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My Pals are Here!

Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 1 Forces
Activity 1.1 Forces
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 2 For Challenge 2, the pupils are expected to move coin 1 away from coins 2
and 3 without touching any of the three coins (1, 2 and 3) with their hands.
Pg 2 For Part C diagram, there should only be four paper clips in the bottle instead
of five.
Concepts
A force is a push or a pull.
A force can move a stationary object or stop a moving object.
A force can change the direction and speed of a moving object.
A force can change the shape and size of an object.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
describe the effects of different types of forces on objects
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or


instruments to notice the
surroundings, in order to learn or
understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences
and changes of objects or events

By observing the effects of:


a pulling force on a string
that is taped to a card
a pushing force on a coin
magnetic force on paper
clips

Using apparatus
and equipment

To know how to use, which to


choose and how to handle
apparatus and equipment correctly
for different purposes

By carrying out the following


activities:
pulling a strand of string
taped onto a card
flicking a coin, which causes
it to move another coin
using a magnet to move
paper clips along the inner
surface of a bottle

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome


will happen on the basis of
observations, experiences or
scientific reasons

By predicting the outcomes for the


following activities:
a string, which is taped to a
card, is pulled hard
a coin is flicked to move
another coin that is arranged
behind two other coins in a
row
a magnet is used to remove
paper clips from a bottle

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Skill/process
Inferring

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

To give explanations to
observations of objects or events

Material list
Material
Per class

By inferring that:
if a stronger force is exerted
on the string, the coin will
drop into the glass
if coin 4 is flicked to coin 3,
only coin 1 will move
if a magnet slides along the
outer surface of the bottle, it
can move the paper up along
the inner surface of the bottle

Quantity
Per group

Remarks

Glass

Per pupil
1

String

a strand

Card

20-cent coin

Sticky tape (about


3 cm long)

a piece

Scissors

a pair

Clear plastic
bottle

Magnet

Paper clip

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book


with the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


problem-solving skills.

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils problem-solving skills
Skill(s): Problem-solving skills
Criteria

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Generating
possibilities

Does not suggest


or refine solutions,
but is willing to try
out solutions
suggested by the
teacher

Does not actively look


for but refine
solutions suggested
by the teacher before
trying them out

Actively looks for,


refines and tries
out own solutions

Investigation

Begins to collect
simple data or
information during
investigations with
guidance provided
(Note: The teacher
needs to hand-hold
the pupil
throughout the
investigation.)

Begins to collect data


and information
during investigations
with less guidance
provided by the
teacher (Note: The
teacher only provides
verbal guidance in
the beginning and
does not need to see
the pupil through the
investigation.)

Begins to collect
data and
information during
investigations
without any
guidance

Communication

Little scientific
language is used to
describe
observations even
with prompting
Needs frequent
reminders to stay
on task

More scientific
language is used to
describe observations
with prompting

Scientific language
and vocabulary is
used consistently
without prompting

Is on task most of the


time

Is on task all the


time

Time
management

Accomplished
3

Score

Total

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 2 Types of forces
Activity 2.1 Get a grip!
Approximate time frame: 1.5 periods
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 3 For the activity, the pupils are expected to investigate the type of surface on
which the greatest force is required to move a box that is the object in question.
Pg 3 For Materials, six marbles can be used in the activity.
Pg 3 For the activity, the pupils can be informed that weight is the force of gravity
acting on an object and is measured in newtons (N). Mass is the amount of matter in
an object and is measured in kilograms (kg). Although weight is not the same as
mass, we often use both terms in our daily speech. As weight and mass are relatively
proportional on Earth, we can find the mass of an object indirectly by measuring its
weight. In the activity, we are measuring mass.
Concepts
Forces can be categorised as contact forces or non-contact forces. Contact forces
include frictional force and elastic spring force, while non-contact forces include
gravitational force and magnetic force.
Friction is a force that opposes motion.
Without friction, a moving object would continue to move at a constant speed forever.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
state that friction exists between the surfaces of two objects in contact
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing the change in the


amount of force needed to
move a box over four different
types of surfaces

Using apparatus
and equipment

To know how to use, which to choose


and how to handle apparatus and
equipment correctly for different
purposes

By using a spring balance to


measure the amount of force
exerted to move a box on four
types of surfaces

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome will


happen on the basis of observations,
experiences or scientific reasons

By predicting how the texture of


a surface would affect the
amount of force needed to
move a box over that surface

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material
Per class

Quantity
Per group

Remarks

Box

Per pupil
1

Four different types


of surfaces
(wrapping paper,
sandpaper, carpet,
plastic)

a set

Kitchen scale

Marbles

Thick string (about


10 cm long)

a strand

Spring balance

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


performance during the experiment.

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during the experiment
Skill(s): Performing and Observing

Demonstrating
experimental
techniques and
skills

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Meets at
least one but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Meets at
least two but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Accomplished
3

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Score

Zeros the kitchen scale before


taking the mass of the box
containing the marbles
Ties a strand of string
securely around the box
Makes a small loop at the
other end of the string
Pulls the box along the floor
using a spring balance
hooked to the string

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Taking
measurements
and processing
data

Meets at
least one but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Meets at
least two but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Records the mass of the box


containing the marbles
correctly
Takes two readings for each
type of surface
Calculates the average force
needed to move the box for
each surface correctly

Skill(s): Analysing
Beginning
1
Drawing
conclusions

Meets at least
one but not
all the criteria
in level 3

Developing
2
Meets at least
two but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Accomplished
3

Score

Infers that marbles were


placed in the box to
increase the mass so that
there will be more friction
between the box and the
ground
Deduces from results that
the rougher the surface, the
greater the amount of force
needed to move the box
along the floor
Deduces that friction slows
down motion

Total

Extension (page 6)
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome


will happen on the basis of
observations, experiences or
scientific reasons

By predicting how the surface of a


ramp would affect the time taken for
a car to move down the ramp

Generating
possibilities

To come up with other potential


possibilities besides the common
one

By planning an investigative work


with a set of given items

Communicating

To understand and be able to


inform others of information that is
presented in different forms
words, diagrams, pictures, tables,
graphs etc.

