WAEC Syllabus for Integrated Science

1.     Introduction to Integrated

Science

1.1   Concept of

Integrated Science

Science

1.2   The scientific

Method

1.3    Safety precautions

in the laboratory

2.     Measurement

2.1  Basic quantities,

derived quantities and their units.

2.2    Measuring instruments

2.3 Measurement of density and relative    density

3.   Diversity of living and non-living things

3.1  Characteristics of living things

3.2   Classification schemes of  living

and non-living things

4.   Matter

4.1 Particulate nature of matter

4.2 Elements, compound and  mixtures

4.3  Ionic and covalent  compounds

4.4   Atomic number, mass number,

isotopes and  relative atomic  mass     of given elements

4.5   Mole, molar  mass  and formula

mass

4.6   Preparation of solutions

5.   Cells

5.1    Plant and animal cells

5.2   Types of plant and  animal cells

(Specialised cells)

6.   Rocks

6.1   Types, formation and characteristics of rocks.

6.2   Weathering of rocks

7.   Acids, bases, and salts

7.1   Simple definition

of acids, bases,

salts

7.2   Physical and

chemical properties

of acids, bases and

salts

7.3 Examples of

chemical substances

classified as acids,

bases or salts

7.4   Methods of

preparation of salts

7.5   Acid-base

indicators

7.6   Determination of

pH of a given solutions.

8.    Soil conservation

8.1   Principles of soil

and water

conservation

8.2   Classification of soil nutrients

8.3   Functions and   deficiency

symptoms of nutrients

8.4  Maintenance of soil fertility

8.5  Organic and inorganic fertilizers

8.6   Depletion of  soil resources

9.    Water

9.1   Physical and

chemical properties

of water

9.2    Hardness and softness of water

9.3    Treatment of water for public

consumption

10.  Metals and non-metals

10.1  Classification of materials

10.2 Uses of metals, semi-metals and        non-metals

10.3    Alloys

11.  Exploitation of minerals

12.  Rusting

12.1   Process of rusting

12.2   Prevention of rusting

13.  Organic and inorganic compounds

13.1 Classification of chemicals as organic and inorganic

13.2  Neutralization and esterification

13.3  Petrochemical

B.    CYCLES

1.    Air movement

1.1  Land and sea breeze

1.2 Types of  air masses and their

movement

1.3  Effect of moving air masses

2.     Nitrogen cycle

2.1  Importance

3.  Hydrological cycle

3.1   Distribution of earth’s water

3.2   Hydrological cycle

3.3   Sources of water contamination

3.4   Effects of  water contamination

3.5   Water conservation methods

4.  Life cycles of pests and parasites

4.1  Types of pests and parasites

4.2  Life cycles of some pests and parasites of human, plants and farm animals

5.   Crop production

5.1  General principles of crop production

5.2   Production of crops

6.      General principles of  farm animal

production:

6.1  Main activities involved in farm

animal production

6.2  Ruminant production

6.3 Production of non-ruminant

C.  SYSTEMS

1.  Skeletal system

1.1  The mammalian skeleton

2.  Reproduction and growth  in plants

2.1  Structure of flowers

2.2   Pollination and fertilization

2.3  Fruits

2.4  Seeds

2.5  Seeds and fruits dispersal

2.6  Seed germination

2.7  Vegetative (Asexual) reproduction in

plants

3.  Respiratory system

3.1  Aerobic and  anaerobic respiration

3.2  Structure and functions of  the respiratory system in mammals

3.3  Inhalation and exhalation

3.4  Problems and  disorders of the

respiratory system

3.5  Exchange of respiratory gases in plants.

4.  Food and nutrition

4.1  Classes of food

and food

substances

4.2   Malnutrition

4.3   Food fortification and enrichment

4.4   Health benefits of water

5.     Dentition, feeding and digestion in

mammals

5.1  Structure of

different types

of teeth in

relation to their

functions

5.2  Care of teeth

in humans

5.3  Digestive

system of

human

6.  Transport: Diffusion, osmosis and

plasmolysis.

