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NATURAL SCIENCE

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Natural Science is a school subject that forms part of the curriculum for primary school learners. It is typically taught in the foundation phase, which includes Grades R to 3, and in the intermediate phase, which includes Grades 4 to 6. In Grade 7, the subject is divided in two separate subjects, Natural science and Technology.

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Here are some key aspects of the Natural Science curriculum in South Africa:

  1. Integration of Disciplines:

    • Natural Science in South African schools often integrates aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.

    • The aim is to provide learners with a broad understanding of the natural world and its phenomena.

  2. Curriculum Content:

    • The curriculum covers various topics such as living and non-living things, plants and animals, the human body, materials and their properties, forces and motion, Earth and space, and environmental issues.

    • The content is designed to be age-appropriate and to build a foundation for more specialized science subjects in later grades.

  3. Practical Activities:

    • Practical activities and experiments are an essential component of the Natural Science curriculum. Learners are encouraged to engage in hands-on experiences to develop their investigative and scientific skills.

  4. Assessment:

    • Assessment methods may include both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments often involve ongoing evaluations, while summative assessments are conducted at the end of a learning period.

  5. Emphasis on Inquiry-Based Learning:

    • The curriculum encourages inquiry-based learning, where learners are prompted to ask questions, explore, and discover scientific principles through investigation.

  6. Language of Instruction:

    • In South Africa, the language of instruction may vary based on the school and the specific curriculum policy in place. English is commonly used, but there are also schools that offer instruction in other official languages, such as Afrikaans.

  7. Alignment with National Curriculum Statements (NCS):

    • The Natural Science curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum Statements (NCS) and Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) as provided by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa.

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