By drawing the set-up of an


experiment for investigating how
different types of surfaces would
affect the speed of a toy car as it
moves down a ramp

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 2 Types of forces
Activity 2.2 Spin it!
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Concepts
Friction causes objects to slow down.
Putting rollers or ball bearings between sliding surfaces reduces friction.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
describe how ball bearings can be used to reduce friction
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing how the marbles


allow a book to spin freely when
the book is placed on top of them

Comparing

To identify the similarities or differences


between objects, ideas, principles or
series of actions

By comparing the differences in


the movement of the book with and
without the marbles, which function
as ball bearings

Inferring

To give explanations to observations of


objects or events

By inferring that the use of ball


bearings between sliding surfaces
helps to reduce friction

Material list
Material

Milk tin with a lid

Quantity
Per group
1

Marbles

a bag

A4-size book

Per class

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Remarks
Per pupil
Each group can
have two pupils.

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book


with the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


performance during cooperative-learning.

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during cooperative-learning
Skill(s): Collaborative work skills
Criteria

Contributions

Beginning
1
Participates only
when prompted

Developing
2

Participates
with
occasional
prompting
A satisfactory
group member
who does what
is required

Accomplished
3

Participates
without prompting
Routinely
provides useful
ideas
A definite leader
who contributes a
lot of effort

*Quality of
work

Provides work that


usually needs to be
checked or redone by
other group members
to ensure quality
(Note: Makes two of
the following
mistakes:
Fails to
ensure that
the marbles
are resting on
the groove
between the
lid and the rim
of the tin
Fails to
ensure that
the marbles
are spaced
out
Fails to spin
the book
slowly
Fails to
ensure that
his/her eyes
are at the
same level as
the top of the
tin while
making
observations)

Provides work that


occasionally
needs to be
checked or redone
by other group
members to
ensure quality
(Note: Makes one
of the mistakes
listed in level 1.)

Provides work of the


highest quality (Note:
No mistake was
made.)

Time

Usually task

Is consistently

Rarely gets things

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Score

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

management

**Problemsolving

Working with
others

done
The group has to
change work
responsibilities
because of this
pupil

focused but gets


distracted
occasionally and
needs to be
reminded to stay
on task

focused on the task


and uses time well
throughout the
experiment to ensure
that things get done
on time

Does not try to


solve problems or
help others solve
problems
Lets others do the
work

Does not suggest


or refine solutions,
but is willing to try
out solutions
suggested by
others

Actively looks for and


suggests solutions to
problems (e.g.
suggests using a
smaller and lighter
book if it does not
move freely even
after the marbles are
used)

Rarely listens to,


shares with or
supports the
efforts of the
partner

Often listens to,


shares with and
supports the efforts of
the partner

Works with the


partner

Total
* Note: The teacher needs to make sure that each member has a chance to carry out two of
the activities, so that each pupil in a pair can effectively be assessed for that criterion.
** Note: The teacher can pose the problem verbally and get the pupils in the group to write
down the solution at a specific location in the Activity Book without going through any
discussion.
Extension (page 9)
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

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Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 2 Types of forces
Activity 2.3 See how I stretch!
Approximate time frame: 2 periods
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Concepts
Springs are elastic and the extension in length that they experience is directly
proportional to the load that they support.
An elastic material will stretch until it reaches its elastic limit. After that point, it
exhibits deformation and will never return to its original shape.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
work in a team in an experiment
state that when more weights are added to a spring, the length of the spring
increases
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing the effects of


increasing the number of 20 g
weights hanging from a spring

Using
apparatus and
equipment

To know how to use, which to choose


and how to handle apparatus and
equipment correctly for different
purposes

By setting up a retort stand with


a spring and a pan hanging from
it, then measuring the change in
the length of the spring as the
number of weights added to the
pan increases

Communicating

To understand and be able to inform


others of information that is presented
in different forms words, diagrams,
pictures, tables, graphs etc.

By drawing the set-up of the


experiment

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome will


happen on the basis of observations,
experiences or scientific reasons

By predicting how the length of


the spring will be affected when
more weights are added

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10

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material

Spring with pan

Quantity
Per group
1

Retort stand

20 g weight

Metre rule

Per class

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Remarks
Per pupil
Each group can
have four pupils.
(Note: The
pupils will only
work as a group
in part B of the
activity.)

Teaching suggestion(s)

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book


with the pupils.

Investigating

To carry out a
scientific inquiry in
order to achieve a
certain learning
objective

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


ability to carry out planning. (Note: Part A of
the activity is individual work and each pupils
work can be assessed using the rubric.)

SAIL

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Get the pupils to make a hypothesis for


the experiment and discuss with them the
variables that should be kept constant in
the experiment.
Ask the pupils what would happen if the
spring has reached its elastic limit and
more weights are still being added.

11

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils ability to carry out planning
Skill(s): Planning

Planning an
investigation

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Meets at least
one but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Meets at least
two but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Accomplished
3

Producing a
procedure for
the
investigation

Meets at least
one but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Meets at least
two but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Score

States the aim of the


investigation
Lists the materials
needed
States the hypothesis for
the investigation
Draws a clear and welllabelled diagram to show
the set-up for the
experiment
Lists down the steps
clearly for the
investigations
Recognises that the only
variable that is to be
changed is the number of
weights

Total

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12

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 2 Types of forces
Activity 2.4 The best bouncing ball!
Approximate time frame: 1.5 periods
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 14 For question 3 answer, the balls bounced to heights lower than the height
from which they were dropped (the original height).
Concepts
Gravity pulls all objects towards the Earth and causes objects to have weight.
Energy can be converted from one form to another.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
work in a team in an experiment
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing the bounce height


of three different types of balls
after they are dropped from the
same height

Using apparatus
and equipment

To know how to use, which to choose


and how to handle apparatus and
equipment correctly for different
purposes

By using a metre rule to


measure the highest point that
the ball reaches in its first
bounce

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By describing the energy


conversions in the ball when it
is being bounced

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome will


happen on the basis of observations,
experiences or scientific reasons

By predicting which ball would


bounce the highest

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13

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material

Hard flat surface

Quantity
Per group
1

Basketball

Tennis ball

Table-tennis ball

Masking tape

one roll

Wall

Step ladder / Stool

Metre rule

Per class

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Remarks
Per pupil
Each group can
have two pupils.

