MappingTrading CardsPeer Teaching
Separation Techniques

Applying physical methods to recover pure substances from complex mixtures.

Inquiry CircleProblem-Based LearningCase Study Analysis
Acids and Alkalis

Investigating the properties of acids and alkalis and their reactions.

Stations RotationExperiential LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving

03The Building Blocks of Life

5 topics·Semester 1

An exploration of the microscopic world of cells and the organization of multicellular organisms.

Cell Structure and Function

Examining the internal components of plant and animal cells and their specific roles.

Museum ExhibitJigsawConcept Mapping
Microscopes and Cell Observation

Learning to use microscopes to observe and draw plant and animal cells.

Experiential LearningStations RotationPeer Teaching
Levels of Organization

Understanding how cells organize into tissues, organs, and systems to sustain life.

Concept MappingPeer TeachingGallery Walk
Photosynthesis: Plant Power

Investigating the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Simulation GameInquiry CircleFlipped Classroom
Respiration: Energy for Life

Understanding how organisms release energy from food through cellular respiration.

Concept MappingCollaborative Problem-SolvingExperiential Learning

04Forces and Motion

6 topics·Semester 1

Investigating how forces interact with objects to change their motion and how energy is conserved.

Understanding Forces

Exploring various types of forces including friction, gravity, and magnetic force.

Inquiry CircleCase Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share
Newton's Laws of Motion

Applying Newton's three laws to explain the motion of objects.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningExperiential Learning
Pressure and Its Applications

Investigating pressure in solids, liquids, and gases and its practical applications.

Inquiry CircleCollaborative Problem-SolvingProject-Based Learning
Work, Energy, and Power

Defining work, energy, and power and their interrelationships.

Problem-Based LearningStations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Energy Forms and Transfers

Identifying different forms of energy and how they are converted from one to another.

Inquiry CircleCollaborative Problem-SolvingSimulation Game
Sources of Energy

Exploring various renewable and non-renewable energy sources and their environmental impacts.

Formal DebateProject-Based LearningCase Study Analysis

05Interactions within Ecosystems

5 topics·Semester 2

Studying the relationships between organisms and how energy flows through biological communities.

Ecosystems and Habitats

Defining ecosystems, habitats, and the biotic and abiotic components within them.

Concept MappingGallery WalkExperiential Learning
Food Chains and Webs

Modeling the transfer of energy from producers to consumers and decomposers.

Inquiry CircleStations RotationSimulation Game
Population Dynamics

Investigating how populations grow, decline, and interact within an ecosystem.

Simulation GameCase Study AnalysisCollaborative Problem-Solving
Adaptations for Survival

Analyzing how structural and behavioral adaptations help organisms survive in specific environments.

Experiential LearningCase Study AnalysisGallery Walk
Biodiversity and Conservation

Understanding the importance of biodiversity and the threats to it, along with conservation efforts.

Formal DebateProject-Based LearningTown Hall Meeting

06Earth and Its Resources

6 topics·Semester 2

Examining the physical structure of the Earth and the sustainable management of our natural resources.

The Earth System

Understanding the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingJigsaw
Rocks and Minerals

Exploring the formation, classification, and uses of different types of rocks and minerals.

Stations RotationMuseum ExhibitExperiential Learning
Weathering and Erosion

Investigating the processes that break down and transport Earth's surface materials.

Simulation GameCase Study AnalysisInquiry Circle
The Water Cycle

Understanding the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Concept MappingSimulation GameJigsaw
Atmosphere and Climate

Exploring the composition and structure of Earth's atmosphere and the factors influencing climate.

Formal DebateDocument MysteryPhilosophical Chairs
Sustainable Resource Management

Evaluating the impact of human consumption on natural resources and the need for conservation.

Formal DebateProject-Based LearningCase Study Analysis

07Light and Sound

5 topics·Semester 2

An introduction to the properties of light and sound waves and their interactions with matter.

Properties of Light

Investigating light as a form of energy, its sources, and how it travels.

Experiential LearningStations RotationInquiry Circle
Reflection and Refraction

Exploring how light bounces off surfaces and bends as it passes through different media.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Colors of Light

Understanding the composition of white light and how colors are perceived.

Experiential LearningStations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Properties of Sound

Investigating sound as a form of energy, its production, and transmission.

Inquiry CircleExperiential LearningSimulation Game
Echoes and Reverberation

Exploring the phenomena of sound reflection and its applications.

Problem-Based LearningCase Study AnalysisProject-Based Learning

08Electricity and Magnetism

6 topics·Semester 2

Exploring the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism and their interrelationship.

Static Electricity

Investigating the nature of electric charges and their interactions.

Experiential LearningStations RotationInquiry Circle
Current Electricity

Understanding electric current, voltage, and resistance in simple circuits.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningStations Rotation
Ohm's Law and Circuit Calculations

Applying Ohm's Law to calculate current, voltage, and resistance in circuits.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingFlipped ClassroomDecision Matrix
Electrical Safety

Identifying electrical hazards and understanding safety precautions in homes and laboratories.

Case Study AnalysisRole PlayTown Hall Meeting
Magnets and Magnetic Fields

Investigating the properties of magnets and the concept of magnetic fields.

Experiential LearningStations RotationInquiry Circle
Electromagnetism

Exploring the relationship between electricity and magnetism and its applications.

Project-Based LearningSimulation GameCollaborative Problem-Solving

09Human Body Systems

5 topics·Semester 2

An overview of the major organ systems in the human body and their functions.

The Digestive System

Tracing the path of food through the digestive tract and the role of enzymes.

JigsawConcept MappingRole Play
The Respiratory System

Understanding the mechanics of breathing and gas exchange in the lungs.

Simulation GameExperiential LearningThink-Pair-Share
The Circulatory System

Exploring the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Museum ExhibitConcept MappingJigsaw
The Excretory System

Investigating how the body removes waste products to maintain homeostasis.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based LearningFlipped Classroom
The Nervous System

An introduction to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and how they coordinate body functions.

Concept MappingRole PlaySimulation Game

10Space and Beyond

4 topics·Semester 2

Exploring our solar system, stars, galaxies, and the vastness of the universe.

Our Solar System

Investigating the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets within our solar system.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingTimeline Challenge
Earth's Moon and Tides

Understanding the phases of the moon and its gravitational influence on Earth's tides.

Simulation GameExperiential LearningInquiry Circle
Stars and Galaxies

Exploring the life cycles of stars and the organization of galaxies in the universe.

Concept MappingJigsawMuseum Exhibit
Space Exploration

Investigating the history and future of human and robotic space exploration.

Formal DebateProject-Based LearningExpert Panel