7.     Excretory system

7.1  Excretory organs

7.2  Disorders of

urinary systems

in humans

8.    Reproductive system

and growth in

mammals

8.1  Mammalian

reproductive

system

8.2  Male and female

Circumcision

8.3  Fertilization,

development of

the zygote and

birth in humans.

8.4  The process of

birth and care

for the young

8.5   Problems

associated with

reproduction in

humans

8.6   Sexually

transmitted infections                        (STI’s)

8.7  Phases of growth and development

9.  The circulatory system

9.1  The structure and functions

of  the circulatory system of

humans

9.2  Composition and functions of blood

9.3  Disorders

associated with

the blood and the

blood circulatory

system

10.   Nervous system

10.1  Structure and

the function

of nervous

system

10.2  Causes and effects of damage to

the central  nervous  system

10.3  Voluntary and involuntary actions

10.4  Endocrine system and  its         functions

D.   ENERGY

1.  Forms of energy

and energy

transformation

1.1  Conservation of

energy and

efficiency of

energy

conversion

2.  Solar energy

2.1  Uses of solar energy

2.2  Application of

solar energy

3.  Photosynthesis

3.1  The process of

photosynthesis

3.2  Conversion of

light energy to

chemical

energy

4.  Electronics

4.1   Claasification

of solid

materials into

conductors,

semiconductors

and insulators

4.2  Behaviour of

discrete

electronic

components

4.3  Transistor and

its uses

4.4  Amplifer

5.  Electrical energy

5.1 Nature and

source of static

and current

electricity

5.2  Electric circuits

5.3  Resistance(R),

current (I),

potential

difference (V),

and power (P).

5.4  Electric power generation

5.5  Power transmission

6.   Sound energy

6.1  Sources of

sound

6.2  Musical notes

and noise

6.3  The human ear

7.   Light energy

7.1  Reflection and

refraction of

light

7.2  The mammalian eye

7.3  Dispersion of  light

7.4  Primary and secondary colours

7.5 Electromagnetic spectrum

8.    Heat energy

8.1  Nature and  sources of heat

energy

8.2  Modes of heat  transfer

8.3  Temperature

8.4  Thermal expansion

8.5  Change of state of matter

9.  Nuclear energy

9.1  Radioactivity

9.2  Radioisotopes

9.3  Uses of nuclear energy

9.4  Protection from the

effects of radioactivity

9.5  Nuclear  waste disposal

E.   INTERACTIONS OF  MATTER

1.    Ecosystem

1.1   Basic ecological terms

1.2  Types of  ecosystem and their

components

1.3  Food chain and  food web

2.  Atmosphere and climate change

2.1  Regions of atmosphere

2.2  Human activities and  their effects on

the atmosphere

2.3  Atmospheric pollutants

2.4  Green house effect

2.5  Ozone layer

2.6  Acid rain

3.  Infection and diseases

3.1  Causes of Diseases

3.2  Common diseases

4.  Magnetism

4.1 Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

4.2  Magnetic field

4.3  Magnetization and demagnetization

5.   Force, motion, and  pressure

5.1  Force

5.2  Archimedes Principle and law of flotation

5.3  Distance, displacement, speed, velocity, momentum, acceleration

5.4  Stability of objects Waec Result

5.5  Pressure

6.  Safety in the community

6.1  Safe use of appliances in the home

6.2  First aid methods

6.3  Hazardous substances

6.4  Common hazards in the community

6.5  Roles of health service organizations:

(WHO, FAO, UNICEF, Foods and

Drugs Board Ghana Health Service,          Red Cross, Red Crescent, EPA, Ghana Standards Board, UNPFA,

Blue Cross)

7.  Variation and  inheritance

7.1  Chromosomes and genes

7.2  Variation

7.3    Sex determination and sex-linked

characters

7.4   Blood groups and Rhesus factor

7.5  Sickle cell gene and Sickle cell

anaemia

8.  Work and machines

8.1  Work, energy and power

8.2  Simple  machines

8.3  Friction

9.  Endogenous technology

9.1  Small scale industries

10. Biotechnology

10.1   Genetic engineering

10.2  Tissue culture

Explanation of Science as an interrelated body of knowledge. Carriers in science and technology.