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


ability in the presentation of results.

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14

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils ability in the presentation of results
Skill(s): Performing and Observing

Presenting
data

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Meets at least
one but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Meets at
least two but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Accomplished
3

Processing
data

Meets at least
one but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Meets at
least two but
not all the
criteria in
level 3

Score

Table has appropriate


headings (i.e. type of ball,
1st try5th try, average
height)
Appropriate units in
headings
Average heights are all
correctly calculated
Draws a bar graph
representing the average
bounce height for each ball
Scales the y-axis
appropriately with units
labelled correctly
Labels the titles of the axes
correctly

Total

Extension (page 15)


Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

15

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 3 Living together
Activity 3.1 Build a terrarium
Approximate time frame: 2 periods
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 18 For procedure 6, other plants besides mosses can also be planted in both
the shallow and deeper parts of the soil.
Pg 20 For question 1 (b), the pupils are expected to list the required details for
both Day 1 and Day 30.
Concepts
A habitat is a place where an organism lives, grows and reproduces.
Abiotic factors are the non-living factors of the Earth, which affect the ability of
organisms to survive and reproduce in an environment.
Ecosystem consists of all the abiotic factors and all the communities that occupy a
particular area.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
build and maintain a terrarium
work in a team in an experiment
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments to


notice the surroundings, in order to learn or
understand the characteristics, properties,
similarities, differences and changes of
objects or events

By observing the behaviour


of the organisms in a
terrarium

Using apparatus
and equipment

To know how to use, which to choose and


how to handle apparatus and equipment
correctly for different purposes

By using the materials


given to build and maintain
a terrarium

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail objects,


ideas, principles or series of actions in order
to determine the patterns and relationships

By analysing how living


things interact with one
another and with their
surroundings in a terrarium

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good standard and
capable of being used

By evaluating the
conditions necessary to
maintain a terrarium

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16

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material

Quantity
Per group

Per class
Swamp mini-habitat
Glass tank (about 60
cm x 30 cm x 30 cm)

Glass lid

Sand

300 g

Peat

300 g

Gravel

300 g

Dish

Water

a small amount

Plants (any small


kinds of ferns)

Mosses (grow on
twigs or dead wood)

Lichens (grow on
bark and stones)

Caterpillars

Spiders

Frogs

Insects (e.g.
grasshoppers,
dragonflies and flies)

300 g

300 g

a few pieces

a few pieces

Rainforest mini-habitat
Glass tank (about 60
cm x 30 cm x 30 cm)

Glass lid

Peat

Sand

Charcoal

Angular pieces of
rock

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Remarks
Per pupil
Each group can
have two
pupils.
Each group can
choose to build
either a
swamp minihabitat or a
rainforest minihabitat.

17

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Water

Small flowering
plants or ferns

Spiders

Earthworms

Insects (e.g. ants,


beetles and crickets)

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

a small amount

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


performance during cooperative-learning.

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during cooperative-learning
Skill(s): Collaborative work skills
Criteria
Contributions

Beginning
1
Participates only
when prompted

*Quality of
work

Provides work that


usually needs to be
checked or redone
by the partner to
ensure quality
(Note: Makes two
of the following
mistakes:
Fails to
choose
plants and
animals that
are suitable

Developing
2
Participates
with
occasional
prompting
A satisfactory
group member
who does what
is required

Provides work that


occasionally
needs to be
checked or redone
by the partner to
ensure quality
(Note: Makes one
of the mistakes
listed in level 1.)

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Accomplished
3
Participates
without prompting
Routinely provides
useful ideas
A definite leader
who contributes a
lot of effort

Score

Provides work of the


highest quality (Note:
No mistake was
made.)

18

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Time
management

**Problemsolving

Working with
others

for the
terrarium
Fails to limit
the number
and types of
animals that
are put in
the terrarium
Fails to
ensure that
the animals
get food
Fails to turn
the tank
regularly so
that the
plants do not
grow in one
direction)

Rarely gets
things done
The group has
to change work
responsibilities
because of this
pupil

Usually task
focused but gets
distracted
occasionally and
needs to be
reminded to stay
on task

Is consistently focused
on the task and uses
time well throughout
the experiment to
ensure that things get
done on time

Does not try to


solve problems
or help the
partner solve
problems
Lets the partner
do the work

Does not suggest


or refine solutions,
but is willing to try
out solutions
suggested by the
partner

Actively looks for and


suggests solutions to
problems (e.g.
suggests using cling
wrap or a transparent
plastic bag to seal up
the tank if there is no
glass lid)

Often listens to,


shares with and
supports the
efforts of the
partner

Almost always listens


to, shares with and
supports the efforts of
the partner

Rarely listens to,


shares with or
supports the efforts
of the partner

Total
* Note: The teacher needs to make sure that each member has a chance to carry out two of
the activities, so that each pupil in a pair can effectively be assessed for that criterion.
** Note: The teacher can pose the problem verbally and get the pupils in the group to write
down the solution at a specific location in the Activity Book without going through any
discussion.

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19

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Reinforcement (page 21)


Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the cloze passage in the Activity
Book with the pupils.

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20

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 3 Living together
Activity 3.2 A pond community
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Concepts
Population refers to a group of individuals of a given species that lives in a specific
area.
Community refers to all the living things living in a specific area.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
identify the names of some organisms found in a pond community
classify organisms according to the parts of the pond where they are found
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing the behaviour of the


organisms found at different parts
of a pond community

Classifying

To place objects or events into groups


according to the characteristics they
share

By classifying the organisms


according to the parts of the pond
where they are found

Inferring

To give explanations to observations of


objects or events

By inferring the types of structural


adaptations that an organism has,
which allows it to live in a particular
part of the pond

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good standard
and capable of being used

By evaluating the importance of


having submerged water plants in
a pond community

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
SAIL

Explanation
Instruction and
assessment

Teaching suggestion
A rubric can be used to assess each pupils
performance during a field trip.

