Lebanon

The Science Curriculum in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades

A summary follows of the national curriculum guides for science through the eighth grade. Science plays an important role in everyday life. It manifests itself in all aspects of human activity. Consequently, it is important that students become lifelong learners of science, learning it at school and extending science learning beyond their school years.

To achieve this goal, the general objectives of science education comprise the following:⁴

• Develop students’ intellectual and practical scientific skills
• Deepen students’ awareness of the ability of humans to understand, invent, and create
• Understand the nature of science and technology, their development throughout history, and their impact on human thought
• Ensure that students have acquired the facts, concepts, and principles necessary to understand natural phenomena
• Motivate students to apply basic scientific principles to all sciences
• Explain the scientific concepts and principles behind commonly used machines and devices
• Acquire knowledge about health, the environment, and safety practices, and behave accordingly
• Realize that some natural resources can be depleted and develop student awareness of the role of science in sustaining these resources
• Encourage students to use scientific knowledge and skills in novel situations, especially in everyday life
• Emphasize the role of scientists in the advancement of humankind
• Encourage students to be open to the ideas of scientists from different cultures and understand their contributions to the advancement of science
• Encourage students to abide by scientific values such as honesty and objectivity
• Develop students’ scientific curiosity and orientation toward scientific research
• Encourage students to work independently and cooperatively in solving scientific problems
• Develop student awareness of career possibilities in different areas related to science

Exhibit 3 presents a summary of the science concepts and skills covered in the fourth grade of basic education (elementary level, Cycle 2).

Exhibit 3: Science Content in Basic Education, Grade 4

Main Topics	Concepts and Skills Covered
Plants and Their Habitats	Fresh water habitat and plants Classification of plants
Animals and Their Habitats	Fresh water habitat and animals Classification of animals
Man and Health	Support and movement systems Food pyramid
Man and the Environment	Included in the other themes
Matter and Energy	Properties of matter Mixtures Magnets Electricity Sound
Earth and the Universe	Soil Formation of soil Clay Rocks Fossils

Exhibit 4 presents a summary of the science concepts and skills covered in the eighth grade of basic education (intermediate level, Cycle 3).
 
Exhibit 4: Science Content in Basic Education, Grade 8

Content Area	Main Topics	Concepts and Skills Covered
Life and Earth Sciences	Nutrition
	Reproduction and genetics	Puberty and adolescence Reproductive organs Functioning of the reproductive system Fertilization, development, and birth Birth control Sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS
	Immunology	Immunological specificity Immune system deficiencies and disorders Preventive and curative methods
	Earth and the environment	Geology, including earth science Manifestations of Earth’s activities Structure and dynamics of Earth Circulation of matter on Earth Geology and human responsibilities
Chemistry	Classification and constituents of matter	Pure substances, including elements, compounds, atoms, molecules, and ions; symbols and formulas Allotropes, including diamond and graphite
	Chemical reactions and energy	Electrical nature of matter, including electrification, electric discharge, conductors, and insulators; electricity and safety Chemical reactions, including chemical equations, types of chemical reactions, and rate of chemical reactions Acids, bases, and salts, including acidic and basic solutions and the concept of pH Applications
Physics	Mechanics	Motion and speed Forces, including their effects and classification Work, power, and forms of energy
	Heat
	Waves	Characteristics of waves, including sound waves Electromagnetic waves and colors
	Optics	Rectilinear propagation of light Reflection of light and plane mirrors