Identification of the problem. Hypothesis formulation. Experimentation. Data collection. Analysis and conclusion.

Safety measures taken in the laboratory and reasons for them.

Basic  quantities and units of scientific measurement: Length (m), Mass (kg),Time (s), Temperature (K), Current (A), Light intensity (cd), Amount of substance (mol).Derived quantities and their units: Volume (m3), Density (kgm-3), Velocity(ms-1), Force (N), Work and Energy (J), Quantity of electricity (C), Electric resistance (&!), Potential difference (V), Power (W).

Identification and use of measuring instruments such as ruler, balances, stop watch, thermometer, measuring cylinder, callipers, hydrometer, pipette and burette to measure in various units. Necessity for measurement

Sources of error

Experiments to determine the density of equal volumes of water and salt solution. Comparison of densities of water and salt solution. Simple experiments of density of regular and irregular objects.

Differences between living and non-living

things based on  the life processes:

movement, nutrition, growth, respiration, excretion, reproduction, irritability should be considered. Detailed treatment of the life processes not required.

Explanation of biodiversity

Importance of classification. Contribution of Aristotle, Linnaeus, and Mendeleev. Treatment to include the following levels or ranks: Living things- kingdom, division/ phylum, class, order, family, genus and species.

Elements- metals and non metals

(1^st to 20th elements in the periodic table).

Atoms, molecules, ions, atomic structure.

Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures.

Ionic and covalent bond formation.  Characteristic properties of ionic and covalent compounds.

IUPAC names of common compounds.

Relative atomic masses should be explained using the periodic table.

Carbon-12 isotope should be mentioned as  reference scale.

The mole as unit of the physical quantity; amount of substance. Mention should be made of Avogadro’s number. Calculation of formula mass and molar mass using relative atomic masses. Calculation of amount of substance in moles given its mass.

Preparation of standard solution of NaOH, HCl, NaCl and sugar. Dilution of standard solution.

Structure and function of plant and animal cells. Drawing and labelling required.

Red blood cell, nerve cell, leaf epidermal cell, sperm cell, leaf palisade cells, lymphocyte and phagocyte. Functions of cell organelles required.

Formation of igneous, sedimentary and

metamorphic rocks and their

characteristics.

Physical, biological and chemical

weathering of rocks. Explanation of the

effect of hydration, hydrolysis,

carbonation and oxidation on rocks is

required.

Definition of acids  and bases in terms of

Proton transfer (Bronsted- Lowry concept).

Properties and uses of acids, bases and salts.

Description of laboratory preparation of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and ammonia gases. Test for hydrogen, carbon dioxide and ammonia gases.

Simple chemical tests to classify chemical substances as acids, bases, or salts.

Preparation of salts using the following methods: neutralization, precipitation, acid + salt, and acid + metal.

Description of the colours developed by

phenolphthalein, litmus and methyl orange in dilute acids and dilute bases.

The nature and use of the universal

indicator and pH metre. Determination of soil pH is required.

Explanation of the concept of soil

conservation. Description of activities to

conserve soil water and maintain soil

fertility; irrigation, mulching, addition of

organic matter or crop rotation.

Macro (major) nutrients; nitrogen (N),

potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S).

Micro (minor) nutrients: boron(B), zinc(Zn) molybdenum(Mo), manganese(Mn), copper(Cu), chlorine(Cl), iron(Fe).

Description of the deficiency symptoms of the following nutrients in plants:  nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, mangenese and iron.

Application of organic and inorganic

manures/ fertilizers, crop rotation, cover

cropping, liming, and  green manuring.

Identification and classification of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Methods of applying fertilizers.

Factors which lead to the depletion of soil resources: erosion, overgrazing, poor farming methods, dumping of non-biodegradable waste on land, improper

irrigation and drainage practices, surface mining and quarrying, deforestation, and excessive use of fertilizer.

Experiments to  determine/ demonstrate:

(i)    boiling point  of water.

(ii)   the solvent action of water on a

variety of substances.

(iii)  presence of dissolved substances

(iv)  polar nature of water.

Uses of water.