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21

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during a field trip
0
Less than
60%

1
6069%

2
7079%

3
8089%

4
90100%

Selfdiscipline

Never
displays selfdiscipline

Seldom
displays selfdiscipline

Generally
displays selfdiscipline

Consistently
displays selfdiscipline

Always
displays selfdiscipline

Directions

Never listens
to and
understands
directions

Seldom listens
to and
understands
directions

Generally
listens to and
understands
directions

Consistently
listens to and
understands
directions

Always listens
to and
understands
directions

Collecting
and
processing
information

No attempts
to record
observations

Records
observations
only (Note:
The pupil only
completes
question 1
from the
Observations
and question
section.)

Records
observations
and gives
suggestion
only (Note:
The pupil only
completes
questions 1
and 2 from the
Observations
and question
section.)

Records
observations,
gives
suggestion
and evaluates
only (Note:
The pupil only
completes
questions 1
and 2 from
both the
Observations
and question
and
Questions
sections.)

Records
observations,
gives
suggestion,
evaluates and
makes
inferences
(Note: The
pupil
completes all
the
questions.)

Time on
task

Total

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22

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 4 Characteristics of the environment
Activity 4.1 Good Earth
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 26 For Procedure 5, the pupils are expected to draw and label the different
layers that have separated from the soil sample that was collected in the jar.
Concepts
Sand is well drained and aerated. Water is able to move rapidly through this type of
soil.
Clay is able to retain water better than sand and usually has a high amount of organic
matter.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
describe the composition of a sample of soil
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments to


notice the surroundings, in order to learn or
understand the characteristics, properties,
similarities, differences and changes of
objects or events

By observing the layers of


dead matter, clay, fine sand,
small stones and rough
sand in a sample of soil

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail objects,


ideas, principles or series of actions in order
to determine the patterns and relationships

By analysing the time taken


for each layer of component
from a sample of soil to
settle down

Communicating

To understand and be able to inform others


of information that is presented in different
forms words, diagrams, pictures, tables,
graphs etc.

By drawing the arrangement


of the different layers or
components in a sample of
soil

Material list
Material

Small spade /
trowel

Quantity
Per group
1

Gas jar with lid

Water

a small amount

Per class

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Remarks
Per pupil
Each group can
have two pupils.

23

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Cooperative
learning

An environment in which pupils


assume different roles to contribute
to the completion of tasks

Get the pupils to divide the


tasks among themselves.

SAIL

Instruction and assessment

A rubric can be used to assess


each pupils performance during
cooperative-learning.

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during cooperative-learning
Skill(s): Collaborative work skills
Criteria

Contributions

Beginning
1
Participates only when
prompted

Developing
2

*Quality of
work

Provides work that usually


needs to be checked or
redone by other group
members to ensure quality
(Note: Makes two of the
following mistakes:
Fails to fill onethird of the jar with
soil
Fails to add
enough water to
the jar of soil (to
three-quarters full)
Fails to shake the
jar to mix the water
and the soil
completely
Fails to label the
jar with the name
of the habitat
where the soil was
collected from)

Participates
with occasional
prompting
A satisfactory
group member
who does what
is required

Provides work that


occasionally needs
to be checked or
redone by other
group members to
ensure quality
(Note: Makes one
of the mistakes
listed in level 1.)

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Accomplished
3

Score

Participates
without
prompting
Routinely
provides
useful ideas
A definite
leader who
contributes a
lot of effort
Provides work of
the highest
quality (Note: No
mistake was
made.)

24

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Time
management

**Problemsolving

Working with
others

Rarely gets things


done
The group has to
change work
responsibilities
because of this pupil

Usually task
focused but gets
distracted
occasionally and
needs to be
reminded to stay
on task

Is consistently
focused on the
task and uses
time well
throughout the
experiment to
ensure that things
get done on time

Does not try to solve


problems or help
others solve problems
Lets others do the
work

Does not suggest


or refine solutions,
but is willing to try
out solutions
suggested by
others

Actively looks for


and suggests
solutions to
problems (e.g. if
there is the
presence of a
product label
firmly stuck on
the jar, he/she
may suggest
submerging the
jar in a basin of
water for a few
days prior to the
experiment, so
that the label can
later be peeled off
easily)

Rarely listens to,


shares with or
supports the efforts
of the partner

Often listens to,


shares with and
supports the
efforts of the
partner

Works with the partner

Total
* Note: The teacher needs to make sure that each member has a chance to carry out two of
the activities, so that each pupil in a pair can effectively be assessed for that criterion.
** Note: The teacher can pose the problem verbally and get the pupils in the group to write
down the solution at a specific location in the Activity Book without going through any
discussion.

Extension (page 26)


Skill/process

Meaning

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How is it applied in this activity?


25

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects,
ideas, principles or series of
actions

By comparing the organisms found in two


different habitats

Inferring

To give explanations to
observations of objects or
events

By inferring that physical factors, such as


light, temperature and water availability,
affect the kinds of organisms that can be
found in a habitat

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 4 Characteristics of the environment
Activity 4.2 Comparing environments
Approximate time frame: 2 periods
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 27 For Materials, a laboratory thermometer should also be used in the activity.
Pg 28 For procedure 2 (d), the light intensity measured should be recorded in table
A.
Concepts
The environment of a habitat is made up of different conditions. These conditions can
affect the survival of the organism living in a habitat.
The physical conditions (abiotic factors) in a habitat include temperature, water
availability, minerals availability and intensity of light present.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
compare the conditions of temperature and light intensity of two different
environments
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

By comparing the differences in the


temperature and light intensity of
two different environments

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series
of actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By analysing how the temperature


and light intensity of an
environment can affect the types of
organisms that are found there

Using apparatus
and equipment

To know how to use, which to


choose and how to handle
apparatus and equipment correctly
for different purposes

By using a garden trowel to collect


a sample of soil and a hand lens to
study the small organisms in the
soil sample

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27

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material
Per class

Quantity
Per group

Remarks

Gloves

Per pupil
a pair

Garden trowel

Aluminium or
plastic tray

Paper towel

a few pieces

Hand lens

Toothpick or
ice-cream stick

Datalogger

Laboratory
thermometer

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
SAIL

Explanation
Instruction and
assessment

Teaching suggestion
A rubric can be used to assess each pupils
performance during a field trip.

