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PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING EXAMINATION

PSLE SCIENCE​
REVISION NOTES

Comprehensive Study Guide​

Primary 3–Primary 6​
2026 First Edition

Made by Willy Poon

Illustrated by Willy Poon

2026 Science Syllabus Edition ©

These notes have been carefully organised according to the Singapore
Primary Science syllabus. Each topic contains:

●​ Key concepts
●​ Important keywords and definitions
●​ Scientific explanations
●​ Common PSLE question types
●​ Tips and common misconceptions
●​ Easy-to-remember summaries

The aim of these notes is to help students understand scientific concepts,

answer open-ended questions confidently, and prepare effectively for
school examinations and the PSLE.

How to Use These Notes

1.​ Read the notes to understand each topic.

2.​ Memorise the key words highlighted.
3.​ Practise explaining concepts in complete sentences.
4.​ Attempt practice questions after each chapter.
5.​ Review difficult topics regularly.

Remember: Understanding why something happens is more

important than simply memorising facts.

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INDEX:
Diversity

Matter

Human Anatomy and Functions

Energy and Forces

Environment

Summary Tables

CER

Glossary

Ending

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 1.​Diversity
We classify to be able to make things easier to study and understand the diversity around us.

Such as

-​ Living Things
-​ Non Living Things

Living things

-​ Respond to changes
-​ Reproduce
-​ Grow
-​ Requires Air Food and Water

The Six Animal Groups:

1.​ Mammals: Warm-blooded animals that usually have hair or fur and produce milk to feed
their young. Examples: humans, dogs, whales.

2.​ Birds: Warm-blooded, born from hard-shelled eggs, and feature beaks, wings, and
feathers. (Examples: eagles, penguins, ducks) \

3.​ Reptiles: Cold-blooded, breathe using lungs, and have skin covered in scales or bony
plates. They generally lay soft, leathery eggs on land. (Examples: snakes, turtles, lizards)

4.​ Amphibians: Cold-blooded that usually hatch in water with gills and develop lungs to
live on land as adults. They have smooth, moist skin. (Examples: frogs, toads,
salamanders)

5.​ Fish: Aquatic cold-blooded animals that use gills to breathe underwater and fins for
swimming. (Examples: sharks, clownfish, tuna)

6.​ Insects: Invertebrates with a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, and
often wings. (Examples: ants, butterflies, bees)
7.​ Fungi And Bacteria

4
Examples of fungi are mould (Zygomycota) and yeast used to make the dough of a bread rise for
baking. There are mushrooms too.

Please note that their characteristics also affect their behavior in different habitats.

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 2. Plants​

Main Parts of Bodies and Function:

-​ Leaves: Contains chlorophyll, a green pigment which traps sunlight in order to

photosynthesise)

-​ Stoma/Stomata : Tiny openings which are millimeters wide in leaves to be able to

respirate.)

-​ Stem: The components where food-carrying tubes and water-carrying tubes are to
transport food made by the leaves and water from the roots to all parts of the plant.

-​ Roots: The first stretch of a seed before it grows into a shoot to collect mineral salt and
rainwater.

-​ Conditions for germination - Water, warmth and oxygen. Food is given by the seed until
the shoot comes out with leaves.

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Types of Plants
-​ Non Flowering
-​ Flowering

Flowering contains:

-​ Roots
-​ Stems
-​ Leaves
-​ Flowers
-​ Fruits
-​ Reproduce by seeds dispersal:

Splitting/Explosive action

Water disposal (fibrous husk/waterproof)

Wind dispersal (has to be small and light, and have a wing-like structure.)

Animals (Seed is hairy-like or small to be able to cling towards animals or by waste in

order to dispose)

Reason for dispersal action - Competition and to reduce overcrowding.

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 -​ Non Flowering:
-​ Roots
-​ Stems
-​ Leaves
-​ Reproduced by spores, can be found on the underside of leaves.

How non-flowering plants disperse: The wind carries the spores in the air and lets them fly to a
spot naturally and will grow. The texture of spores are powderish, brown in colour.

Reproduction Parts and Process

Reproduction in plants is a key difference to us humans. They do not have sperms, nor eggs, but
a completely different way of reproducing. We call this Pollination.

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In flowering plants, flowers enable pollination to take place.

Male parts - Anther (Produces Pollen) and the filament, which connects the anther to the
flower.

Female parts - Stigma, which collects the pollen from the anther.

Style, which connects the stigma towards the ovary, which contains ovules.

Process of reproduction.

Pollen from the anther touches the stigma within the same plant. It then falls through pollen
tubes and enters the ovary before falling towards the ovule. After fertilisation, the ovule
becomes seeds and the ovary becomes the fruit.

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(A diagram in reference after fertilisation of ovary and ovules.)

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 1.​ Diversity of materials
In this topic, we discuss the diversity and characteristics of materials.

