The Primary 6 Basic Science First Term Scheme of Work follows the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum. It is designed to solidify foundational science knowledge, preparing pupils for Junior Secondary School. By covering key topics such as human biology, agriculture, drug education, and bodily systems, this scheme promotes curiosity, practical knowledge, and responsible living. Teachers, pupils, and parents can use this weekly plan to monitor academic progress and ensure complete topic coverage within the term.
Primary 6 Basic Science Scheme of Work (Week 1 -12)
| Week | Topics | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revision of previous year’s work and Readiness Test | Assess pupils’ prior knowledge and prepare them for new concepts. |
| 2 | Living and Non-living Things: Meaning, identification, characteristics | i. Define living and non-living things. ii. Analyze the characteristics of living things. iii. Classify items as living or non-living. |
| 3 | Growing Crops: Conditions, fertilizers, compost | i. State conditions for growing crops. ii. List importance of fertilizers. iii. Identify fertilizer components. iv. Demonstrate crop growing using compost or fertilizer. |
| 4 | The Circulatory System I: Meaning, heart functions, diagram | i. Define circulatory system. ii. Identify parts of the human heart. iii. State heart functions. iv. Draw and label a typical heart. |
| 5 | The Circulatory System II: Blood vessels, blood circulation | i. Name blood vessels and their functions. ii. Differentiate arteries, veins, and capillaries. iii. Describe how blood distributes nutrients. iv. Draw blood vessels. |
| 6 | Drugs: Natural and synthetic | i. Define drugs. ii. Describe types of drugs. iii. Explain importance of drugs. |
| 7 | Mid-Term Break | — |
| 8 | Drug Abuse: Hard drugs and societal impact | i. Define drug abuse. ii. List commonly abused drugs. iii. Evaluate effects of drug abuse on individuals and society. |
| 9 | Human Reproductive System: Meaning, organs, functions | i. Explain the reproductive system. ii. Identify male and female reproductive organs. iii. Discuss their functions. iv. Explain importance of reproduction. |
| 10 | Puberty: Meaning, physical and emotional changes | i. Define puberty. ii. Identify changes during puberty. iii. Differentiate physical and emotional changes. iv. Discuss puberty’s role in development. |
| 11 | Respiratory System: Meaning, organs, functions | i. Define respiratory system. ii. Identify respiratory organs. iii. Explain functions of respiratory system. |
| 12 | Revision | Review all topics covered in the term. |
| 13 | Examination | Evaluate pupils’ understanding through a written test. |
Importance of the Primary 6 Basic Science Scheme of Work
This scheme of work offers more than a weekly routine. It promotes organized learning that supports the NERDC’s academic goals. By introducing core science concepts early, pupils become more curious and prepared for Junior Secondary School.
The curriculum introduces learners to topics such as reproductive health, drug awareness, and environmental responsibility. These discussions are essential in helping children grow into well-informed and health-conscious individuals.
Furthermore, it reinforces positive study habits through weekly lesson targets. The structure encourages discipline, responsibility, and active participation in science. As children begin to connect textbook lessons with real-life experiences, they gain practical knowledge that supports personal and social development.
Ultimately, this scheme provides a well-balanced scientific roadmap that strengthens the learner’s ability to observe, analyze, and apply basic science to everyday life. It builds readiness not only for exams, but for life beyond Primary 6.
How to Use This Scheme Effectively
To achieve maximum learning results, each stakeholder has a key role to play. Teachers should plan ahead by following the weekly objectives and prepare teaching aids that simplify concepts, especially when dealing with diagrams of the human body. Interactive teaching methods such as group discussions and experiments help solidify understanding.
Pupils are encouraged to study each topic after class, ask questions when confused, and use charts or drawings to visualize systems like the heart or lungs. Creating personal study notes also enhances memory retention.
Parents can support by monitoring homework, discussing relatable real-life examples such as puberty or drug use awareness, and maintaining a quiet study environment. Regular quizzes every two or three weeks will help assess how well pupils are absorbing the material before the final exam week.
By working together, teachers, pupils, and parents can ensure that this scheme builds strong scientific foundations and life skills that go beyond the classroom.