Advantages and disadvantages of hard and soft water. Causes of hardness of water (Ca++, Mg++, Fe++ ions). Softening hard water (addition of washing soda, ion exchange, boiling, and distillation).

Steps involved in the treatment of water for public consumption.

Classification of materials into metals,

semi-metals (metalloids), and non-metals.

Physical properties of metals, semi-metals and non-metals under conductivity, luster, malleability, ductility, sonority, density, melting point and tensile strength.

Uses of the following elements: Al, Cu,

Fe, Au, C, O2, N2.  Application of semi-metals.

Examples of alloys and their constituent elements (steel, bronze, brass).Uses of alloys. Advantages of alloys in manufacture of certain household items.

Exploitation of the following minerals in Ghana: Bauxite, diamond, gold, crude oil and kaolin.

Negative impact of exploitation of minerals mentioned and how to minimize the effect.

Conditions necessary for rusting.

Experiments to show that air and water are necessary for rusting. Experiments to show that salt, dilute acid, dilute base and heat affect the rate of rusting in iron.

Methods of preventing rusting: oiling/

greasing, painting, galvanizing, tin-coating,  electroplating, cathode protection and keeping the metal dry. Effectiveness of the various methods  of preventing rusting. Items in the home that undergo rusting.

Hydrocarbons (first four members in

each group), alkanols (methanol, ethanol, propanol), alkanoic acids (first two members), alkanoates (first two members), fats and oils. Functional groups, properties and uses of organic compounds.

Differences between organic and inorganic compounds.

Importance of organic chemistry in industrialization.

Differences between neutralization and

esterification. Equations representing neutralization and esterification reactions.

Sources, application  and effects of

petrochemicals on the environment.

The refinery of crude oil. Uses of petrochemical such as plastics, pharmaceuticals and

agrochemicals.

Explanation of formation of land and sea

breezes. Demonstration of convectional

currents using smoke-box  and heated water with crystals of KMnO4.

Trade winds: Easterlies and Westerlies.

Description of the direction of movement of major air masses on the earth’s surface.

Differences between air masses and storm.

Effect of moving air masses: spread of

pollutants and effect on climate.

Precautions against effects of storms.

Use of the future’s wheel to trace effects of spread of pollutants by air masses required.

Tornados, hurricanes, typhoons should be mentioned.

Drawing and description of the nitrogen cycle

Importance of the nitrogen cycle to plants and animals.

Location of earth’s water (groundwater and surface water) and how much of it is

available for human use. Percentage

distribution of water on the earth’s surface to be mentioned.

Processes involved in the hydrological

cycle using appropriate diagrams.

Relevance of hydrological cycle to plants and animals.

Main sources of water contamination:

domestic waste, trade waste, industrial

waste, radioactive waste, and ‘special’

waste such as waste from hospital.

Water-washed, water-based and insect-

based  carrier diseases

Household water treatment, waste water

treatment, safe water storage, modern and traditional rainwater harvesting systems.

Distinguish between pests and parasites.

Common pests of humans and farm animals (cockroach, housefly, tsetsefly, and mosquito) common endoparasites, tapeworm, liver fluke and round worm), common ectoparasites (tick, bed bug louse, flea, mite). Common pests and parasites of plants (rice and maize weevils, mistletoe, dodder and cassytha beetle and stem borers.

Life cycles of the following: an endoparasite (tape worm, and guinea worm), pest of humans [Anopheles mosquito] malaria parasite (Plasmodium), a crop pest (weevil). Control methods of the pests and parasites are required.

Selection of appropriate varieties, site selection and land preparation, methods of propagation and planting methods, cultural practices, pest and disease control,  harvesting, processing, storage and marketing.

Application of all crop production mentioned in 5.1 to produce a crop, harvest, generate new planting materials, keep records and market. Precautions against post harvest losses. Production should be limited to the following crops: vegetables (okro/lettuce/carrot); cereals (maize/millet); legumes (cowpea/groundnut); root crop (cassava); stem tuber (yam).

Selection of suitable breeds, choice of management system, breeding systems and care of the young,  management  practices including animal health care and feeding, finishing, processing and marketing of produce.