Example of common materials we use in our lives are:

-​ Wood
-​ Metal
-​ Ceramic
-​ Rubber
-​ Glass
-​ Plastic
-​ Fabric

Physical Properties of Materials:

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Strength: The strength of a material is its ability to be pulled or pushed without breaking or
tearing.

Different materials have different strengths. Some materials do not break easily even if they are
dropped onto the ground, being hit or pulled apart.

Flexibility-The flexibility of a material can be determined in its ability to bend without breaking.

Buoyancy: The ability of a material to float without sinking.

Transparency: How much light can pass through it.

Poor/Good conductor of heat: How fast heat can pass through a material.

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The types of transparency:

-​ Transparent
-​ Translucent
-​ Opaque

Clear - Glass and some plastic are transparent. You can clearly see objects behind it.

Translucent - Frosted glass and some plastic are translucent, you cannot clearly see the
materials placed behind it

Opaque - Don't allow light to pass through them, so materials behind are NEVER seen.

Purposes of Objects
Materials are used to make objects. Objects are things you use for different purposes.

Object Purpose Example of Material

Towel To absorb water (Waterproof) Fabric

Scissors To cut through things Metal

Raincoat To shield individuals from Plastic

rain.

Water hose Transport water from Rubber

different places

Poor/Good conductors of heat.

Good conductors of heat are objects that allow heat to flow through them easily. Metals
are materials that are good conductors of heat because they allow heat to pass through
them quickly.

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On the other hand, objects that do not allow heat to flow through them easily are
known as poor conductors of heat. Some examples of poor conductors of heat include
materials like wood, rubber and plastic. Air is also considered a poor conductor of heat.

This affects not only materials but also in Adaptations (Refer to Adaptations).

Examine how a winter jacket keeps us warm even during the cold winter.

A winter jacket is made of fabric that is a poor conductor of heat. On

top of that, the jacket can trap air around our body. Being poor
conductors of heat, air and fabric both help to slow down heat loss
from our body to the cold surroundings, allowing us to stay warm in
winter.

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 2.​Life Cycles
A life cycle is a repeated pattern of change. They change as they grow over time and
reproduce. It ensures that the living things of the same kind keep growing and not grow
extinct.

The Cycles Of Plants

First stage - Seed comes from the adult plant from seed dispersal ,(Refer to Plants for further
information.) where the nutrition in the seed gives food to the seed leaves, enabling it to
survive during the period of dormancy.

(Dormancy is a process where the seed halts growth and metabolic activity to survive
unfavorable conditions and waits for suitable conditions to grow.))

Second Stage - The seed first germinates by absorbing water, causing it to swell and the seed
coat to split. The root grows out first and grows downwards into the soil. It anchors the young
plant firmly and absorbs water and mineral salts. After the roots have developed, the shoot
grows upwards towards the light. Once the shoot emerges above the soil and leaves begin to
grow, the seedling is now classified as a young plant. At this stage, it starts to make its own food
through photosynthesis.

Third Stage - The plant is fully developed and has reached the adult stage. It *produces flowers,
which are the *reproductive organs of the plant. After * pollination and fertilisation occur, the
flowers develop into fruits containing seeds. The adult plant continues to carry out
photosynthesis to make food, absorb water and mineral salts through its roots, and *reproduce
by producing flowers, fruits, and seeds.

* (Refer to Plants, Reproduction Plants and Process)

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Diagram of a plant cycle.

The Cycle Of Animals.

Animals also must have life cycles to continue on their types and not go extinct.

They can vary from a three-staged life cycle or a four-staged life cycle.

3S - Three Staged

4S = Four staged

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Examples of 3S are:

-​ Chicken
-​ Frog
-​ Grasshopper
-​ Cockroach

Examples of 4S are

-​ Mealworm beetle
-​ Butterfly
-​ Mosquito (we HATE them)

The process of a 3S:

First stage - The egg/young is given birth by the adult animal.

Second stage - The egg hatches/ nymph grows and resembles/does not resemble the adult
animal.

Third Stage - It grows into a fully developed adult, where it will be able to produce offspring
(egg/young).

The process of a 4S:

First stage - The egg/young is given birth by the adult animal.

Second stage - The egg hatches/ young grows and grows into a larva. It resembles/does not
resemble the adult animal.

Third Stage - It enters a pupa state (metamorphosis) and does not eat nor drink as the food has
been stored during the second stage.

Fourth stage- It grows into a fully developed adult, where it will be able to produce offspring
(egg/young).

(Metamorphosis is a biological process in which an animal undergoes a conspicuous and

relatively abrupt change in its body structure as part of its development.)

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Matter
Matter most commonly refers to physical substance. In science, it is defined as anything that
has mass and takes up space by having volume, making up all observable everyday objects.

●​ Classical Phases: Solid, liquid, and gas.

Definition
Which state has a fixed shape and fixed volume?

