INTRODUCTION 3.

developed awareness of the inter-relationship between Science,

Technology and Society in everyday life
Environmental Science is a subject that helps learners to understand 4. acquired knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes towards
their environment and how they relate to it. It is a multi-disciplinary food production
subject that brings together Agriculture, Home Economics and
5. acquired critical thinking, problem solving and inquiry skills
Science. The combination of these subjects came about as a result of
recommendations of the Revised National Policy on Education 6. developed awareness and appreciation of the use of computers in
(1994) and the subsequent Cream Wright report (1995). everyday life
7. developed awareness and appreciation of basic entrepreneurial
RATIONALE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE skills
8. developed awareness of their rights and responsibilities related to
Environmental Science exposes learners to hands on experiences health, safety and ser
characterized by an inquiry method of learning whereby they study
through process skills which include observation, asking questions,
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES
investigating, experimenting and recording.
The syllabus encourages a learner-centred approach as emphasized
Using the hands on approach, Environmental Science gives learners in the Curriculum Blueprint. This approach involves laying emphasis
opportunities to develop basic manipulative and problem solving on Science process skills, and the exposure to hands on activities,
skills useful to real life situations. Environmental Science provides which should increase the participation and performance of all
learners with an understanding and acquisition of basic knowledge of learners, including those with special needs.
health practices, safety in the environment and the world of work.
The teacher in this case assumes the role of a facilitator for learning.
Environmental Science plays a central role in the development of the Teaching and learning activities in class are planned to draw from
learners by helping them gain an understanding of the scientific and the experiences of the learner, and provide a conducive classroom
technological aspects of the environment they live in. Awareness and atmosphere that allows pupils to be active participants in their own
knowledge gained and skills learnt are expected to develop the learning.
learners’ sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Teachers may use various teaching methods including problem
SUBJECT AIMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE solving, project method, thematic approach, experimentation,
investigation, demonstrations, field excursions and discussions. The
On completion of the Lower Primary Education (Standard 1 – 4), local environment should be used to provide context to the syllabus.
learners should have:
Environmental Science must be presented in an interesting and
1. developed desirable attributes such as curiosity, creativity, challenging way that should popularise it.
assertiveness, self- esteem, open mindedness and respect for the
environment and for one’s own life
2. developed environmental awareness and conservation of its
resources

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SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS ORGANIZATION OF THE SYLLABUS

The syllabus puts emphasis on scientific skills. These skills are the The syllabus is organized into the following modules;
centre of Environmental Science teaching at this level. Module 1: Our Surroundings
Module 2: The non living environment
As the learners answer questions or solve problems, they will employ Module 3: The living environment
many of these skills. Listed below are the process skills that learners Module 4: Health and Safety
have to acquire. These have been integrated in the various topics of
this syllabus. ATTAINMENT TARGETS

Observing and recording At the end of the four years of Primary Education, learners should
able to;
Learners should examine the environment using their senses: They
should talk about, document and illustrate changes observed and 1. demonstrate basic manipulative skills when using basic garden
explain given data. and household equipment
2. apply basic problem solving skills for use in their everyday lives
Classifying and comparing
3. demonstrate science process skills and be able to apply them
Learners should organise, categorise and even judge organisms or 4. acquire basic concepts about living and non-living things
objects using their own criteria 5. recognise the effect of basic health practices
6. demonstrate safety measures on the road, at home and school
Predicting environment and the use of first aid.
Learners should be able to guess or foretell events in the future and 7. Describe the interaction among science, technology and society
verify assumption about observable events. (Transport, communication, food production, health, etc.)
Measuring and comparing 8. Show awareness and appreciation of the use of computers in
everyday life
Learners should be able to categorise and compute various measures 9. Demonstrate desirable attitudes towards the environment
using non standard and standard units.