Types of breeds and their characteristics,

management practices, breeding systems, common pests and diseases and marketing of products. Production should be limited to cattle, goats and sheep.

Main activities outlined in  6.1 to produce a non-ruminant farm animal. Production limited to poultry, pigs and  rabbits.

Major parts and functions of the mammalian skeleton.

Axial skeleton: skull and vertebral column.

Appendicular skeleton: limbs and the limb girdles.

Types of joints.

Detailed treatment of the individual bones not required.

Parts of  a flower and variation in flower

structure. Examination of complete flower and half flower with free parts. Bi-sexual flower ( Flamboyant or Pride of Barbados or Hibiscus sp.).

Uni-sexual flower with free parts ( water melon, gourd  and pawpaw).

Drawing and labelling of complete and half flower required.

Processes of pollination and fertilization.

Adaptations of flowers for pollination

required.  Formation of fruits and seeds.

Classification of fruits into dry fruits and

fleshy or succulent fruits.

Seed structure: endospermous

(monocotyledon) and non- endospermous

(dicotyledon)seeds. Functions of parts of seeds.

Structure of seeds/ fruits and how they are adapted to their mode of dispersal. Agents of dispersal. Explosive mechanism in fruits of Balsam and Pride of Barbados. Advantages and disadvantages of seed and fruit dispersal.

The process and conditions for germination.

Types of germination: hypogeal and

epigeal.

Formation of new plants from corms,

bulbs, setts, rhizomes, cuttings, stolons,

runners. Distinction between budding and grafting. Importance of the methods of vegetative propagation.

Explanation of respiration and how energy is released from food substances for living organisms. Importance of respiration to living organisms.

Distinction between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Identification of the respiratory organs of the respiratory system. Functions of the trachea, lungs, ribs, intercostal muscles and diaphragm.

Mechanisms of inhalation and exhalation.

Lung cancer, asthma, tuberculosis,

whooping cough and pneumonia.

Prevention and control of these problems and disorders.

Description of how respiratory gases [oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide] are taken in and out of plants. Importance of cell (tissue) respiration. Glycolysis and Kreb’s cycle not required.

Classes of food and food substance and their importance: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, mineral salts and water.  Importance of balanced diet. Food test for starch protein and lipids.

Explanation of malnutrition and its effects.

Relationship between diet and certain diseases – night blindness, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, lactose intolerance, and Kwashiorkor. Importance of roughage.

The essence of food fortification and enrichment. Determination of body mass index (BMI)

The importance of water to the human body.

Structure and functions of the teeth.

Drawing and labelling of a vertical section of a typical tooth. Differences in dentition in humans and other mammals in relation to diet.

Proper ways of caring for the teeth to prevent dental problems.

Structure and functions of digestive systems in humans.

Explanation of diffusion, osmosis, and plasmolysis. Simple experiments to demonstrate diffusion in air and in liquids; osmosis in living  tissue and in non-living tissue. Examples of diffusion and osmosis in nature.

Explanation of excretion. Distinction between excretion and egestion.

Excretory organs ( lungs, skin, liver and kidney). Elimination of products from the body. Structure of the skin and the kidneys.

Bed wetting, urine retention, kidney stone prostate and their remedies.

Structure and function of male and female reproductive systems.

Advantages and disadvantages circumcision.

The process of fertilization, development of zygote (pregnancy) and birth. Formation of twins: identical, fraternal, and siamese.

Details of cell division and anatomy of the embryo not required.

The process of birth in mammals,

including pre-natal, post-natal and parental care.

Causes and effects of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, impotence, fibroid,  disease infections and ovarian cyst.

Types: HIV/ AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis,

candidiasis, herpes, chlamydia and their mode of transmission. Effects of STI’s on the health and reproduction in humans.

Physical and behavioural changes

associated with each phase of human

development: losing milk teeth and

development of permanent teeth, increase in mass, height, development of secondary sexual characters, e.g. menstruation in girls (pre-menstrual syndrome in some women- accompanied by violent moods or depression), wet dreams in boys. Changes in old age should include menopause and  its associated problems.

