:: Main ::

SCIENCE

:: Basic Process Skills ::

1. Observing Pupils should be able to:	:: use all their senses to obtain information about objects and events. :: use instruments to extend the range of the senses and accuracy of the observation. :: notice changes in objects and events. :: identify observations that are relevant to a particular investigation.

2. Comparing Pupils should be able to:	:: identify factors for the purpose of comparison, for example, when comparing a ship and a car, the factors could be function, capacity or cost. :: identify the similarities and differences. :: draw a conclusion about the significant of the similarities or differences.

3. Classifying Pupils should be able to:	:: recognise a common property in a set of objects. :: group a set of objects into two groups based on any one property. :: identify the basis of classification. :: group a set of objects into two or more groups according to one or more common properties. :: identify a common pattern in events or a behaviour pattern in organisms. :: generate criteria for grouping. :: use a simple classification schemes.
4. Measuring & Using Apparatus Pupils should be able to:	:: use measuring devices correctly. :: select appropriate units and instruments when measuring. :: exercise care in handling apparatus. :: make estimates and confirm by measuring. :: recognise the variability/reliability of measurement and the need to repeat and check the measurement.

5. Communicating Pupils should be able to:	:: describe an object or event. :: make a drawing of a given object. :: follow instructions pertaining to an investigation. :: read off information from symbolic representations such as diagrams, tables, bar charts, line graphs and keys. :: select and present appropriate information in various ways e.g. oral presentations, visual aids, models, electronic documents, multimedia presentation. :: listen to reports/ideas of others and respond to them.

6. Analysing Pupils should be able to:	:: identify parts of a system and the relationship between these parts: and relate the parts to their functions. :: identify patterns and trends in data. :: identify the variables that will affect the investigation. :: identify relationships between variables. :: identify those aspects of an investigation that make comparisons unfair. :: specify variables to be controlled.

7. Generating Pupils should be able to:	:: suggest many, varied and original ideas with some detail. :: draw inferences or conclusions from observations (induction). :: make predictions. :: give reasonable explanations based on evidence. :: construct hypothesis. Ø devise ways to test a hypothesis.

8. Evaluating Pupils should be able to:	:: decide on the quality and feasibility of an idea or object. :: decide whether an inference/hypothesis is supported by observations. :: decide on the effectiveness of the method used in an investigation. :: construct an idea to explain observations and then test it. :: decide on the accuracy of data obtained in an investigation.

INTEGRATED PROCESSES
1. Creative Problem Solving	The steps to be taken in creative problem solving the use of the following basic process skills: Analysing :: define the problem Generating :: think of many ideas Evaluating :: decide on the quality and feasibility of the ideas choose a solution (modify if necessary) The high point of the creative problem solving exercise is trying out the solution.

2. Decision-making	In the decision-making process, pupils should be able to make use of the following basic process skills: Analysing :: define the problem. Generating :: list all the possibilities available established criteria and prioritise the criteria. Evaluating :: judge each choice according to criteria. :: make choices and state reasons for making those choices.

3. Investigations	When planning and conducting an investigation, pupils should be able to make use of the following basic process skills: Observing :: identify observations that are relevant to the investigation. :: make observations. Generating (1) :: construct a hypothesis. :: devise a method to test the hypothesis. Generating (2) :: draw inferences or conclusions from observations. :: give reasonable explanations based on evidence. Analysing :: identify variables that will affect the investigation. :: identify the relationships between the variables. :: identify those aspects which make an investigation unfair. :: specify the variables to be controlled. Measuring & Using Apparatus :: use measuring devices correctly. :: select appropriate units and instruments when measuring. :: exercise care in handling apparatus. :: recognise the variability/reliability of measurement and the need to repeat and check the measurement. Evaluating :: decide whether an hypothesis is supported by observations. :: decide on the effectiveness of the method used in the investigation. :: decide on the accuracy of data obtained in the investigation.