Unit 1: Basics of Scientific Investigation
This unit introduces the foundational principles of science, focusing on scientific measurements
and the scientific method. It explores both indigenous methods (such as the hand-span or cubit
for length and the shadow of a tree for time) and modern International System of Units (SI).
Physical quantities are classified as fundamental (e.g., mass, length, time) or derived (e.g., area,
speed, density). The unit also distinguishes between accuracy (closeness to an accepted value)
and precision (closeness of measurements to each other). Finally, it outlines the scientific
method, a process involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and
communication of results.
Unit 2: Composition of Matter
Unit 2 examines the building blocks of the physical world, beginning with the historical debate
between discrete theory (Democritus’s idea of indivisible atoms) and continuous theory
(Aristotle’s belief that matter is infinitely divisible). It details the internal structure of an atom,
which consists of a dense, positively charged nucleus (containing protons and neutrons)
surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Key concepts include atomic number (number of
protons) and mass number (sum of protons and neutrons). The unit also defines molecules as
the smallest particles of elements or compounds that can exist freely, categorising them as
monoatomic, diatomic, or polyatomic.
Unit 3: Classification of Compounds
This unit categorises chemical compounds into organic and inorganic groups. Organic
compounds primarily contain carbon and hydrogen, including hydrocarbons like alkanes,
alkenes, and alkynes. Inorganic compounds include oxides (metallic and non-metallic), acids,
bases, and salts. The unit explains the properties of these substances, the use of indicators to
identify acidic or basic solutions, and the neutralization reaction, where an acid reacts with a
base to form salt and water. Practical applications of neutralization in health, agriculture, and
daily life are also discussed.
Unit 4: Human Body Systems and Health
Unit 4 provides a comprehensive overview of several major human body systems and
associated health concerns.
Integumentary System: Includes the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), hair, nails,
and glands, serving as a protective barrier.
Muscular and Skeletal Systems: Describe the three types of muscles (skeletal, smooth,
cardiac) and the 206 bones of the adult skeleton that provide structure and allow
movement.
Digestive and Respiratory Systems: Detail the breakdown of food into nutrients and the
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Circulatory and Reproductive Systems: Cover the transport of substances via blood and
the organs and hormones involved in human reproduction. The unit also discusses
various diseases and disorders for each system, such as acne, muscular dystrophy,
osteoporosis, and sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS.
Unit 5: Ecosystem and Conservation of Natural Resources
The fifth unit explores the interactions between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic)
components in various habitats. It describes biological interactions such as mutualism,
commensalism, and parasitism. Energy flow is tracked through food chains and food webs,
illustrating how energy moves from producers to consumers. The unit also details nutrient
cycles (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and water) that allow essential elements to be reused. Finally,
it emphasizes the conservation of natural resources, including strategies for protecting soil,
water, air, forests, and biodiversity to ensure they persist for future generations.