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28

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during a field trip
0
Less than
60%

1
6069%

2
7079%

3
8089%

4
90100%

Selfdiscipline

Never
displays selfdiscipline

Seldom
displays selfdiscipline

Generally
displays selfdiscipline

Consistently
displays selfdiscipline

Always displays
self-discipline

Directions

Never listens
to and
understands
directions

Seldom
listens to and
understands
directions

Generally
listens to and
understands
directions

Always listens to
and understands
directions

Collecting
and
processing
information

No attempt
to collect
and process
data

Meets at
least one but
not all the
criteria in
level 4

Meets at
least two but
not all the
criteria in
level 4

Consistently
listens to
and
understands
directions
Meets at
least three
but not all
the criteria in
level 4

Time on
task

Records
readings for
temperature
and light
intensity for
areas X and Y
Lists the living
things and
non-living
things
observed in
areas X and Y
Completes
question 1
from the
Questions
section
Completes
question 2
from the
Questions
section

Total

Reinforcement (page 30)


Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

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Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

29

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 5 Food chains and food webs
Activity 5.1 Energy from the Sun
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
Food eaten by a consumer can be broken down during respiration to give the
consumer energy to carry out life processes.
Energy from the Sun is first passed on to the plants and later to animals.
All living things depend directly or indirectly on plants for food.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
state where the energy in our food comes from
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Inferring

To give explanations to observations


of objects or events

By deducing that plants obtain


energy from the food they make
during photosynthesis

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By analysing whether the different


types of food that were consumed,
come from plants, animals or both
plants and animals

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Reinforcement (page 32)


Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

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Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

30

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 5 Food chains and food webs
Activity 5.2 Eat and be eaten!
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
A food chain shows the relationships between plants and animals.
Food produced by plants eventually becomes the source of energy for animals.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
describe how energy is transferred from one organism to another in a food chain
state that all food chains begin with a food producer
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Classifying

To place objects or events into


groups according to the
characteristics they share

By classifying whether the organisms are


plants, plant-eaters, animal-eaters or
plant-and-animal eaters

Inferring

To give explanations to
observations of objects or
events

By deducing the source of food for each


organism in a given list and use that
information to construct food chains

Analysing

To consider carefully and in


detail objects, ideas, principles
or series of actions in order to
determine the patterns and
relationships

By analysing a given food chain and


explain why one of the organisms can be
classified as both a prey and a predator

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Teaching suggestion

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Extension (page 36)


Skill/process
Inferring

Explanation

Meaning

To give explanations to
observations of objects
or events

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book


with the pupils.

How is it applied in this activity?


By studying the organisms and the graphs given
to infer how a change in the population of one of
the organisms would affect the populations of
other organisms

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My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 5 Food chains and food webs
Activity 5.3 Chained to the web
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Please take note of the following:
Pg 37 For the food web, there should be an arrow pointing from the grasshopper to
the duck.
Concepts
A food web is made up of several food chains joined together.
Food webs give a more accurate representation than food chains because most
organisms depend on more than one species for food.
The interdependence of the populations within a food chain helps to maintain the
balance of the plant and animal populations within a community.
Decomposers break down dead matter into simple substances, such as carbon
dioxide, water and mineral salts.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
describe the roles of various organisms in a food web
infer that predators control the number of prey in a community by feeding on them
and prey also in turn control the number of predators because they are food for the
predators
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Inferring

To give explanations to observations of


objects or events

By inferring the consequences


of not having decomposers in
a community

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail objects,


ideas, principles or series of actions in order
to determine the patterns and relationships

By analysing the effects of


removing one organism from
a food web

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Extension (page 40)


Skill/process
Analysing

Explanation

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

Meaning

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

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How is it applied in this activity?


By analysing the information about
five living things in a community
and using the information to
construct a food web

32

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

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33

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 6 Adaptations for survival
Activity 6.1 Moving on
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
An adaptation is a trait that makes an animal suited to its environment.
Adaptations in animals help them to obtain food, keep them safe from danger, enable
them to withstand extreme weather and help them to attract mates.
Structural adaptations are special parts of an organism that help it to survive in its
natural habitat.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
describe how the structural adaptations of an organism enable it to move around with
greater ease
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Inferring

To give explanations to observations


of objects or events

By inferring how an animal moves


through the study of its structural
adaptations

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By analysing the physical structures


of animals and how they are
adapted to move

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

By comparing the parts of two


animals and how they are adapted
for different functions

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Extension (page 43)


Skill/process
Comparing

Explanation

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

Meaning

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

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How is it applied in this activity?


By comparing the wings of a plane
with those of a bird and identifying
their similarities

34

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 6 Adaptations for survival
Activity 6.2 Getting air and sunlight
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Please take note of the following:
Pg 45 For question 2 (c) answer, the gills of crabs are found in gill chambers
instead of being stored in gill chambers.
Pg 46 For question 3 (c) answer, both plants also have roots in addition to leaves
and flowers.
Concepts
Different groups of animals have different adaptations to breathe in water. Fish
breathe through gills, while some mammals breathe through blowholes. Insects can
breathe in water through breathing tubes, gills or by trapping air bubbles.
Vines have weak stems and they use other plants or man-made structures for
support. They climb to higher ground to obtain enough sunlight for the process of
photosynthesis.
Tendrils are slender structures that coil around anything they are in contact with.
Vines with clasping roots have roots that can attach themselves to any surface.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
classify animals based on the methods of breathing
describe the adaptations that a plant has to enable it to get as much sunlight as
possible
give examples of plants for each type of adaptation to obtain as much sunlight as
possible
identify the similarities and differences between an aquatic plant and a terrestrial plant
Process skills
Skill/process
Analysing

Meaning
To consider carefully and in detail
objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

How is it applied in this activity?

