Requirements for Subjects Offered at PSLE

(2020)

SCIENCE &

FOUNDATION SCIENCE

OUTLINE • Overview of Primary Science Syllabus • PSLE Paper Format (Science & Foundation)• Examples of Test Items • Revision Strategies 

SCIENCE SYLLABUS Two key areas: Life Science Physical Science

Five main themes: Diversity CyclesSystemsInteractionsEnergy www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/syllabuses/sciences/files/science-primary-2014.pdf

TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS

Theme Life Sciences Physical Sciences

Diversity Diversity of living things  

Diversity of non-living things Diversity of materials

Cycles Cycles in plants and animals  Cycles in matter and water

Systems Plant systems Human systems Cell systems

Electrical systems

Interactions Interactions within the environment  Interaction of forces 

Energy Energy forms and uses(Photosynthesis) 

Energy forms and uses Energy conversion

Weighting 45 – 55% 45 – 55%

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Assessment Objectives Weighting

Standard SC Foundation SC

I. Knowledge with Understanding (AOI)

o Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and principles

40% 50%

II. Application of Knowledge and Process Skills (AOII)

o Apply concepts and principles to new situations o Interpret information and investigate using one or

more process skills

60% 50%

Observing  Comparing Classifying Using apparatus and equipment Communicating Inferring Predicting Analysing Generating possibilities Evaluating  Formulating Hypothesis 

PSLE PAPER FORMAT (SCIENCE)

The examination consists of one written paper comprising two booklets: Booklet A and Booklet B.

Booklet Item Type Number of Questions

Number of marks per question

Marks

A  Multiple-choice (4 options provided)

28 2 56

B  Open-ended 12 -13  2, 3, 4 or 5 44

• Duration of paper: 1 hour and 45 minutes• Candidate can attempt any of the booklets first 

PSLE PAPER FORMAT (FD SCIENCE) The examination consists of one written paper comprising two booklets: Booklet A and Booklet B.Booklet Item Type Number of

QuestionsNumber of marks per question

Marks

A  Multiple-choice (3 options provided)

18 2 36

B  Structured

Open-Ended 

6 - 7 

5 - 6

2, 3

2, 4

14

20

• Duration of Paper: 1 hour and 15 minutes • Provision of word list is provided 

RISE Strategy (Multiple-Choice Questions)

Read the question carefully. Study given diagrams / tables 

/ graphs.

Identify key words and concept(s) tested. 

Study all options carefully. 

Eliminate distractors to arrive at the best possible answer.

Foundation Science Item Type: Multiple-Choice Question

Study the diagram below. 

Which of the following are the male parts of the flower?(1) A and B only(2) A and C only (3) B and C only 

A

B

C

Standard Science Item Type: Multiple-Choice Question

A

B

magnetA metal toy car was moving up a slope from A due to the attractive force of a magnet. 

Which of the following shows the change in kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of the toy car as it moved from A to B?

 kinetic energy gravitational potential

energy(1) decrease decrease(2) increase decrease(3) decrease increase(4) increase increase

Concept:

Magnetic force, kinetic & gravitational potential energy. 

Explain:

i) The car was attracted to the magnet so the speed of car increased as it moved from A to B, thus increasing KE of car. 

ii) As the height of car above ground increased as it moved from A to B, gpe of the car increased. 

RISE Strategy (Open-Ended Questions)

Read the question carefully.

Identify key words and concept(s) tested.

Select relevant concepts to answer the question.

Check the mark allocation and answer to the point.

Express and explain answers clearly.

Standard Science Item Type: Open-Ended Question

Animal X lives in a very cold place where the ground is often covered with ice. 

It does not usually lie down on the ice. It stands on its feet on the cold ice most of the time.  Suggest a reason for such behaviour. [2]

Accepted answer:By standing on its feet Animal X reduces the contact area between the feet and the ice so heat from the body of Animal X is lost more slowly to the cold surroundings.

COMMON OBSERVATIONS

o Students do not understand the scientific terms used in questions. o Students ‘ answers are not comprehensive, lack key words and 

scientific reasoning. 

Short answers are usually required. No explanation is required when questions have the following words:

State, Identify, List, Name, Give an example

Example:Qn: State the part of the plant that absorbs water and minerals. Ans: Roots 

Common Observations

Explain…Why…Infer…Describe…Conclude…Give a reason…

Longer answers are usually required i.e.:• Giving relevant details• Involving scientific reasoning and reference to science concepts. 

DO NOT give one- or two-word answers. 

Reading and Drawing scientific diagrams

Able to infer based on diagrams provided by:- Looking out for arrows and labels in diagram and 

understanding how to interpret the diagram.

When asked to draw diagrams:• Use a pencil• Do not use arrows for label lines.

Interpreting Relationships between the table and the line graph

Skills tested:

- Understand what variables are. - Able to identify the relationships between variables on 

the X- and Y-axes. 

Revision Strategies  • Make and organise notes using concept/mind maps. • Use acronyms or acrostics to remember information easily.      Example: WIFO      Water-carrying tube= Inner tube. Food-carrying tube= Outer tube  • Revise Primary 3 to 6 topics. • Go through questions in activity books, topical worksheets and exam 

practice papers again. • Drill key words, memorise phrases and  concepts but do not 

memorise answers. • Attempt practice papers within the stipulated time. • Use science language at all times. 

How you can support your child • Encourage your child to ask questions and observe things, 

phenomena or changes around us. Observation is an important step leading to scientific explanations. 

• You may wish to refer to these online resources and make them available for your child’s reference and viewing:http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ http://sciberdiver.edumall.sg/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6svr82https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physicshttp://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animalshttp://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/microorganisms.htmlhttp://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/microorganisms.htmlhttps://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_watercycle.html

Thank You!

For further queries, you may consultyour child’s teacher!