1. Meridian Primary Department of Science Briefing to Parents of Primary 5 and 6 pupils 27 March 2010 (Saturday) 11 am to 11.45 am

2. Sharing Miss Tan Li Li – General and multiple-choice questions Mr Tay Koon Guan – Open-ended questions

3. Science education Knowledge and understanding; Skills and application Desired values such as integrity, responsibility, respect

4. Science education Problem-solving ability is a life skill Adopt the scientific inquiry method such as asking questions, knowing where to look for the likely answers, checking for accuracy

5. Science education Enjoyment of the learning as a beginner’s mind Science is everywhere

6. Science at Meridian At the end of 6 years at Meridian, our pupils will : Lead their classmates in caring and protecting a green environment

7. Science at Meridian Manage tasks and problems using a wide repertoire of Science process skills

8. Science at Meridian Communicate their insights about Science to their school mates and others

9. Objectives At the end of the session, we will be able to : Be aware of the PSLE Science format and scope of major school examinations

10. Objectives Use the tips to help our children in managing mcq and open-ended questions

11. Primary Science Syllabus (2008) Five themes Cycles, Diversity, Energy, Interactions, and Systems

12. Primary Science Syllabus (2008) Pri 3 and Pri 4 – Lower Block – Five themes Pri 5 and Pri 6 – Upper Block – Four themes (no theme on Diversity)

13. Useful links www.seab.gov.sg www.moe.gov.sg Subject syllabus and PSLE format Science and Foundation Science PSLE

14. Format of Examinations Traditional pen and paper test Format and scope of examinations – in letter to parents of CA1

15. Format of Examinations Alternate mode of assessment for Pri 3 to Pri 5 being tried out in mid 2010

16. PSLE Science At one seating, two booklets A and B Booklet A - Multiple-choice questions Booklet B - Open-ended questions Sample found in PSLE past year questions

17. PSLE Science 1 hour 45 min for Standard Science 1 hour 15 min for Foundation Science

18. Weightage Standard Science : Multiple-choice questions – 60 marks, Open-ended questions – 40 marks Foundation Science : Multiple choice -38 marks Open-ended questions – 32 marks Biological Science and Physical Science

19. Preparations at school Class lessons – finish up content chapters Supplementary classes PSLE booklet for Science Practice papers Science projects / activities for interest

20. Self-study Plan a timetable for revising the chapters over the next few months. Keep up regular revision

21. Self-study –Write down key points after reading the textbook –Draw an ideas map on a big piece of paper and put it up for daily review

22. Self-study –Voice out what is learnt during the self-study to another family member –Outdoor trips

23. Self study - Practise timing using mock test papers –Understand where the errors are usually committed from the practice papers

24. Let’s try mcq together

25. Managing mcq Study the question carefully and understand the situation given Associate question with the relevant topic

26. Managing mcq Study the diagrams / pictures / graphs and note labels. If there are more than one diagram, compare differences Study the requirements of question. “What”, “Where”, “Why”, “Which”, “How”

27. Managing mcq Understand the options for the mcq. Some could be tricky. Think through answers again during the checks. Don’t do in a hurry.

28. “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” Persevere. Encourage.