Gearing for the PSLE Science (Standard) Paper

• Scope & Format

• Strategies

Ms Moh Choy Ying

Level Head/Science

1 April 2017

Format of Paper (Standard Science)

Booklet Item Type No. of

Questions

Marks

per

question

Weighting

A MCQ 28 2 56%

B Open-

ended

12 - 13 2 - 5 44%

Duration of Paper: 1 h 45 min

NEW

Theme Life Science Physical Science

Diversity General characteristics

& classification of living

things

General characteristics

& classification of non-

living things

Materials

Cycles Life Cycles

Reproduction

Matter

Water

Systems Plant Systems

Human Systems

(Digestive, Respiratory &

Circulatory)

Cell System

Electrical Systems

Interactions Interactions with

Environment (ecology,

adaptation, man’s impact)

Forces (magnets,

friction, gravity, elastic

spring)

Energy Forms & Uses

(Photosynthesis)

Forms & Uses (Light,

Heat)

Energy Conversion

Distribution of Marks

According to Syllabus Content

Life Science 45-55%

Physical Science 45-55%

According to Assessment Objectives

Knowledge with Understanding

~40%

Application of Knowledge & Process Skills

~60%

Application of Knowledge &

Process Skills (60%)

• Application – applying concepts in

new situations

• Process Skills

Observing, Comparing, Classifying

Using Apparatus & Equipment

Communicating, Inferring, Predicting

Analysing, Generating Possibilities

Evaluating, Formulating Hypothesis

What is Important

Accurate Understanding of Concept and “Big Ideas” is important MAKE CONNECTIONS between concepts learnt

APPLY concept in new situations

EXPLAIN

Revision of concepts learnt from P3 to P6

Process Skills Expt Design – what is a fair test? Accuracy in

results; reliable results

Interpretation of graphs, grouping, etc.

Analyzing information and forming conclusions

Examples of

Questions

Knowledge with Understanding

Example 1 (PSLE 2014 Question 2):

Which of the following about photosynthesis is

correct?

Applying Concepts & Scientific Reasoning

Example 2 (PSLE 2014 Question 41):

Skill: Observation & Classification

Example 3 (PSLE 2015 Question 3)

Study the classification chart below.

Skill: Observation & Classification

Example 3 (PSLE 2015 Question 3)

The diagram below shows insects A and B.

Skill: Observation & Classification

Example 3 (PSLE 2015 Question 3)

Which group, P, Q, R or S, do insects A and B

belong to?

Skill: Interpreting Graphs, Applying

Example 4 (PSLE 2016 Question 14)

Skill: Interpreting Graphs, Applying

Example 4 (PSLE 2016 Question 14)

Skill: Evaluating fair test

Example 5 (PSLE 2015 Question 33)

Meifen conducted an experiment to find out how

the height at which seed T is dropped affects the

distance it travels. Seed T has a 4cm wing as

shown.

Skill: Evaluating fair test

Example 5 (PSLE 2015 Question 33)

She dropped seed T from a height (H) in front of a

fan as shown. She measured the distance (D)

travelled by seed T.

Skill: Evaluating fair test

Example 5 (PSLE 2015 Question 33)

a) Meifen used the same seed throughout the experiment.

Give two reasons how using the same seed helps to

make the experiment a fair test. [1]

b) Meifen also wanted to find out if the size of the wing on

seed T affects the distance it travels. Suggest two

variables that she has to keep constant when conducting

this experiment. [1]

Skill: Experimental Design

Example 6 (PSLE 2014 Question 41)

Junxiong used the set-up shown below to study a certain

property of material.

Skill: Experimental Design

Example 6 (PSLE 2014 Question 41)

In his study, he used strings of different materials R and S.

He increased the mass until each string broke. His results

are shown below.

b) Based on his results, which material, R or S, is more

suitable to be used for the string to fly a kite? Explain your

answer.[1]

Skill: Analysing, Inferring

Example 7 (Modified from PSLE 2014 Qn 37)

[NEW: 5 marks question]

Martin filled a container made of wood with water at 60oC.

The temperature of water remained at 60oC throughout

the experiment.

He measured the temperature of the air at various

distance, Y, from the water surface.

Skill: Analysing, Inferring

Example 7 (Modified from PSLE 2014 Qn 37)

a) Explain how using a container made of wood helped to

make the experiment more accurate. [1]

b) Give a reason why the experiment had to be conducted

over a short period of time. [1]

c) Based on the above results, what is the relationship

between the temperature of the air and distance Y? [1]

Skill: Analysing, Inferring

Example 7 (Modified from PSLE 2014 Qn 37)

d) Animal H live in the desert.

It stands on the hot sand with its four long legs.

(i) Based on Martin’s findings, explain why having long legs

is an advantage for animal H. [1]

(ii) The temperature in the desert gets very low at night.

Animal H has thick fur to help it adapt to life in the desert.

Explain why having thick fur is an advantage for animal H. [1]

Gearing towards the PSLE

Revise P3,4,5 work which forms bulk of PSLE Qns (concepts in the textbook, notes)

Review questions in revision papers and worksheets (Quantity AND Quality)

Link ideas and concepts e.g. relate digestion and respiration to source of energy in living things

Have an inquiring attitude – ASK questions & SEEK answers

Tackling MCQ

Don’t rush through

Go through ALL options – even if you

have an answer in mind

Use elimination to narrow down to

possible answers

You can do “working” in science too!

Use scientific terms e.g. “attracted” vs “stick” or “attach” magnetic

objects to magnets

Answer in context to question

Clarity in Language - Be clear and specific “… the water must be the same …”

Use simple sentences

Ensure phrasing does not mislead and won’t be interpreted as scientifically incorrect “…the water boiled and it lost heat and condensed …”

Tackling O.E. Questions

Tackling O.E. Questions: Tips Identify task words in question stem e.g. list,

explain, suggest, conclude

Identify objective of question – asking about aim / procedure / pattern / conclusion?

Identify specific concepts (TopicConcept)

Look out for and use “clues” given: Diagrams., graphs, tables Earlier parts of question E.g. 2: Interpreting Graphs, Applying

Marks given

Make sure your answer has science concepts in it

Tackling O.E. Questions: Tips

DO NOT memorize questions and “model” answers – answer to the question

Some Final Points to Note

Science has EQUAL weighting as other

subjects in determining aggregate score

Science is NOT a difficult subject, as long

as concept is thoroughly understood

Learning Science is about Understanding

more than memorizing

Basic Science skills is important in

Secondary education and

Enjoy

Learning Science

HOD SCIENCE yong_song_ling@moe.edu.sg

Thank you

LH SCIENCE moh_choy_ying@moe.edu.sg