If you’re preparing for your JSS 1 Basic Science examination, this guide is here to help you revise and understand key concepts in a structured way. From revisiting what you’ve already learned in previous terms to diving deep into essential topics for the second term, this revision will ensure you have the right knowledge to excel. Let’s take a step-by-step approach to cover all the important topics in Basic Science.
1. Revision of Last Term’s Work
Before we jump into new topics, it’s essential to go over what you’ve learned previously. This will help solidify your understanding and make it easier to grasp new concepts. In the previous term, you likely covered the basics of:
- Matter: Everything around us is made of matter, and it exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
- Forces: Forces cause objects to move or change direction. Common types of forces include gravity, friction, and magnetic forces.
- The Environment: Understanding the natural world around you, including the importance of plants, animals, and the balance within ecosystems.
Possible Revision Questions:
- What are the three states of matter?
- Define the term “force” and give an example.
- Name two types of forces and explain how they affect objects.
- What is an ecosystem?
- How does friction affect movement?
- Explain the role of plants in the environment.
- What is the difference between solids, liquids, and gases?
- How does gravity affect objects on Earth?
- Name the four basic needs of all living things.
- What is meant by the term “environment”?
2. Living Things
Living things are organisms that exhibit characteristics such as growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and the ability to consume food for energy. These include plants, animals, and microorganisms. Some key points to remember:
- Characteristics of Living Things: All living things grow, reproduce, respond to changes in their environment, and require food for energy.
- Examples: Humans, animals, plants, and bacteria are all living things.
- Life Processes: Processes like respiration, excretion, and nutrition are fundamental to the survival of living things.
Possible Revision Questions:
- What are the characteristics of living things?
- Can you name three examples of living things?
- What is reproduction in living organisms?
- How do plants respond to sunlight?
- What is the importance of food for living things?
- How do animals get their energy?
- What is the process of respiration?
- Why do living things excrete waste?
- How do microorganisms grow and reproduce?
- Why are humans considered living things?
3. Non-living Things
Non-living things are objects that do not grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli like living things do. They include materials like rocks, water, and man-made items. While they play crucial roles in life, they do not possess life characteristics.
- Properties of Non-living Things: Non-living things do not need food, air, or water to survive. They do not grow, reproduce, or respond to their surroundings.
- Examples: Rocks, metals, machines, water, air, and buildings.
Possible Revision Questions:
- What makes a thing non-living?
- Give three examples of non-living things.
- Can non-living things grow or reproduce? Explain.
- How do non-living things affect the environment?
- Why do non-living things not need food or oxygen?
- What is the difference between living and non-living things?
- Can a chair be considered a non-living thing? Why or why not?
- Is water a living or non-living thing? Explain your answer.
- What are some natural non-living things that are important for life?
- Can non-living things change over time? Give an example.
4. You and Energy
Energy is the ability to do work. It exists in various forms, such as mechanical energy (from movement), electrical energy (from power sources), and heat energy (from the sun or fire). As a human, you need energy for daily activities like walking, thinking, and even growing.
- Sources of Energy: Food is your main source of energy. Plants and animals also get their energy from food.
- Energy Transformation: Energy can change from one form to another. For example, food energy can be used by the body to perform tasks or generate heat.
Possible Revision Questions:
- What is energy, and why is it important for living things?
- Can you name two forms of energy?
- How does your body get energy from food?
- What is mechanical energy?
- How do you use energy every day?
- How does the sun provide energy to Earth?
- What happens when your body doesn’t get enough energy?
- What is the role of energy in plant growth?
- Explain how electrical energy is used in a light bulb.
- How does energy change from one form to another in a car engine?
5. Renewable and Non-renewable Energy
Energy sources are divided into two types: renewable and non-renewable. Understanding the difference is essential because renewable energy is sustainable, while non-renewable energy is finite.
- Renewable Energy: These sources can be replenished naturally. Examples include solar energy (from the sun), wind energy (from moving air), and hydroelectric energy (from water).
- Non-renewable Energy: These are limited and cannot be replaced once used up. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.
Benefits of Renewable Energy:
- Sustainability: It won’t run out.
- Environmentally Friendly: It causes less pollution than non-renewable sources.
Possible Revision Questions:
- What is renewable energy?
- Name three examples of renewable energy sources.
- How does solar energy work to produce electricity?
- Why is wind energy considered renewable?
- What are the advantages of using renewable energy?
- What is non-renewable energy?
- Why can’t we use non-renewable energy forever?
- How is coal used to generate energy?
- How does using renewable energy help the environment?
- Can renewable energy replace all non-renewable sources of energy? Explain.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive revision guide, you now have a clear understanding of the key concepts in Basic Science for JSS 1. By revisiting previous terms’ work, understanding the characteristics of living and non-living things, learning about energy, and differentiating between renewable and non-renewable energy, you’re well on your way to excelling in your examination.
Make sure to practice the revision questions, review each topic, and reinforce your understanding by applying real-life examples.