Solid

Which state takes the shape of its container? (No shape, fixed volume)

Liquid

Which state fills the entire container? (Neither fixed shape nor volume)

Gas

Change of State

Melting Solid Liquid Gain heat

Freezing Liquid Solid Lose heat

Evaporation / Boiling Liquid Gas Gain heat

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Human Anatomy and Functions
The human body has hundreds of parts for it to function.

We will go through programs of:

-​ Circulatory System: Pumps blood to transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout
the body (heart, blood, vessels).

-​ Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon
dioxide (lungs, trachea, bronchi).

-​ Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates solid waste
(stomach, intestines, liver).

-​ Nervous System: Controls voluntary and involuntary actions by processing sensory

information (brain, spinal cord, nerves).

-​ Skeletal System: Provides structure, protects vital organs, and creates blood cells (bones,
cartilage, ligaments).

-​ Muscular System: Enables movement, stabilizes posture, and generates heat (skeletal,
smooth, and cardiac muscles).

We will focus on respiratory and digestive systems.

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 Respiratory System
Respiratory is an important and necessity for the human body to survive.

When we breathe in, air enters our body through our nose. The air that is breathed in is called
inhaled air. As air passes through the nose , dust is trapped by the tiny hair in the nose, the
filtered air warmed and moisturized.

From the nose, the air enters the windpipe

From the windpipe, then the air leaves the windpipe. It then enters the lungs and fills the air

Exchange happens in the lungs, gaseous exchange occurs when oxygen enters the blood in the
lungs, and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood.

The oxygen enters the blood stream and enters the heart, where it will pump the oxygen to all
parts of the body.

Carbon Dioxide is the same process but reversed.

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Digestive System
●​ Digestion is the process of breaking down food into simple, soluble substances that
can be absorbed by the body.
●​ Digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to all parts of the body.
●​ The body uses the nutrients for:
○​ Growth
○​ Repair of worn-out tissues
○​ Energy

Digestive Organs and Their Functions

1. Mouth

●​ Teeth cut, tear and grind food into smaller pieces.

●​ Saliva softens food and starts digesting starch.
●​ The tongue mixes food with saliva and helps in swallowing.

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2. Oesophagus (Food Pipe)

●​ Pushes food to the stomach using wave-like muscle movements called peristalsis.
●​ No digestion takes place here.

3. Stomach

●​ Churns and mixes food.

●​ Produces digestive juices that break down proteins.
●​ Turns food into a thick liquid called chyme.

4. Small Intestine

●​ Digestion is completed here.

●​ Digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream through tiny finger-like structures
called villi.
●​ This is where most absorption takes place.

5. Large Intestine

●​ Absorbs water and some minerals from undigested food.

●​ The remaining waste becomes faeces.

6. Rectum

●​ Stores faeces before they leave the body.

7. Anus

●​ Faeces leave the body through the anus.

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Journey of Food
Mouth → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum →
Anus

Digestion vs Absorption vs Egestion

Process Meaning

Digestion Breaking down food into simple, soluble substances.

Absorption Digested food passes through the wall of the small intestine into the
bloodstream.

Egestion Removal of undigested food from the body through the anus.

Parts of the Circulatory System

1. Heart ❤️
●​ A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
●​ Beats continuously to keep blood flowing.
●​ The left and right sides of the heart do not mix oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.

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2. Blood

Blood transports different substances around the body.

It carries:

●​ Oxygen
●​ Digested food (nutrients)
●​ Water
●​ Carbon dioxide
●​ Waste products
●​ Hormones

3. Blood Vessels

Arteries

●​ Carry blood away from the heart.

●​ Have thick, strong, and elastic walls.
●​ Blood flows at high pressure.

Veins

●​ Carry blood towards the heart.

●​ Have thinner walls than arteries.
●​ Contain valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards.

Capillaries

●​ The smallest blood vessels.

●​ Have very thin walls (one cell thick).
●​ Allow exchange of:
○​ Oxygen & Carbon dioxide
○​ Nutrients
○​ Waste products

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Pulmonary Circulation (Heart ↔ Lungs)

●​ Oxygen-poor blood travels from the heart to the lungs.

●​ In the lungs:
○​ Carbon dioxide is removed.
○​ Oxygen is taken in.
●​ Oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart.

Systemic Circulation (Heart ↔ Body)

●​ Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the heart to the body.

●​ Body cells:
○​ Use oxygen and nutrients.
○​ Produce carbon dioxide.
●​ Oxygen-poor blood returns to the heart.

Journey of Blood
Heart → Lungs → Heart → Body → Heart

Exchange in the Capillaries

In the Lungs

Blood:

●​ Gains oxygen.
●​ Loses carbon dioxide.

In Body Cells

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Blood:

●​ Delivers oxygen and digested food.

●​ Collects carbon dioxide and waste products.

Importance of Blood Circulation

Blood circulation:

●​ Supplies oxygen to cells.

●​ Supplies digested food to cells.
●​ Removes carbon dioxide.
●​ Removes waste products.
●​ Helps fight diseases (white blood cells).
●​ Helps stop bleeding (platelets).