By deducing the method of


breathing for different
organisms through the study of
the structural adaptations that
they have
By deducing how the
adaptation that a plant has
enables it to obtain as much
sunlight as possible

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

By identifying similarities and


differences between an aquatic
plant and a terrestrial plant

Classifying

To place objects or events into groups


according to the characteristics they
share

By classifying a given group of


animals based on their methods of
breathing

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35

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

36

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 6 Adaptations for survival
Activity 6.3 Hide and seek
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Please take note of the following:
Pg 48 For the diagrams label, the sloths claws should be long, curved and sharp
instead of strong and curved.
Concepts
Behavioural adaptations refer to the ways an organism behaves in order to survive in
its habitat.
Many animals use camouflaged body colours that blend into the surroundings so as
to hide from predators.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
state the definition of camouflage
explain how the body covering of a given organism helps it to either hide from its
predator or withstand extreme weather
give examples of animals with similar adaptations
Process skills
Skill/process
Analysing

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

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By identifying the structural


adaptation that a sloth has to
enable it to live high up in trees
By deducing that the algae
growing on the fur of sloth helps
to camouflage the sloth
By deducing how the behavioural
adaptations exhibited by the sloth
enable it to survive in its habitat

By identifying the different functions


provided by the same kind of body
covering found in two different
organisms

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

37

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Extension (page 51)


Skill/process
Comparing

Meaning

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects, ideas,
principles or series of actions

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

How is it applied in this activity?


By stating the different functions
provided by the same kind of body
covering found in two different
organisms

38

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 6 Adaptations for survival
Activity 6.4 More adaptations
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
Animals have structural and behavioural adaptations to attract and find mates.
Plants have adaptations for reproduction.
Some flowers have brightly coloured petals to attract animals to help in pollination.
Some fruits have special structures on them to ensure that seeds can be dispersed
far away from the parent plant.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
state how an individual plant and animal adapts itself for reproduction
describe how the structural adaptation of a fruit enables it to be dispersed far away
from its parent plant
Process skills
Skill/process
Inferring

Meaning
To give explanations to
observations of objects or
events

How is it applied in this activity?

Comparing

To identify the similarities or


differences between objects,
ideas, principles or series of
actions

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

By inferring the roles played by the


different types of feet found on different
kinds of birds
By inferring how the structural adaptation
of each fruit enables it to be dispersed far
away from the parent plant

By identifying the similarities and the


differences between two fruits that are both
dispersed by animals

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

39

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 6 Adaptations for survival
Activity 6.5 Extreme homes
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Please take note of the following:
Pg 55 For the process skill of classifying, the pupils are expected to classify the
adaptations into either structural or behavioural adaptations.
Pg 56 For question 2 (a), the grassfield should be the grassland.
Pg 57 For question (iv) answer, the camel will slip as its feet are not adapted to
grip onto the ice surface.
Concepts
Animals in polar regions have thick fur and blubber to keep themselves warm
throughout the year.
Animals in deserts conserve water by avoiding the heat in the day. They have also
learnt to get more water through extracting water from the food they eat.
Plants in deserts have adaptations that allow them to capture and store as much
water as they can on the rare occasions when it rains in the desert. They also have
adaptations that help to prevent water loss during the day.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
state whether an adaptation is structural or behavioural
explain how an adaptation is critical to an organisms survival
give examples of other animals with similar adaptations
state that the set of adaptations that an organism has allows it to live under certain
kinds of living conditions
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By explaining how the different


adaptations enable the polar bear
to survive in the North Pole

Comparing

To identify the similarities or differences


between objects, ideas, principles or
series of actions

By comparing the living conditions


between the desert and the North
Pole

Classifying

To place objects or events into groups


according to the characteristics they
share

By classifying the different types of


adaptations into structural and
behavioural adaptations

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good standard
and capable of being used

By evaluating whether the


adaptations of a camel enable it to
survive in the living conditions of
the North Pole

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40

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Questioning

Extension (page 58)


Skill/process

Explanation
Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

Meaning

Communicating To understand and be able to inform


others of information that is presented
in different forms words, diagrams,
pictures, tables, graphs etc.

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How is it applied in this


activity?
By drawing a labelled diagram of
a person with adaptations to
cope with the conditions of a
make believe place

41

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 7 Mans impact on the environment
Activity 7.1 Valuable forests
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
Forests are important because they:
provide an environment for many species of plants and animals;
prevent soil erosion;
renew the oxygen supply in the atmosphere;
remove carbon dioxide in the air and prevent global warming.
The clearing of natural forests across the Earth is known as deforestation.
The replanting of saplings where trees have been removed is known as reforestation.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
state the importance of forests to humans and other living things on Earth
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good standard
and capable of being used

By evaluating the importance of


having forests

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By analysing the impact of


deforestation on humans and other
living things on Earth

Generating
possibilities

To come up with other potential


possibilities besides the common one

By listing the various raw materials


that can be obtained from the
forest and be supplied to various
industries

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


performance during a group discussion. (Note:
Each group can have four pupils.)

