The Primary 2 Basic Science First Term Scheme of Work guides teachers, parents, and pupils through 12 weeks of structured science lessons. Approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), this scheme promotes hands-on learning and builds early scientific awareness. Each week, it introduces clear topics and objectives, allowing teachers to plan effectively and pupils to follow a steady learning path.
The scheme begins with basic topics like the five senses and progresses to more detailed subjects such as soil types, sources of water, and uses of air. It encourages pupils to observe their environment, ask questions, and describe what they see. Teachers deliver each lesson with clear weekly goals, using simple activities to make science relatable and engaging.
Parents reinforce learning by discussing science topics at home, encouraging questions, and helping with simple experiments. Pupils build observation and thinking skills as they explore their surroundings and apply what they learn in class.
This NERDC-approved curriculum supports national education goals and strengthens the foundation needed for WAEC and NECO readiness. It also encourages logical thinking, curiosity, and the habit of asking “why”, essential traits for science learners.
Teachers assess pupils weekly using classwork, discussions, and practical exercises. The structure ensures all learners meet expected outcomes while progressing through science with confidence.
By following this guide, schools deliver consistent and measurable instruction. Parents stay involved. Pupils stay curious. The scheme doesn’t just teach science, it sparks a lifelong interest in discovery.
Primary 2 Basic Science Scheme of Work Table – First Term
| Week | Topic | Learning Focus & Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Revision of Basic 1 Work | Recap and reinforce previous learning from Basic 1. |
| Week 2 | The Senses | Identify the five senses and match them with sense organs. Draw basic diagrams. |
| Week 3 | The Sense of Sight | Recognize the eye as the sense organ of sight. Observe objects by color, shape, and size. |
| Week 4 | The Sense of Hearing | Learn about the ear, identify various sounds, and understand their sources. |
| Week 5 | The Sense of Smell | Identify the nose as the organ of smell; distinguish pleasant/unpleasant odors. |
| Week 6 | The Sense of Taste | Understand the tongue and taste buds; differentiate tastes like sweet, sour, salty. |
| Week 7 | Mid-Term Assessment | Evaluate understanding of previous topics using oral and written activities. |
| Week 8 | The Sense of Touch | Identify skin as the organ of touch; distinguish textures (hot/cold, rough/smooth). |
| Week 9 | Meaning of Soil | Learn soil types and their water-holding capacities through experiments. |
| Week 10 | Sandy Soil | Explore organisms in sandy soil and describe its properties (texture, size, color). |
| Week 11 | Revision | Reinforce all topics taught; prepare for the final examination. |
| Week 12 | Examination | Conduct terminal evaluation for learning performance. |
Importance of the Scheme of Work
The Primary 2 Basic Science First Term Scheme of Work promotes consistency across classrooms by guiding teachers to deliver lessons in line with the national curriculum. It builds foundational science skills by encouraging pupils to observe, classify, and think critically about their environment. By aligning with NERDC standards, the scheme helps educators meet government-mandated goals while staying focused on measurable learning outcomes. It also prepares learners for future assessments such as NECO and WAEC by introducing essential science topics early, ensuring students develop confidence and curiosity in scientific concepts from the start.
How to Use the Scheme Effectively
Teachers should align their weekly lesson plans directly with the topics outlined in the scheme of work to ensure full curriculum coverage. They can enhance understanding by incorporating visual aids, real-life examples, and hands-on activities that make abstract science concepts easier to grasp. By using the scheme, teachers can also create structured continuous assessment questions that measure pupil progress effectively across the term.
Parents play a key role in reinforcing what children learn in school. They should review each week’s topic at home with their child, asking questions and encouraging discussion to deepen understanding. Setting up study routines before class tests or assessments also improves performance.
Pupils should take notes consistently during lessons, which helps retain key ideas and aids revision. They should ask questions whenever they feel confused, which promotes deeper engagement and confidence. To boost visual memory, pupils can regularly draw and label diagrams such as parts of the eye, ear, or nose. These active learning strategies foster better recall, strengthen curiosity, and lay a strong foundation for scientific thinking.
Conclusion
The Primary 2 First Term Basic Science Scheme of Work serves as a vital educational roadmap that strengthens the delivery of science education across Nigerian classrooms. By following this scheme, teachers structure their lessons more effectively, focusing on the developmental needs of young learners. The scheme actively guides instruction through progressive weekly topics that nurture observation skills, encourage sensory exploration, and introduce the foundational principles of scientific inquiry.
Teachers use the scheme to plan hands-on lessons that involve practical activities and real-life examples, helping pupils connect theoretical knowledge with their everyday experiences. This connection makes science relevant, exciting, and easier to understand. By continuously assessing pupils using the topics in the scheme, educators track individual learning growth while maintaining curriculum standards set by NERDC.
Parents who follow the scheme also play a crucial role in reinforcing scientific concepts at home. When they engage their children in science-related conversations, help them study weekly topics, or support creative activities like drawing body parts or observing nature, they create an extended learning environment that complements classroom efforts.
Pupils benefit the most from this structured approach. They take notes, ask questions, explore with curiosity, and develop confidence as young scientists. The scheme not only builds essential knowledge but also encourages thinking, discovery, and expression. Through regular interaction with science-based content, pupils begin to observe their world differently; with wonder, logic, and growing insight.
Ultimately, the Primary 2 First Term Basic Science Scheme of Work empowers educators, supports parents, and inspires pupils. It ensures that learning remains measurable, engaging, and aligned with national goals. As pupils progress through each topic, they build a lifelong foundation in science, preparing for future academic success and meaningful interaction with the world around them.