Magnets
A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible
but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other
magnetic materials, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc. and attracts or repels other magnets.

A magnet ATTRACTS magnetic materials, it only repels other MAGNETS.

Suppose we have a horseshoe magnet X, which North is on top while south is below. It only
attracts a magnet with unlike poles, which means South is on top and North is below.

Properties of magnets

1.​ There are no interactions. It only attracts iron and steel, it does repel them like a king
denying a meal.
2.​ Unlike poles attract and like poles repel, these are the rules that shall dwell.
3.​ Magnets can pass through non magnetic materials.

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A diagram in reference to 3.

4.​ Magnets are STRONGEST in their force when unlike/like poles face others

5.​ When freely suspended, it always faces the north-south direction.

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In reference to 5.

Creating and using magnets:

Magnetic materials can be temporarily magnets via:

Electromagnets

Stroking Magnets

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Electromagnets start by closing the switch, where it will get power from the battery and transfer
the electrical power to the coil wrapped around the magnetic materials, giving the magnetic
materials a magnetic force for it to attract.

More coils = More Force and electricity.

Stroking Magnets:

When a magnet strokes a magnetic material, it temporarily transfers the magnetism towards it,
enabling the material to be a magnet for a period of time.

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Energy

What is Energy?

Energy is the ability to do work.

●​ Energy cannot be lost or destroyed, only converted.

The Six Forms of Energy

1. Potential energy

In PSLE, you’re not required to write the specific types of potential energy. But for your
understanding, we can break down potential energy into three forms:

●​ Chemical potential energy (batteries, food, fuel)

CPE is a form of energy where chemicals in foods/fuel have potential energy that allows
it to function when in use.

●​ Elastic potential energy (stretched elastic bands, springs)

EPE is a form of energy where the elasticity force when being stretched or compressed,
more potential energy is gathered and will convert to more kinetic energy.

●​ Gravitational potential energy (objects above the ground)

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a
gravitational field, typically related to its height above the ground. As the object falls, this
potential energy converts into kinetic energy.

2. Heat energy:

Heat energy (or thermal energy) is the energy an object possesses. Heat refers specifically to
the energy transferring from a hotter substance to a colder one until they reach equal
temperatures.

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3. Light energy:

Light energy is required for us to be able to see.

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The incident ray comes from the source of light and the reflected ray is shined towards our
eyes/the direction of reflection. This allows us to see things.

Example of natural sources of light:

-​ Firefly
-​ Campfire
-​ Lightning
-​ Sun

Example of artificial sources of light:

-​ LED light bulb

-​ Lamp
-​ Candle
-​ Torchlight

4. Electrical energy:

Electrical energy is the energy created by the flow and movement of charged particles, typically
electrons, through a conductor. It is the power that does work for us every day by running
through circuits to operate devices, lighting, and appliances.

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A simple electric circuit needs a battery with connecting wires, a switch, and a light bulb (or
other electrical component). The circuit must be complete (closed) for electric current to flow
and for the bulb to light up.

! Electric circuits can also be used to power other electrical components such as
buzzers, motors, LEDs, and electromagnets. !

5. Sound energy - Sound energy is the energy carried by longitudinal mechanical waves (sound
waves) for us to be able to hear.

Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Circuit Parallel Circuit

Components are connected in a single Components are connected in separate

loop. branches.

Electric current flows through one path. Electric current flows through multiple paths.

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If one bulb fails, all bulbs go out. If one bulb fails, the remaining bulbs continue
to light up.

Adding more bulbs causes all bulbs to Adding more bulbs does not affect the
become dimmer. brightness of the other bulbs.

Commonly used in simple electrical Commonly used in household electrical

circuits. circuits.

Key Points

Series Circuit

●​ One path for electric current.

●​ Bulbs become dimmer when more are added.
●​ One faulty bulb breaks the entire circuit.

Parallel Circuit

●​ Multiple paths for electric current.

●​ Bulbs remain at the same brightness.

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6. Kinetic energy:

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

More mass = more kinetic energy.

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Kinetic Energy
Definition:​
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. An object has kinetic energy
only when it is moving.

Characteristics

●​ The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

●​ A heavier object moving at the same speed has more kinetic energy than a lighter
object.
●​ If an object stops moving, it no longer has kinetic energy.

Examples

●​ ⚽ A rolling football
●​ 🚲 A moving bicycle
●​ 🚗 A moving car
●​ 🌬️ Blowing wind
●​ 🏃 A person running
Energy Conversion

Electrical energy can be converted into kinetic energy using a motor.

Examples:

●​ Electric fan: Electrical energy → Kinetic energy (spinning blades)

●​ Toy car: Electrical energy → Kinetic energy (moving wheels)
●​ Blender: Electrical energy → Kinetic energy (rotating blades)

PSLE Tip

Remember that kinetic energy is associated with movement. Whenever an object is

moving, it possesses kinetic energy.