Investigating

Learners should be able to examine and test the events and

relationships in the environment

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 STANDARD ONE

MODULE 1: OUR SURROUNDINGS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Living and Non 1.1.1 Observe the surroundings 1.1.1.1 observe characteristics of objects, organisms and events in the environment
Living things using their senses
1.1.1.2 record observations using simple drawings
1.1.1.3 classify objects in the surrounding using own criteria
1.1.2 Compare living and non-living things 1.1.2.1 sort objects by different characteristics
1.1.2.2 classify things into living and non-living things
1.1.2.3 state the characteristics of living and non-living things
1.1.2.4 classify organisms into groups of things that are the same
1.2 Care of the 1.2.1 Demonstrate proper care of the 1.2.1.1 observe the state of cleanliness of the school
surroundings surroundings 1.2.1.2 describe a clean environment
1.2.1.3 discuss the need to have a clean environment
MODULE 2: THE NON LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Sky, seasons 2.1.1 Observe bodies in the sky 2.1.1.1 identify objects in the sky
and weather 2.1.1.2 recognise that the sun gives light and heat
2.1.1.3 recognise that sunrise and sunset initiate day and night, respectively
2.1.1.4 recognise that the stars give light at night
2.1.2 Observe and record weather 2.1.2.1 identify conditions as hot, warm and cold
conditions 2.1.2.2 observe weather conditions
2.1.2.3 describe a sunny, cloudy, windy and rainy day
2.1.2.4 draw pictures to show a sunny, cloudy, windy and rainy day
2.1.2.5 identify appropriate clothing for different weather conditions
2.2 Natural 2.2.1 Identify sources and uses of water 2.2.1.1 identify sources of water
Resources 2.2.1.2 observe water from different sources
2.2.1.3 state the uses of water at home
2.2.1.4 demonstrate the uses of water at home
2.2.1.5 appreciate that water is a limited resource and should not be wasted

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 2.2.2 Investigate properties of rocks and 2.2.2.1 identify rocks and stones according to the following attributes (size, shape,
soil texture, colour)
2.2.2.2 state uses of rocks and stones
2.2.2.3 observe different types of soil in the locality
2.2.2.4 state uses of soil
2.2.2.5 use different soils to make models
MODULE 3: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Observing 3.1.1 Observe features of plants 3.1.1.1 observe features which plants possess
plants 3.1.1.2 record observations using simple drawings
3.1.1.3 classify plants using own criteria
3.1.1.4 compare same parts of different plants
3.1.1.5 measure plant parts using non-standard units
3.1.1.6 identify common plants
3.1.1.7 collect and display leaves and fruits of common plants in the locality
3.1.1.8 name harmful plants
3.2 Ourselves and 3.2.1 observe features of animals 3.2.1.1 name the sense organs
other animals 3.2.1.2 state the functions of the five sense organs
3.2.1.3 identify similarities and differences in animal features
3.2.1.4 record observations using simple drawings and models
3.2.1.5 group animals using own criteria
3.2.1.6 compare human beings with other animals
3.2.1.7 identify and name common animals
3.2.1.8 measure each other’s height using non-standard units

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MODULE 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Personal 4.1.1 practice proper personal hygiene 4.1.1.1 identify ways in which germs may enter the body
Hygiene 4.1.1.2 identify materials used for keeping the body clean
4.1.1.3 demonstrate proper brushing of teeth
4.1.1.4 demonstrate proper hand washing
4.1.1.5 demonstrate proper washing of the body
4.1.1.6 practise a daily routine to keep the different parts of the body clean
4.1.1.7 discuss the importance of keeping clothing clean
4.1.1.8 list places where germs are commonly found
4.2 Safety 4.2.1 Demonstrate personal safety 4.2.1.1 recognise surroundings, strangers and areas of danger or risk
4.2.1.2 demonstrate safety precautions relating to dangerous areas in the
surrounding
4.2.1.3 practise proper handling and storing of tools with sharp edges
4.2.1.4 model how to safely cross a road
4.2.1.5 discuss the dangers of placing objects in the mouth, nose, ears and eyes
4.2.1.6 name poisonous substances
4.2.1.7 state safety precautions relating to poisonous substances
4.2.1.8 recognise symbols showing poisonous substances and dangerous situations.
4.2.1.9 recognise dangers of playing in or near water
4.2.1.10discuss the dangers of fire
4.2.1.11observe safety precautions when using fire
4.2.1.12identify service providers in the community
4.2.1.13discuss how to respond to emergency situations

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4.3 Food and 4.3.1 Identify different types of foods 4.3.1.1 make a display of different types of local foods
Nutrition 4.3.1.2 classify food using own criteria
4.3.1.3 select foods that can be prepared in various ways
4.3.1.4 compare appearance, smell, taste and texture of different foods
4.3.2 observe proper eating habits 4.3.2.1 recognise why the body uses food
4.3.2.2 identify ways of eating properly
4.3.2.3 display proper manners when eating
4.3.2.4 explain importance of eating breakfast
4.3.2.5 discuss the dangers of eating spoilt food