The flow of blood through the heart, the

lungs and the body of humans. Functions

of the heart, the veins and the arteries in

the circulatory system . Detailed structure of cellular components of the blood vessels not required.

The structure of blood cells. Functions of  blood and blood circulatory system.

High blood pressure, low blood

pressure and hole-in- heart, leukemia, anaemia.

Parts of the brain and their functions:

fore-brain (cerebrum), mid-brain

(cerebellum), hind-brain (medulla oblongata). The spinal cord as part of the central nervous system. Details of electrical and chemical nature of impulse transmission not required.

Accidents, diseases, drug abuse and

depression.

Distinction between voluntary and

involuntary actions. Importance of reflex action. The reflex arc.

Glands producing hormones, normal

functions of hormones and its effects of

overproduction and underproduction. The role of thyroxin, adrenaline, testosterone, oestrogen and insulin. Importance of iodated salt.

Illustrations with flow charts to show the

following energy transformations: solar

energy to chemical in photosynthesis,

Chemical energy to electrical energy in

voltaic cells, solar energy to electrical

energy in solar cells, chemical energy in

fossil fuel into thermal energy/ electrical energy, potential energy to kinetic energy in falling object, electrical energy to light energy in bulbs, chemical energy is released from glucose during cellular respiration.

Explanation of the principle of

conservation of energy. Demonstration of  the principle of transformation by

considering the transformation of potential energy to kinetic energy using a falling   object.

Explanation of efficiency using the

expression:

E =    energy output  x 100%

energy input

The main applications of solar energy:

generating electricity, drying materials

and heating substances.

Practical activities to demonstrate the

application of solar energy to: dry clothes,

heat water for bathing, dry crops for

preservation, cook ( boil an egg).

Advantages of solar energy over the use of fossil fuels as source of energy.

Conditions of photosynthesis: light,

chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water. Experiments to show the necessity

of light, chlorophyll and carbon dioxide

for photosynthesis.

Equations to show how light energy is

trapped during the process of photosynthesis and converted to glucose.

Test for starch in food and leaf.

Classify solid materials into conductors,

semiconductors and insulators. P-type and   N-type semiconductors. Behaviour of P.N junction diode in a d.c and a.c electronic circuit. Explanation of rectification.

A simple electronic circuit comprising a.c and d.c. source, a resistor and a Light

Emitting Diode (LED) in series. Behaviour of the LED when: the switch is closed, switch is opened, resistor is replaced with capacitor, capacitor is replaced with inductor or coil. Repetition of experiment by replacing the d.c. source wih an a.c. source.

Observe an NPN or PNP Transistor and identify the emitter, the base and the collector.

The use of transistor as a switch. Behaviourof  NPN transistor in circuit with the base at the junction of two resisitors,its collector at the battery and an LED connected to the emitter.

Application of transistor as an amplifier.

Explanation of the formation of lighting

based on electrostatics. Protection of

buildings and installations with lightning

arrestors.  Sources of static and current electricity. Difference between a.c and d.c and their limitations.

Drawing of electric circuit and the

functions of each component. Advantages and disadvantages of the components ofcircuit in series and parallel.

Simple calculation of resistance, current,

potential difference using the Ohm’s law.

Simple calculation for electric power.

Importance of power ratings  and power

rationing. Efficient use of electric

appliances.

Sources of electric power generation:

Hydro, thermal, nuclear, solar, wind, tidal and biogas.  Basic principles underlying the production of electricity e.g. relative motion between a coil and a magnet.

The gadgets and processes involved in the transmission of power: step-up and

step-down  transformers, wiring a plug,

household wiring, stabilizers, fuses and

earthing.

Production of sound from different

instruments(pipes, rods or strings and

percussions). Nature of sound: velocity, reflection and refraction. Differences in velocity of sound in different media (gas, liquid, solid, and vacuum). Formation of echoes. Determination of the velocity of sound is not required.

Classification of different sounds as noise or musical notes (Distinction between  musical notes and noise). Explanation of pitch, loudness and quality of musical notes.

Identification of parts of the human ear and description of their functions.

The importance of ear muffs.

Explanation of reflection and refraction of

light. Characteristics of images formed by plane mirror.