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You could also make your notes consistent by using the same format for all energy types:

Energy Type Definition Examples

Electrical Energy supplied by a battery or Battery, mains electricity

Energy power source.

Light Energy Energy that allows us to see Light bulb, Sun, torch
objects.

Heat Energy Energy that makes objects Heater, stove, boiling water
warmer.

Sound Energy Energy produced by vibrating Buzzer, speaker, bell

objects.

Kinetic Energy possessed by a moving Fan blades, toy car, rolling ball
Energy object.

Potential Stored energy due to an object's Stretched rubber band, raised

Energy position or condition. object, compressed spring

What is Energy Conversion?

Energy conversion means changing energy from one form to another.

Examples:

1.​ When you switch on a fan: Electrical energy converts to Kinetic energy (moving blades).

2.​ When you eat food: Potential energy converts to Kinetic energy (to move and play).

Energy can also be transferred.

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All living things depend directly or indirectly on the sun for
energy.

38
Human Reproduction
Remember when Robin said:

We’re here to explain that to [Link] produce their offspring with the opposite sex by
having intercourse, and when given birth, the offspring has the genetic of both the mated male
and female.

If Woman A (Double Eyelids) and Male B (Single Eyelids) had intercourse, the offspring might
have double eyelids, following suit after Woman A.

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The male has two parts of genitals:

-​ Testes (Singular: Testis)

-​ Penis

The testes produce MRC (Male Reproductive Cells) called sperms, they cannot be seen with the
naked eye and can only be viewed through microscopes.

The penis discharges sperms (MRC) towards the female reproductive system.

The female however, has three parts of genitals:

-​ Ovary

The ovary produces eggs, and when in contact with a MRC, will fuse to create the fetus located
in the womb. The Fallopian Tubes move the egg towards the womb in order to begin growing.

-​ Womb

When fertilisation occurs, the embryo (fused egg and sperm) moves through the fallopian tubes
and begins to grow the offspring.

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-​ Vagina: Where the sperm (MRC) enters to locate and fuse with the FRC (Egg).

When fused, we called this process fertilisation.

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Forces:
1. Gravitational Force 🌍
●​ Gravity is a pulling force.
●​ It pulls objects towards the Earth.
●​ All objects are affected by gravity.

Examples

●​ An apple falls from a tree.

●​ Rain falls to the ground.
●​ A ball thrown into the air comes back down.

2. Frictional Force ✋
●​ Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
●​ It acts in the opposite direction of movement.

Friction is useful because it:

●​ Allows us to walk without slipping.

●​ Helps vehicles stop when brakes are applied.
●​ Helps us grip objects.

Too much friction:

●​ Causes wear and tear.

●​ Produces heat.
●​ Makes moving objects harder.

Reducing Friction

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 ●​ Use oil or lubricants.
●​ Smooth the surfaces.

Increasing Friction

●​ Roughen the surfaces.

●​ Add treads to tires.
●​ Wear shoes with good grip.

3. Magnetic Force 🧲
●​ Magnetic force is the push or pull between magnets or magnetic materials.

Magnetic Materials

●​ Iron
●​ Steel
●​ Nickel
●​ Cobalt

Non-Magnetic Materials

●​ Plastic
●​ Wood
●​ Glass
●​ Rubber
●​ Paper
●​ Aluminium (PSLE usually treats it as non-magnetic.)

Magnet Rules

●​ Unlike poles.
●​ Like poles repel.

North + South → Attract✅

North + North → Repel ❌ South + South → Repel ❌

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4. Elastic Spring Force 🌀
●​ Elastic spring force is produced when an elastic object is stretched or compressed.
●​ It acts to return the object to its original shape.

Examples

●​ Spring
●​ Rubber band
●​ Slingshot
●​ Bungee cord

More Stretch = Greater Elastic Force

●​ The more a spring or rubber band is stretched, the greater the force pulling it back.

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Balanced Forces

●​ Equal in size and opposite in direction.

●​ The object remains still or continues moving at a constant speed.

Unbalanced Forces

●​ One force is greater than the other.

●​ The object changes its motion (starts, stops, speeds up, slows down or changes
direction).

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Environment (PSLE Science)

What is an Environment?
●​ An environment is the surroundings where living things live.
●​ It includes:
○​ Living things (biotic factors) – plants, animals, fungi, bacteria.
○​ Non-living things (abiotic factors) – air, water, sunlight, soil and temperature.

Levels of Organisation

1. Organism
●​ An organism is a single living thing.

Examples

●​ One tree
●​ One bird
●​ One fish
●​ One human

2. Population
●​ A population is a group of the same kind of organisms living in the same habitat.

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Examples

●​ A herd of elephants.
●​ A school of fish.
●​ A group of mangrove trees.