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 STANDARD TWO

MODULE 1: OUR SURROUNDINGS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Living and 1.1.1 Observe living and non-living things 1.1.1.1 identify non-living things
non-living in their surroundings 1.1.1.2 identify living things
things 1.1.1.3 describe the interaction between living and non-living things
1.2 Care of the 1.2.1 Keep their surroundings clean 1.2.1.1 state the importance of using a toilet to dispose of human waste
surroundings 1.2.1.2 demonstrate the cleaning of a toilet
1.2.1.3 state at least three ways of proper waste disposal
1.2.1.4 demonstrate at least three ways of proper waste disposal
1.2.1.5 sort waste using own criteria
1.2.1.6 discuss the possible dangers of waste
MODULE 2: THE NON LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Sky, seasons 2.1.1 Observe and record weather 2.1.1.1 observe and describe weather conditions
and weather conditions 2.1.1.2 record daily weather conditions throughout the year using symbols e.g.
temperature, wind and rainfall)
2.1.1.3 observe and make conclusions on changes in weather conditions
2.1.1.4 identify the directions East, West, North and South

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2.2 Natural 2.2.1 Keep water safe 2.2.1.1 distinguish water from other clear liquids (paraffin, oil, gin)
Resources 2.2.1.2 describe ways of saving water
2.2.1.3 state ways of storing water
2.2.1.4 describe ways that can make water dirty
2.2.1.5 state ways in which water can be dangerous
2.2.2 Investigate properties of different soil 2.2.2.1 demonstrate that soil comes from rocks
types 2.2.2.2 compare texture, particle size and colour of different soils
2.2.2.3 state characteristics of different types of soil
MODULE 3: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Uses of plants 3.1.1 Investigate uses of plants 3.1.1.1 identify parts of a plant
3.1.1.2 describe functions of parts of a plant
3.1.1.3 preserve some leaves of different plants to make a display
3.1.1.4 make household items using plant leaves, roots, bark, seeds and fruits of
plants
3.1.1.5 make leaf and bark prints, rubbings and tracings
3.1.1.6 classify fruits as edible and non edible
3.1.1.7 state uses of plants
3.2 Ourselves and 3. 2.1 Acquire knowledge on different body 3.2.1.1. identify and name external parts of a named animal
other animals parts and their functions 3.2.1.2. draw an animal and label at least four external parts
3.2.1.3. state the functions of external parts of the body of an animal
3.2.1.4. identify major parts that make up a human body
3.2.1.5. explain relationship between parts that make up an animal body

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MODULE 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Personal 4.1.1 demonstrate proper care of the body 4.1.1.1 explain the importance of taking care of hair, teeth, feet and nails
hygiene 4.1.1.2 identify items needed for the care of hair teeth, feet and nails
4.1.1.3 demonstrate proper care of hair, teeth, feet and nails
4.1.1.4 demonstrate care of the eyes, ears and nose
4.1.1.5 investigate how diseases are spread
4.1.1.6 list diseases related to lack of body cleanliness
4.1.1.7 demonstrate ways that can help prevent illnesses e.g. hygiene,
immunisations
4.1.1.8 list a variety of childhood illnesses
4.2 Safety 4.2.1 Describe potential hazards and safety 4.2.1.1 explain the need for safety rules at home, school and playground
procedures 4.2.1.2 observe common road signs
4.2.1.3 interpret meanings of common road signs
4.2.1.4 classify road signs and markings using own criteria
4.2.1.5 demonstrate how to use and cross the road safely
4.2.1.6 state the safety precautions for a pedestrian and a cyclist when using the
road
4.2.1.7 identify basic safety rules when in or near water.
4.2.1.8 predict consequences of unsafe behaviour
4.3 Food and 4.3.1 Demonstrate proper methods of 4.3.1.1 identify different ways of preparing food
Nutrition preparing, preserving and storing food 4.3.1.2 prepare a simple snack
4.3.1.3 discuss ways of preventing food contamination
4.3.1.4 demonstrate proper handling of food
4.3.1.5 list different methods of preserving food
4.3.1.6 demonstrate at least one method of preserving food
4.3.1.7 investigate ways of storing food

