The Science Curriculum in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Jordan’s three most recent major education reforms also have focused on enhancing the science curriculum. In 2003, Jordan began to implement a comprehensive approach to improving the scope and quality of the science curriculum. In 2013, a new science curriculum was introduced.
For Grades 1 to 8, there is an integrated curriculum, while in Grades 9 and 10, science is taught as four subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. The expectations for students in Grades 1 to 8 are as follows:9
- Force and Movement—Acquire concepts, facts, and basic principles of force and movement, and understand their relationship; use laboratory equipment and instruments to explore concepts, facts, and various scientific measurements; follow safety rules and procedures in the classroom, school, and laboratory; and use oral and written communication and mathematical and physical representations to describe scientific concepts related to force and movement
- Matter and Energy—Acquire concepts, facts, and basic principles related to matter and energy; recognize the work of God in the universe and understand that the universe’s materials have significant impact on our life; investigate by using the scientific method; use laboratory materials and tools to explore science principles; and follow safety rules and procedures in the laboratory, classroom, school, and home
- Organisms and Their Environment—Show an understanding of the characteristics of living organisms and their needs, life cycles, and relationships with each other and their environment; and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the nature of the human body and maintaining one’s health
- Meteorology—Understand the components and characteristics of the atmosphere and its interaction with Earth’s surface
- Terrestrial Materials—Understand the components and characteristics of land and water systems, their interactions, and human impact on them
- Astronomy—Understand the components of the universe, its characteristics and origin, and the physical laws governing it
- Earth’s History—Describe Earth’s changes over time
- Geological Processes—Understand geological processes and their role in the formation of topographic features and geological phenomena
- Oceans—Understand that the oceans are a complex, dynamic system in which interactions occur among natural systems, minerals, and weather