Structure and functions of the parts of the mammalian eye. Eye defects, causes and their correction using the appropriate lenses.

Explanation of dispersion of light.

Formation of rainbow.

Distinction between primary (red, green, blue) and secondary (yellow, violet, indigo, orange) colours. Demonstration of the behaviour of objects under different coloured lights.

Explanation of electromagnetic spectrum. Application of each component in the spectrum. Calculation and detailed treatment not required.

Explanation of why heat is a form of

energy. Sources of heat energy.

Demonstration of the rate of flow of heat  in a metal bar of different materials.

Applications of conduction, convection,

and radiation ( e.g. vacuum flask and

ventilation).

Definition of temperature. Concept of

thermal equilibrium between bodies.

Units: degree Celsius(oC) and kelvin(K) in which temperature is expressed. Fahrenheit should be mentioned. Uses and limitations of different types of thermometers e.g. liquid-in-glass (alcohol and mercury), gas, resistance thermometers. Advantages and

disadvantages of mercury and alcohol as

thermometric liquids. Clinical thermometer. Thermostat and how it works.

The ball and ring experiment to show that a body expands when heated. Applications of expansion e.g. thermostats, sagging of electric cable, bursting of inflated hot lorry tyres.

Explanation of how heat causes change of  state of matter.  Latent heat. Distinction between latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporization. Evaporation; Application of principles of evaporation in heat reduction e.g. regulation of body temperature by the skin, and cooling of water in local clay water pots.

Causes of nuclear instability and how they emit radiation to become stable. Types of radiation (alpha and beta particles, and   gamma rays).

The nature, production and use of

radioisotopes: food preservation,

sterilization of equipment, treatment  of

diseases, pest control and crop improvement.

Uses of nuclear energy e.g. in the

production of electricity.

Harmful effects of radioactivity and how

to protect people from the effects e.g.

atomic bombs.

Problems associated with the disposal of

nuclear waste.

Explanation of ecological terms: ecosystem,  species, population, ecology, ecosphere and community.

Natural ecosystem: freshwater, marine,

estuarine, lake, rainforest, savanna and

desert. Artificial ecosystem: farmland, man-made lake, roads. Components of ecosystem: biotic/ living (plants and animals) and abiotic/ non-living(soil, air, and water). Effects of the components on each other. Ecological factors: biotic (predation and competition) and abiotic (climatic factors, salinity, altitude and slope of land) Appropriateness of instruments used to measure abiotic factors.

Explanation of food chain and food web.

Identification of components of food chain and food web: producers (green plants), primary consumers   (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores). Decomposers should be mentioned.

Layers of the atmosphere: troposphere,

stratosphere, mesosphere, and

thermosphere. Description of the

characteristics of each layer in terms of

thickness, temperature, air quality and

composition,  pressure and support

for human activities.

Effects of human activities on the

atmosphere: air transport, defence,

industrialization and agriculture.

Sources and effects of the following major pollutants: oxides of lead, nitrogen and sulphur; ozone, halons (carbon and halogen compounds).

Explanation of  ‘greenhouse’ and its

effect: Global warming and climate

change.  Possible factors to address the

problem of global warming. Greenhouse

gases e.g. carbon (IV)oxide and methane.

Ozone layer and how it protects living organisms. Causes and effects of the depletion of the ozone layer. Sources and effects of CFCs on the ozone layer.

Identification of acidic pollutants which

cause acid rain. The effects of acid rain on the environment (damage to buildings, paints forests etc).

Pathogenic: bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, and rickettsia. Non-pathogenic:  nutritional, genetic, stress conditions, and poor sanitation.

Modes of transmission, symptoms,

methods of prevention and control  of

common diseases ( air borne, water related, insect-borne, food contaminated, nutrition, sexually transmitted,  communicable, zoonotic diseases).

Classification of various kinds of materials as magnetic and non-magnetic. Permanent and temporary magnets. The use of magnetism the following gadgets: telephone earpiece, loudspeakers, microphones,  magnetic compass, generation of electricity, fridge doors, etc.

Explanation of magnetic field.