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 STANDARD THREE

MODULE 1: OUR SURROUNDINGS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Care of the 1.1.1 demonstrate proper methods of 1.1.1.1 describe the terms re-use, reduce and recycling
surroundings managing waste 1.1.1.2 identify materials that can be re-used, reduced and recycled
1.1.1.3 describe how waste can be reduced
1.1.1.4 demonstrate how materials can be re-used and reduced
MODULE 2: THE NON LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Sky, seasons 2.1.1 Observe weather patterns and their 2.1.1.1 name the four seasons i.e. summer, autumn, winter and spring
and weather effect on the environment 2.1.1.2 describe each season
2.1.1.3 perform activities related to each season
2.1.1.4 relate weather conditions to the four seasons
2.1.2 determine and record changes in 2.1.2.1 recognise that wind is air in motion
weather conditions 2.1.2.2 demonstrate that wind has direction
2.1.2.3 find ways of determining wind direction
2.1.2.4 name the instrument used for finding the direction of wind
2.1.2.5 construct a simple wind vane
2.1.2.6 use a wind vane to determine wind direction
2.1.2.7 record daily weather conditions
2.1.2.8 describe the effects of wind on the environment
2.1.3 Observe shadows formed by light 2.1.3.1 recognise that when light is obstructed, shadows form
from the Sun. 2.1.3.2 investigate how shadows change in size in relation to the position of the sun
2.1.3.3 use the size and cast of the shadow to estimate time
2.1.3.4 observe that the moon is visible on some nights and sometimes in the day
2.1.3.5 observe that the shape and size of the moon changes

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2.2 Natural 2.2.1 Demonstrate proper care of water 2.2.1.1 describe ways in which water can be polluted
Resources 2.2.1.2 describe ways of disposing of dirty water
2.2.1.3 make a soak pit
2.2.1.4 list ways of preventing water pollution
2.2.1.5 investigate common water-borne diseases in the community
2.2.1.6 describe symptoms of malaria and bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
2.2.2 Demonstrate proper methods of 2.2.2.1 investigate the effects of running water and wind on soil
conserving soil 2.2.2.2 describe effects of running water and wind on soil
2.2.2.3 describe causes of soil erosion
2.2.2.4 state the effects of soil erosion on the environment
2.2.2.5 demonstrate conservation of soil

MODULE 3: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Growing plants 3.1.1 Observe plant growth 3.1.1.1 observe characteristics of different seeds (size, colour, texture)
3.1.1.2 record differences between dry and soaked seeds
3.1.1.3 observe the period of time taken by different seeds to germinate
3.1.1.4 compare the effect of light and darkness on sprouting seeds and seedlings
3.1.1.5 identify and name at least three vegetables
3.1.1.6 plant and observe a vegetable
3.1.1.7 measure vegetable growth in centimetres
3.2 Ourselves and 3.2.1 Investigate importance of animals and 3.2.1.1 discuss the importance of domestic and wild animals
other animals their habitats 3.2.1.2 identify different animals
3.2.1.3 identify habitats for different animals
3.2.1.4 describe how animals can be destructive

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MODULE 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Personal 4.1.1 practice healthy habits 4.1.1.1 demonstrate proper grooming
Hygiene 4.1.1.2 investigate causes of tooth decay
4.1.1.3 describe the effects of tooth decay
4.1.1.4 discuss ways of preventing tooth decay
4.1.1.5 discuss the effects of substance abuse
4.2 Safety 4.2.1 Demonstrate safety procedures on the 4.2.1.1 observe road signs and markings
road and at home 4.2.1.2 identify warning signs
4.2.1.3 list at least four examples of protective clothing
4.2.1.4 explain the importance of protective clothing
4.2.1.5 name departments and personnel that ensure safety
4.2.1.6 identify hazardous household equipment, materials and substances
4.2.1.7 demonstrate proper handling of hazardous household equipment, materials
and substances
4.2.1.8 demonstrate proper storage of hazardous household equipment, materials
and substances
4.3 Food and 4.3.1 Classify foods 4.3.1.1. classify foods according to their sources (plants and animals)
Nutrition 4.3.1.2. group foods according to their function in the body
4.3.2 Demonstrate healthy eating habits 4.3.2.1 find out the kinds of foods eaten at different times of the day
4.3.2.2 describe meals of the day
4.3.2.3 plan a meal
4.3.2.4 list foods that are suitable for different meals of the day
4.3.2.5 describe unhealthy eating habits
4.3.2.6 demonstrate healthy eating habits