3. Community
●​ A community is made up of different populations living together in the same habitat.

Example

A pond community may include:

●​ Fish
●​ Frogs
●​ Insects
●​ Algae
●​ Water plants

4. Habitat
●​ A habitat is the natural place where an organism lives.
●​ It provides the organism with:
○​ Food
○​ Water
○​ Air
○​ Shelter
○​ Space

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Examples

●​ Pond
●​ Forest
●​ Desert
●​ Mangrove swamp

Adaptations

What is an Adaptation?
●​ An adaptation is a feature or behaviour that helps an organism survive in its habitat.

Structural Adaptations
Physical features that help an organism survive.

Examples

●​ Thick fur keeps polar bears warm.

●​ Webbed feet help ducks swim.
●​ Sharp claws help eagles catch prey.
●​ Waxy leaves reduce water loss.
●​ Spines protect cacti and reduce water loss.

Behavioural Adaptations
Ways an organism behaves to survive.

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Examples

●​ Birds migrate during winter.

●​ Bats are active at night.
●​ Penguins huddle together to keep warm.

Food Chain
A food chain shows how energy is passed from one organism to another.

Example

Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle

Producer
●​ A producer is a green plant.
●​ Producers make their own food by photosynthesis.

Examples

●​ Grass
●​ Trees
●​ Algae

Consumer
●​ A consumer cannot make its own food.
●​ Consumers obtain energy by eating plants or animals.

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Types of Consumers

Herbivore

●​ Eats plants only.

Examples:

●​ Rabbit
●​ Cow
●​ Deer

Carnivore

●​ Eats animals only.

Examples:

●​ Lion
●​ Eagle
●​ Snake

Omnivore

●​ Eats both plants and animals.

Examples:

●​ Human
●​ Bear
●​ Chicken

Predator and Prey

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Predator

●​ An animal that hunts and eats another animal.

Prey

●​ An animal that is hunted and eaten.

Example:

●​ Eagle = Predator
●​ Rabbit = Prey

Food Web
●​ A food web is made up of many connected food chains.
●​ It shows that organisms usually have more than one source of food.

Animal A eats grass

Animal B and C feeds on A

D feeds on B and C.

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Interdependence
Organisms depend on one another for:

●​ Food
●​ Air
●​ Temperature
●​ Oxygen
●​ Warmth
●​ Livestock

If one organism disappears, other organisms in the food chain or food web may also be
affected.

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Human Impact on the Environment
Humans can affect the environment by:

●​ Deforestation
●​ Pollution
●​ Hunting animals
●​ Burning fossil fuels

These actions can:

●​ Destroy habitats.
●​ Reduce populations.
●​ Cause extinction.
●​ Disrupt food chains.

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Summary Tables

Matter

Topic Key Points

States of Matter Solid, Liquid, Gas

Particle Arrangement Solid: closely packed • Liquid: close but can move • Gas: far apart

Change of State Melting, Freezing, Evaporation, Condensation, Boiling

Conservation of Mass Mass remains the same during changes of state.

Forces

Force Effect

Friction Slows down moving objects and produces heat.

Gravitational Pulls objects towards the Earth.

Magnetic Attracts or repels magnetic materials.

Elastic Spring Stretched or compressed objects return to their original

shape.

Energy

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Energy Form Example

Light Sun, torch

Heat Fire, stove

Sound Bell, speaker

Electrical Batteries, power sockets

Chemical Food, fuel

Kinetic Moving objects

Potential Raised objects

Plant System
●​ Roots → absorb water and minerals.
●​ Stem → transports water and food.
●​ Leaves → make food by photosynthesis.
●​ Flowers → reproduction.
●​ Fruits → protect seeds.
●​ Seeds → grow into new plants.

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Human Body Systems

System Main Function

Digestive Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Respiratory Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

Circulatory Transports oxygen, nutrients and waste.

Environment
●​ Organism → one living thing.
●​ Population → same species living together.
●​ Community → different populations living together.
●​ Habitat → where organisms live.
●​ Ecosystem → organisms and their environment interacting.
●​ Food Chain → Producer → Consumer → Decomposer.

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Common PSLE Mistakes
Matter

❌ "Particles become larger when heated."

✅ Particles stay the same size. They move faster and further apart.

Evaporation vs Boiling

❌ They are the same.

✅ Evaporation occurs only at the surface and can happen at any temperature.
✅ Boiling occurs throughout the liquid at its boiling point.

Forces

❌ Friction always slows objects.

✅ Friction can also help us walk, grip objects and write.

Gravity

❌ Gravity only acts when objects fall.

✅ Gravity acts on all objects all the time.

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Photosynthesis

❌ Plants get food from the soil.

✅ Plants make their own food using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.

Digestive System

❌ Digestion happens only in the stomach.

✅ Digestion starts in the mouth and continues through several organs.

Circulatory System

❌ Blood only carries oxygen.

✅ Blood carries oxygen, nutrients and removes waste products.

Food Chains

❌ Energy starts from animals.

✅ Energy starts from the Sun, then producers.

Open-ended Questions

❌ "The plant died because no water."

✅ "The plant died because without water it could not transport minerals or make food, causing
it to eventually die."

Always explain why.

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In Booklet B, it is highly important that you use CER as your way to answer science questions.