Demonstration of magnetic fields around a bar magnet using compressor or iron fillings.

Processes of magnetization and

demagnetization. The production and use of  electromagnets.  Complete

demagnetization of permanent magnet.

Explanation of the various types of forces: frictional, viscous, gravitational, weight, electrostatic, magnetic, upthrust, tension, and push / pull.

Explanation of the Archimedes Principle

and law of flotation. Explanation of the

following phenomena: the flight of  birds and flotation of  boats.

Definition of the terms: distance,

displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum. Simple calculations required

Explanation of centre of gravity. Determination of centre of gravity of rectangular, triangular, and irregular shaped cardboards using the knife edge. Types of equilibrium: stable, unstable, neutral equilibrium. Stability based on the following activities: Demonstration of the three types of stability using a cone on a flat surface. Effect of loading a vehicle on the top carrier or on the base carrier on the stability of the vehicle.

Definition of pressure. Effects of pressure  in solids, in liquids and in gases (use of bicycle pump, hydraulics, siphons and water pumps).

Proper use and handling of household appliances to prevent accidents at home: avoidance of overloading of electric sockets, extreme care in using the heating coil in metal/ plastic containers, use  of gloves. Precautionary measures in preventing accidents in the home.

Demonstration of the following using models: mouth-to-mouth resuscitation method, methods of extinguishing different fires, treatment of burns, cuts and electric shocks.

Possible hazards that can occur in  working environment e.g. dust, fumes,  toxic substance, corrosive substances, fire, food contamination, harmful radiation (X-rays), poisonous substances from heated or frozen plastics. Effects of hazardous substances on human body, e.g. blindness, burns, nausea, vomiting, and allergies.

Appraisal of the adequacy of the various

hazards, warning labels on containers and other places. Techniques involved in preventing fire due to electrical and chemical causes, and bush fires.

Community hazards: diseases, pests and  parasites outbreak, insanitary conditions,

traffic problems in towns and cities,

pollution problems and waste generation.

Functions of health organizations such as public health and sanitation, public health education, proper siting of refuse dumps, provision of waste disposal facilities, and provision of public toilets. Factors that promote public health. Importance of proper sanitation in diseases control. Efficient town planning and village planning systems, places of garbage disposal, good clean roads and street connections.

Chromosomes as bearers of genes/

hereditary materials and recessive and

dominant characters; genotype and

phenotype. Inheritance of a single pair of contrasting characters e.g height (tallness and shortness) to second filial generation.

Simple treatment of Mendel’s  first law of inheritance. Application of the sequence of inheritance with respect to cloning of stem cells. DNA Test. Heritable and non-heritable characteristics in human.

Explanation of variation. Causes and

consequences of variation: Mutation  should be mentioned as one of the causes of variation e.g. resistance of some organisms to drugs or chemicals, albinism  in humans.

Explanation of sex determination at

fertilization. Effects of sex preference on family relationship. Sex-linked characters.

Types of blood groups and Rhesus factor

and their importance for marriage, blood transfusion and paternity test. Inheritance of blood groups and Rhesus factor. Problems in marriage due to incompatibility Rh-factor and how to avoid these problems.

Inheritance of sickle cell gene. Acquisition of sickle cell anaemia.  Management of sickle cell anaemia.

Definition of work, energy and power.   Simple calculations required.

Identification of simple machines such as levers, pulleys, wheels, and axle and

inclined planes. Classes of levers should

be mentioned. Explanation of mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines. Simple calculations required.

Definition of friction, effects of friction

and methods of reducing friction.

Advantages and disadvantages of friction.

Explanation of endogenous technology.  Effects of modern technology on the development of endogenous technolog.

Inter-dependence of science and technology. Distinction between science and technology. Significance of science and technology to the development of society.

Small scale industries: raw materials and

equipment.  Scientific principles

underlying the following small scale

industries: soap production, salt making,

palm oil production, bread making, and yogurt production.

Explanation of biotechnology. Examples

of industries based on biotechnology.

Explanation of genetic engineering.

Application in medicine, agriculture, food processing.

Explanation of tissue culture. Importance of tissue culture in agriculture.