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 STANDARD FOUR

MODULE 1: OUR SURROUNDINGS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Care of 1.1.1 Demonstrate managing waste in the 1.1.1.1 discuss the impact of waste in the surrounding
surroundings surrounding 1.1.1.2 describe a land fill
1.1.1.3 describe how land fills and dumping site are used to manage waste
1.1.1.4 use waste materials to make a household item
1.1.1.5 plan and carry out a campaign to manage waste in the locality
MODULE 2: THE NON LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Sky, seasons 2.1.1 Measure and record rainfall amount 2.1.1.1 identify instrument used for measuring rainfall
and weather 2.1.1.2 construct a simple rain gauge
2.1.1.3 use the rain gauge to measure rainfall
2.1.1.4 describe the effects of rain on the environment
2.1.2 Identify planets in the universe 2.1.2.1 name planets of the universe
2.1.2.2 list planets in the order of the distance from the sun
2.2 Natural 2.2.1 Demonstrate ways of making water 2.2.1.1 explain why water may be unsafe to drink
Resources safe to drink 2.2.1.2 describe ways of making water safe to drink
2.2.1.3 demonstrate simple purification of water
2.2.1.4 demonstrate individual responsibility in using water
2.2.2 Investigate properties of soil 2.2.2.1 investigate soil to find its constituents
2.2.2.2 determine suitability for plant growth of different types of soils
2.2.3 Investigate sources of energy 2.2.3.1 identify various types of energy sources e.g. fuels, sun, wind
2.2.3.2 discuss common sources of energy used at different areas in Botswana i.e.
lands, cattlepost, villages and cities.
2.2.3.3 Investigate why a certain fuel is the most common in your area.
2.2.3.3 demonstrate methods of conserving energy

11
MODULE 3: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Growing plants 3.1.1 Manage plant growth 3.1.1.1 describe how vegetation conserves soil
3.1.1.2 predict the result of indiscriminately cutting down of trees
3.1.1.3 plant and observe a field crop
3.1.1.4 investigate the requirements for plant growth
3.1.1.5 name pests of the field crop grown
3.1.1.6 describe how pests destroy crops
3.1.1.7 describe ways of protecting crops against pests
3.2 Ourselves and 3.2.1 Observe characteristics of insects 3.2.1.1 list at least three characteristics of an insect
other animals 3.2.1.2 identify parts of an insect
3.2.2 Acquire knowledge on conservation 3.2.2.1 identify traditional and modern ways of conserving animals
of animals 3.2.2.2 name the endangered species in Botswana

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MODULE 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Personal 4.1.1 Acquire knowledge on diseases 4.1.1.1 identify ways people can avoid coming in contact with blood
Hygiene 4.1.1.2 list reasons to avoid coming into contact with blood
4.1.1.3 describe procedures to follow in the event of a blood spill
4.1.1.4 name common sexually transmitted diseases
4.1.1.5 discuss ways in which HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases are
spread
4.1.1.6 describe how HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented
4.1.1.7 describe how HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases affect the body of
an infected individual.
4.2 Safety 4.2.1 Match safety procedures to potential 4.2.1.1 state common accidents in the home and school
hazards 4.2.1.2 discuss how accidents in the home and school can be prevented
4.2.1.3 describe First Aid procedures for different common accidents in the home
and school
4.2.1.4 demonstrate how to handle accident victims with care to avoid HIV infection
4.2.1.5 describe at least three examples of each of warning, regulatory and
information signs
4.2.1.6 observe road signs in the locality
4.2.1.7 discuss the causes of road accidents
4.2.1.8 discuss the effects of road accidents
4.2.1.9 discuss ways of preventing road accidents
4.3 Food and 4.3.1 Compare eating habits with a 4.3.1.1 identify nutrient groups and their key functions i.e. fats, proteins,
Nutrition balanced diet carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water
4.3.1.2 name foods rich in each nutrient
4.3.1.3 plan a balanced meal using local foods
4.3.1.4 record daily food intake and determine if it is balanced
4.3.1.5 demonstrate different methods of cooking
4.3.1.6 explain reasons for cooking
4.3.1.7 prepare a simple breakfast using a variety of cooking methods

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