The CER Method

Booklet B contains many open-ended questions that require you to explain your answers using
scientific concepts. To score full marks, use the CER method.

C — Claim 🟦
State your answer clearly.

This is the direct answer to the question.

Ask yourself:

●​ What happened?
●​ Which object, plant or animal is correct?
●​ What is my answer?

Example

Plant A grew taller than Plant B.

E — Evidence 🟩
Use information from the question, table, graph or diagram to support your claim.

Evidence should come directly from the data provided.

Examples include:

●​ Measurements
●​ Observations
●​ Results from a table
●​ Graph trends
●​ Information in the question

Example

58
 Plant A grew 18 cm while Plant B grew only 10 cm.

R — Reasoning 🟨
Explain why using the correct scientific concept.

This is the part that earns most of the marks.

Use keywords from your Science notes whenever possible.

Example

Since Plant A received more sunlight, it carried out more photosynthesis and
produced more food for growth. Therefore, it grew taller than Plant B.

Full Example
Question

Which plant is healthier? Explain your answer.

Plant Height

A 20 cm

B 12 cm

Answer using CER.

Claim

Plant A is healthier.

59
Evidence

Plant A is 20 cm tall while Plant B is only 12 cm tall.

Reasoning

Since Plant A has grown taller, it likely carried out more photosynthesis and
produced more food for growth. Therefore, Plant A is healthier.

CER Sentence Starters

Claim

●​ I think...
●​ The answer is...
●​ The correct choice is...
●​ Based on the information...
●​ It can be concluded that...

Evidence

●​ This is shown because...

●​ According to the table...
●​ The graph shows...
●​ The results indicate...
●​ From the observations...
●​ The diagram shows...

Reasoning

●​ Therefore...
●​ As a result...
●​ Since...
●​ Hence...
●​ This means that...

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 📖 PSLE Science Glossary (P3–P6)
A
Absorb​
To take in a substance, such as water, minerals or nutrients.

Adaptation​
A physical feature or behaviour that helps an organism survive in its habitat.

Adult Plant​
A fully grown plant capable of producing flowers, fruits and seeds.

Air Resistance​
A type of friction that slows moving objects through the air.

Amphibian​
A cold-blooded vertebrate that lives both on land and in water.

Animal Cell​
The basic unit that makes up an animal's body.

B
Balanced Force​
When forces acting on an object are equal, causing no change in motion.

Boiling​
The change of a liquid into a gas throughout the liquid at a fixed temperature.

Breathing​
The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

61
Carbon Dioxide​
A gas taken in by plants for photosynthesis and released by animals during respiration.

Carnivore​
An animal that feeds only on other animals.

Cell​
The smallest living unit of an organism.

Chemical Energy​
Energy stored in food, fuel and batteries.

Circulatory System​
The body system that transports oxygen, nutrients and wastes around the body.

Community​
Different populations living together in the same habitat.

Condensation​
The change of a gas into a liquid.

Conductor​
A material that allows heat or electricity to pass through easily.

Consumer​
An organism that gets energy by eating plants or animals.

D
Decomposer​
An organism, such as fungi or bacteria, that breaks down dead plants and animals.

Dependent Variable​
The factor measured or observed during an experiment.

Digestive System​
The body system that breaks down food into simpler substances.

62
Dissolve​
When a substance mixes completely with a liquid to form a solution.

E
Ecosystem​
Living organisms interacting with one another and their environment.

Elastic Spring Force​

The force produced when an object is stretched or compressed.

Electrical Energy​
Energy carried by electric current.

Energy​
The ability to do work or cause change.

Evaporation​
The change of a liquid into gas at the surface.

Experiment​
A scientific test carried out to investigate a question.

F
Fair Test​
An investigation where only one variable is changed.

Food Chain​
The flow of energy from the Sun to producers and then consumers.

Food Web​
Several food chains linked together.

Force​
A push or pull acting on an object.

63
Fossil Fuel​
Coal, oil and natural gas formed from ancient organisms.

Freezing​
The change of a liquid into a solid.

Friction​
A force that opposes motion between two surfaces.

Fruit​
The part of a plant that protects seeds.

G
Gas​
A state of matter with no fixed shape or volume.

Germination​
The process where a seed begins to grow.

Gravity​
The force that pulls objects towards Earth.

H
Habitat​
The natural environment where an organism lives.

Heat Energy​
Energy transferred from a hotter object to a cooler one.

Herbivore​
An animal that feeds only on plants.

64
 I
Independent Variable​
The factor deliberately changed during an experiment.

Indicator​
A sign that shows whether something has happened during an investigation.

Insulator​
A material that does not allow heat or electricity to pass through easily.

K
Kinetic Energy​
The energy of a moving object.

L
Leaf​
The part of a plant that makes food by photosynthesis.

Life Cycle​
The stages an organism goes through as it grows and reproduces.

Light Energy​
Energy produced by the Sun or other light sources.