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42

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during a group discussion
0
Less than
60%

1
6069%

2
7079%

3
8089%

4
90100%

Self-discipline

Never
displays
selfdiscipline

Seldom
displays selfdiscipline

Generally
displays selfdiscipline

Consistently
displays selfdiscipline

Always
displays selfdiscipline

Contributions

No attempt
to
participate

Attempts to
contribute
but gives
fuzzy answer

Contributes
one clear
and concise
answer

Contributes
two clear and
concise
answers

Contributes
three clear
and concise
answers

Usage of
scientific
terminology

No attempt
to use
scientific
terminology
even with
prompting

Scientific
terminology
is used
occasionally
with
prompting

Scientific
terminology
is used
occasionally
without
prompting

Scientific
terminology is
used
frequently
without
prompting but
not always
appropriately

Scientific
terminology is
used
consistently
without
prompting and
is always used
appropriately

Time on task

Total

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43

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 7 Mans impact on the environment
Activity 7.2 Soil erosion
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 61 For Materials, the tray used can be made of other material besides plastic.
Pg 61 For Materials, the patch of grass should be holding onto a layer of garden
soil to ensure that the variable of the type of soil is kept the same.
Pg 62 For Observations 2, the pupils should be informed that this is an additional
procedure they should carry out in their experiment.
Pg 63 For Reinforcement question 1 answer, deforestation includes both cutting
and burning down of trees in a forest.
Concepts
Soil erosion is the removal of the nutrient-rich layer of soil, known as the topsoil, by
wind or water. It can lead to desertification as the land becomes barren and is unable
to support life.
Plants are important because they provide cover on the land and prevent soil erosion.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
describe the effects of soil erosion
explain the importance of having plants as protective vegetation for the soil
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good
standard and capable of being used

By evaluating the importance of


having plants as protective
vegetation for the soil

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By analysing the impact of soil


erosion on a piece of land

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome will


happen on the basis of observations,
experiences or scientific reasons

By predicting whether there will be


any difference in the amount of
garden soil that will be washed
down in the two trays

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44

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Material list
Material

Small (plastic) tray

Per class
2

Patch of grass holding


a layer of garden soil
that is of the same
size as the small
plastic tray

a patch

Garden soil

enough to fill
the small
plastic tray

Aluminium tray (needs


to be large and deep)

Large watering can

Spade

Brick

1000 mL beaker

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Quantity
Per group

Remarks
Per pupil
This experiment
is a teacher
demonstration.

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

Demonstration

To scaffold the
learning process

The teacher can get the pupils to predict the


outcome of the experiment before carrying out
the demonstration.

Reinforcement (page 63)


Teaching strategy
Explanation
Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with
the pupils.

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45

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Extension (page 63)


Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Predicting

To determine whether an outcome will


happen on the basis of observations,
experiences or scientific reasons

By predicting whether the angle


of elevation will affect the amount
of soil that will be washed away

Evaluating

To determine whether objects, ideas,


principles or series of actions are
reasonable, accurate, of good standard
and capable of being used

By evaluating the importance of


having plants as protective
vegetation for the soil

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

46

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 7 Mans impact on the environment
Activity 7.3 Danger of burning
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 64 For Materials, a long splint can be used to make it easier to observe
experimental results. A burning long splint can be inserted into the bottles and allowed
to extinguish before it is taken out of the bottles. This reduces the amount of ash in
the limewater, making it easier to compare the results obtained.
Concepts
Limewater turns chalky in the presence of carbon dioxide.
Burning requires oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. It is a chemical reaction and is
irreversible.
Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earths temperature, which in
turn causes a change in its climate.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
state that carbon dioxide is released during burning
state the causes of global warming
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments


to notice the surroundings, in order to
learn or understand the characteristics,
properties, similarities, differences and
changes of objects or events

By observing what happens to


limewater when it comes in contact
with carbon dioxide

Comparing

To identify the similarities or differences


between objects, ideas, principles or
series of actions

By identifying the differences in the


appearance of limewater in bottles
A and B

Material list
Material

Glass bottle

Per class
2

Matches

a box

Limewater

40 mL

Quantity
Per group

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Remarks
Per pupil
This experiment
is a teacher
demonstration.

47

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

Demonstration

To scaffold the
learning process

The teacher can get the pupils to predict the


outcome of the experiment before carrying out
the demonstration.

Reinforcement (page 66)


Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

By deducing that as the amount of


carbon dioxide in the air increases,
global temperature also increases

Inferring

To give explanations to observations


of objects or events

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By interpreting that the burning of


fuels produces carbon dioxide,
which in turn traps heat and
causes global warming
By naming three human activities
that cause global warming

48

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 7 Mans impact on the environment
Activity 7.4 Acid in action
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Science laboratory
Please take note of the following:
Pg 67 For the Aim, the activity involves investigating the effect of acid on the shells
of animal eggs instead of the shells of animals.
Pg 67 For Materials, a 100 mL beaker should be used instead of a 50 mL beaker.
Pg 68 For Conclusion answer, the pupils can be informed that vinegar contains an
acid, which is the active component that reacts with the eggshell.
Concepts
Acid rain is formed when gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide dissolve
in rainwater.
Acid rain corrodes metallic and stone structures, kills organisms and causes health
problems in Man.
Specific objective
Pupils should be able to:
state that acid rain can corrode metallic and stone structures
Process skills
Skill/process

Meaning

How is it applied in this


activity?

Observing

To use the senses and/or instruments to


notice the surroundings, in order to learn or
understand the characteristics, properties,
similarities, differences and changes of
objects or events

By observing what happens


to the eggshell when vinegar
is in contact with it

Using
apparatus and
equipment

To know how to use, which to choose and


how to handle apparatus and equipment
correctly for different purposes

By reacting the eggshell with


the vinegar

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail objects,


ideas, principles or series of actions in order
to determine the patterns and relationships

By identifying that the


reaction between the
eggshell and the vinegar
releases a gas in the form of
bubbles

Material list
Material
Per class

Quantity
Per group

Remarks

100 mL beaker

Per pupil
1

Quail egg

Vinegar

100 mL

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49

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Spoon
1
Safety pointer
Handle the vinegar with care as it can cause irritation when it comes in contact with
your eyes.
Teaching suggestions
Teaching strategy

Explanation

Teaching suggestion

Questioning

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

Discuss the questions in the Activity Book with


the pupils.

SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

A rubric can be used to assess each pupils


performance during the experiment.

