Science
Developing self-directed scientific inquirers and reflective thinkers
YCKPS Science Department aims to develop self-directed students who are scientific inquirers and reflective thinkers. To achieve this, we adopt the ICES approach:
· Inquiry
· Communication
· Experiential
· Self-directedness
Inquiry
Students inquire and apply scientific knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes in authentic settings through Science investigative activities. These activities are designed as part of the Science classroom experience as well as enrichment programmes like the Excellence 2000 (E2K) programme. Selected students also participate in investigation-based Science competitions like the Elementz Science Project competition.
Learning together using a board game about life cycles |
Observing air occupies space |
Measuring volume using a measuring cylinder |
Investigating the properties of light |
Making a model of the human lungs |
Investigating how stems transport coloured water to the flowers |
Investigating the rate of photosynthesis of water plants |
Investigating how height affects gravitational potential energy
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Investigating how different surfaces affect the amount of friction |
Learning about the garden habitat in the school Eco-garden |
Planning an investigative experiment during an E2K enrichment lesson |
Measuring the distance travelled by a boat made during an E2K enrichment lesson |
Investigating the effect of acid on seed germination for Elementz Science Project competition |
Bronze and Gold award winners at the Elementz Science Project competition |
Communication
Science Booklets and Science Word Cards are used to provide opportunities for students to discuss and communicate ideas to build scientific language. Additionally, selected students participate in the Singapore Science Buskers competition where they presented Science concepts in fun and engaging ways.
Judges’ Choice Award winners at the Singapore Science Buskers competition
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Preparing for Singapore Science Buskers competition |
Experiential
Learning journeys are planned for each level from Primary 3 to Primary 6 to complement students’ learning in class. Through these learning journeys, students experience real-life applications of scientific knowledge and concepts. In addition, students learn more about environmental sustainability during these learning journeys as part of the school’s signature Applied Learning Programme.
P3 learning journey to the Zoo
P4 learning journey to an Urban Farm
P5 learning journey to NEWater Visitor Centre
P6 learning journey to the Science Centre
Self-directedness
To build students’ self-directedness and curiosity in Science, the Science Reading Programme encourages students to read Science books and magazines, which are made available in every class, at their own free time to extend their learning in Science.