Liquid​
A state of matter with a fixed volume but no fixed shape.

Lungs​
Organs where gas exchange takes place.

65
 M
Magnetic Force​
The force between magnets or magnetic materials.

Magnetism​
The property of attracting magnetic materials.

Matter​
Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Melting​
The change of a solid into a liquid.

Minerals​
Nutrients absorbed by plant roots from the soil.

N
Nutrients​
Substances needed by living things for growth, repair and energy.

O
Observation​
Information gathered using the senses or measuring instruments.

Omnivore​
An animal that eats both plants and animals.

Organ​
A body part made of different tissues working together.

Organism​
Any living thing.

66
Oxygen​
A gas needed for respiration.

P
Particle​
Tiny pieces that make up matter.

Photosynthesis​
The process where plants make food using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.

Plant Cell​
The basic unit that makes up a plant.

Population​
Members of the same species living in the same habitat.

Potential Energy​
Stored energy due to an object's position.

Predator​
An animal that hunts other animals.

Prey​
An animal hunted by a predator.

Producer​
An organism that makes its own food.

R
Recycle​
Processing waste materials into new products.

Reproduction​
The process of producing offspring.

67
Respiration​
The process where cells release energy from food.

Respiratory System​
The body system responsible for gas exchange.

Root​
The part of a plant that absorbs water and minerals.

S
Seed​
The structure that develops into a new plant.

Seedling​
A young plant that has just germinated.

Shadow​
A dark area formed when light is blocked.

Shoot​
The young stem and leaves growing from a seed.

Solid​
A state of matter with a fixed shape and volume.

Solution​
A mixture formed when a substance dissolves in a liquid.

Sound Energy​
Energy produced by vibrations.

Species​
A group of similar organisms that can reproduce.

Stem​
The part of a plant that supports it and transports water and food.

68
Sun​
The main source of energy for Earth.

T
Temperature​
A measure of how hot or cold something is.

Thermal Conductor​
A material that allows heat to pass through easily.

Thermal Insulator​
A material that slows the transfer of heat.

Tissue​
A group of similar cells performing the same function.

Transparent​
Allows almost all light to pass through.

Translucent​
Allows some light to pass through.

Transport​
The movement of water, food or gases within living things.

U
Unbalanced Force​
Forces that are unequal, causing an object to speed up, slow down or change direction.

69
Variable​
A factor that can change during an experiment.

Vertebrate​
An animal with a backbone.

W
Water Cycle​
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

Water Vapour​
Water in its gaseous state.

Waterproof​
Does not allow water to pass through.

⭐ Science Process Skills (Very

Important for PSLE)
Term Meaning

Compare Identify similarities and differences.

Classify Group according to shared characteristics.

Observe Gather information using the senses or instruments.

Measure Find the size, mass, length, volume or temperature

accurately.

70
Infer Give a possible explanation based on observations.

Predict State what is likely to happen using patterns or

evidence.

Identify Recognise the factor changed, measured or kept the

Variable same.

Fair Test Change only one variable while keeping the others
constant.

Record Present observations clearly using words, tables or

Results graphs.

Draw Answer the aim using evidence from the results.

Conclusio
n

71
Final Words
As you reach the end of these PSLE Science Revision Notes, remember that success in Science is built
upon understanding, curiosity, and consistent practice. Every concept you have learned, every
experiment you have explored, and every question you have answered has contributed to a stronger
foundation for your scientific learning.

Science is not simply about remembering facts. It is about observing carefully, thinking critically,
making connections, and using evidence to explain the world around us. Approach each question with
confidence, apply the knowledge you have gained, and support your answers with clear scientific
reasoning.

As you continue your revision, remember to:

●​ Review your notes regularly.

●​ Understand concepts rather than memorise blindly.
●​ Apply scientific knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
●​ Use accurate scientific vocabulary.
●​ Answer open-ended questions using the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) approach.

Progress is achieved through steady effort. Every question you attempt, every mistake you learn from,
and every revision session brings you one step closer to your goals.

May these notes serve not only as a guide for your examinations but also as a reminder that learning is
a lifelong journey driven by curiosity and perseverance.

We hope this handbook has supported your learning, strengthened your understanding, and inspired
you to approach Science with confidence and an open mind.

We wish you every success in your studies and in the Primary School Leaving Examination.

Continue to ask questions. Continue to seek understanding. Continue to discover.

72
Thank you for using the PSLE Science Revision Notes. We hope this handbook has been a
valuable companion throughout your learning journey. May the knowledge and skills
you have gained continue to guide you, not only in your examinations, but also in your
appreciation of the world through Science. We wish you every success in your future
endeavours.

-​ Willy “Wonka” Poon, creator and illustrator of this handbook.

Thank you to Darren Ralph, Marryssa Lyenqqa, Declan Tan, Sing Yu and Ji An who
were testers of this book.

Good Luck, Work Hard and Play Hard!

73
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."​
— Albert Einstein

End Of Notes.

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