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during the experiment
Skill(s): Performing and Observing

Demonstrating
experimental
techniques and
skills

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Meets at least
one but not
all the criteria
in level 3

Meets at least
two but not all
the criteria in
level 3

Accomplished
3

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Score

Ensures that the eyes are


aligned with the 100 mL
marking on the beaker
while pouring vinegar to
avoid parallax error
Pours exactly 100 mL of
vinegar into the beaker
before placing the quail
egg into it
Uses a spoon to scoop
up the egg carefully
without damaging it on
the next day

50

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Making
observations

Meets at least
one but not
all the criteria
in level 3

Meets at least
two but not all
the criteria in
level 3

States that bubbles


appear and the outer
layer of the eggshell
starts to peel after five
minutes (Note: This
criterion can be assessed
using question 1 from the
Observations section.)
Describes the complete
disappearance of the
eggshell when the egg
has been left overnight in
the vinegar (Note: This
criterion can be assessed
using question 2 from the
Observations section.)
States that vinegar reacts
with the eggshell to
produce a gas that
appears in the form of
bubbles (Note: This
criterion can be assessed
using the question from
the Conclusions
section.)

Total

Reinforcement (page 68)


Teaching strategy
Questioning

Explanation

Cycles of questionsanswers-questions

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Teaching suggestion
Discuss the questions in the Activity Book
with the pupils.

51

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Chapter 7 Mans impact on the environment
Activity 7.5 Our Earth, our home
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Concepts
It is important to make use of the 3Rs Reducing, Reusing and Recycling to cut
down pollution.
The amount of waste produced can be reduced by cutting down on packaging. The
wastage of electricity can also be reduced if we turn off appliances that are no longer
needed.
Some materials and packaging can be reused to cut down on wastage. For example,
make sure both sides of a piece of paper are used before discarding it and used
plastic bags can be reused again to dispose rubbish.
Some materials such as paper and metals can be recycled so that the need to extract
raw materials from the environment will be minimised.
Specific objectives
Pupils should be able to:
describe the actions that can be carried out to minimise harm done to the
environment
state the importance of conservation
work as a team in a project work
Process skill
Skill/process
Analysing

Meaning

How is it applied in this activity?

To consider carefully and in detail


objects, ideas, principles or series of
actions in order to determine the
patterns and relationships

Teaching suggestion
Teaching strategy
Explanation
SAIL

Instruction and
assessment

By identifying actions which can be


carried out to minimise harm done
to our environment

Teaching suggestions

Ask the pupils to select one of the projects in


Part B and work as a pair.
A rubric can be used to assess each pupils
performance during cooperative-learning.

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52

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Rubric
For assessing the pupils performance during cooperative-learning
Skill(s): Collaborative work skills
Criteria

Contributions

Beginning
1

Developing
2

Participates only
when prompted

Quality of
work

Provides work that


usually needs to be
checked or redone
by the partner to
ensure quality

Time
management

Problemsolving

Working with
others

Rarely gets
things done
The group has
to change work
responsibilities
because of this
pupil
Does not try to
solve problems
or help the
partner solve
problems
Lets the partner
do the work

Rarely listens to,


shares with or
supports the efforts
of the partner

Participates with
occasional
prompting
A satisfactory
group member
who does what
is required

Accomplished
3

Score

Participates
without prompting
Routinely provides
useful ideas
A definite leader
who contributes a
lot of effort

Provides work that


occasionally needs
to be checked or
redone by the
partner to ensure
quality
Usually task
focused but gets
distracted
occasionally and
needs to be
reminded to stay on
task

Provides work of the


highest quality (Note:
No mistake was
made.)

Does not suggest or


refine solutions, but
is willing to try out
solutions suggested
by the partner

Actively looks for and


suggests solutions to
problems

Often listens to,


shares with and
supports the efforts
of the partner

Almost always listens


to, shares with and
supports the efforts of
the partner

Is consistently focused
on the task and uses
time well throughout
the experiment to
ensure that things get
done on time

Total

Reinforcement (page 71)


Skill/process

Meaning

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How is it applied in this


activity?

53

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Analysing

To consider carefully and in detail objects,


ideas, principles or series of actions in order
to determine the patterns and relationships

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

By describing the negative


and positive impacts three
daily activities have on Earth

54

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Theme: Interactions
Revision Exercise Interactions
Approximate time frame: 1 period
Suggested venue: Classroom
Section A: Multiple-choice questions
Question
Content
Main topic(s)
domain

Process
skill(s)

How is it applied in this


question?

Life Science

Chapter 3 Living
together

Evaluating

By evaluating each statement


and identifying the one
containing true information

Life Science

Chapter 6
Adaptations for
survival

Analysing

By identifying the skull that


belongs to the plant-eater and
animal-eater respectively,
through the appearance of the
teeth

Physical
Science

Chapter 2 Types
of forces

Analysing

By identifying the factors that


reduce the speed of the
parachute

Environmental
Science

Chapter 7 Mans
impact on the
environment

Inferring

By interpreting that reducing


and recycling are two of the
ways to help in conservation
and they benefit, rather than
upset the balance of nature

Section B: Structured questions


Question
Content
Main topic(s)
domain

Process
skill(s)

How is it applied in this


question?

Life Science

Chapter 6
Adaptations for
survival

Analysing

By identifying the structural


adaptation each animal has
in order to survive in its
environment

Physical
Science

Chapter 2 Types
of forces

Analysing

By identifying the variables


that should be kept constant
in the experiment
The variable Angle of ramp
(variable that is changed)
may be added to the list of
variables.

Life Science

Chapter 5 Food
chains and food
webs

Inferring

By interpreting the
relationships among the
organisms in a food web
Only animals U and V are
likely to be animal-eaters
instead of animal T.

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55

My Pals are Here! Science Primary 5&6 Teachers Notes on Activity Books Interactions

Question
8

Content
domain
Environmental
Science

Main topic(s)
Chapter 7 Mans
impact on the
environment

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Process
skill(s)
Inferring

How is it applied in this


question?
By interpreting how
deforestation can lead to
global warming

56

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