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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
