JSS 3 Revision and Examination for Basic Science Second Term

Basic Science is the foundation of understanding the natural world and the principles that govern it. For JSS 3 students, the second term covers various important topics, from understanding the sense organs to exploring energy types like light, sound, and electrical energy. The goal of this revision guide is to simplify these concepts, making them easy to understand for students, whether or not they have prior knowledge of the subject. By breaking down each topic with clear explanations and questions, students can build a solid foundation for their exams.

1. Revision of Last Term’s Work

Before diving into the new topics for the second term, it’s important to revise the material from the first term. This will reinforce foundational knowledge and make learning new topics easier.

Key Concepts from Last Term:

• Introduction to science and its branches.
• The scientific method: observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion.
• Cells and their functions.
• Ecosystem and environmental science.
• Basic principles of matter and energy.

Sample Questions:

1. What is the scientific method, and why is it important in experiments?
2. Describe the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell.
3. What is an ecosystem, and what are its components?
4. How do living organisms depend on energy in the environment?
5. Define matter and give examples of its different forms.
6. What are the basic principles of energy transfer in an ecosystem?
7. How does the scientific method help in solving problems?
8. What is photosynthesis, and why is it important?
9. What are the different states of matter?
10. How does the human body rely on energy to function?

2. The Sense Organs

The sense organs allow humans to interact with their environment. These organs play a critical role in helping us perceive and respond to the world around us. Understanding how they work is fundamental to understanding how we process information.

Key Concepts:

• The five sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin.
• Function and structure of each sense organ.
• How the brain processes sensory information.

Sample Questions:

1. What are the five sense organs, and what is the primary function of each?
2. How does the eye help in vision?
3. What role do the ears play in hearing and balance?
4. How does the nose contribute to the sense of smell?
5. What is the function of the tongue in tasting food?
6. How does the skin help in detecting touch and temperature?
7. What happens when any of the sense organs are damaged?
8. Describe how sensory information is transmitted to the brain.
9. How do the sense organs work together to form a complete experience?
10. Why is it important to protect our sense organs?

3. Light Energy

Light is a form of energy that allows us to see and affects many processes in nature. Understanding light energy is essential in both science and daily life, as it impacts everything from vision to photosynthesis.

Key Concepts:

• The nature of light: its speed, reflection, refraction, and dispersion.
• Sources of light: natural (sunlight) and artificial (bulbs).
• The behavior of light when it interacts with different materials.

Sample Questions:

1. What is light energy, and why is it important for life on Earth?
2. How does light travel, and what is its speed?
3. Explain the difference between reflection and refraction of light.
4. How do mirrors work to reflect light?
5. What happens when light passes through a prism?
6. What is the role of light in photosynthesis?
7. How do different materials affect the passage of light (e.g., transparent, opaque, translucent)?
8. What is the importance of sunlight for humans and plants?
9. How does light help us see objects in the world?
10. What is the difference between natural and artificial light sources?

4. Sound Energy

Sound is another important form of energy that we encounter daily. It is created by vibrations and travels through various mediums like air, water, and solids.

Key Concepts:

• The nature of sound: vibrations, frequency, and amplitude.
• How sound travels through different mediums.
• The relationship between sound pitch and frequency.

Sample Questions:

1. What is sound energy, and how is it produced?
2. How does sound travel through different mediums like air and water?
3. What are the properties of sound, such as frequency and amplitude?
4. How do vibrations create sound?
5. How is the pitch of sound related to its frequency?
6. What factors affect the speed of sound?
7. Why do we hear echoes, and what causes them?
8. What are the uses of sound energy in everyday life (e.g., communication, music)?
9. What is the relationship between sound and hearing?
10. How does noise pollution affect the environment?

5. Magnetism

Magnetism is a force of nature that has numerous applications in modern technology, from motors to compasses. Understanding magnetism is crucial for explaining how certain devices work.

Key Concepts:

• Magnetic fields and poles (north and south).
• Properties of magnets: attraction and repulsion.
• Applications of magnets in everyday life (motors, compasses, etc.).

Sample Questions:

1. What is magnetism, and how does it work?
2. What are magnetic poles, and how do they interact with each other?
3. How does the Earth behave like a giant magnet?
4. How do magnets attract and repel each other?
5. What is the role of a magnetic field?
6. How are magnets used in everyday devices like compasses and electric motors?
7. What happens when a magnet is broken into pieces?
8. What are the different types of magnets (e.g., bar magnets, electromagnets)?
9. How can magnets be used in the generation of electricity?
10. How does magnetic force play a role in navigation?

6. Electrical Energy

Electricity is one of the most commonly used forms of energy. Understanding electrical energy is vital in understanding how electrical devices work and how to use them safely.

Key Concepts:

• The flow of electrical charge (current).
• Sources of electrical energy (batteries, power plants).
• Basic components of electrical circuits (wires, switches, resistors).

Sample Questions:

1. What is electrical energy, and how is it generated?
2. What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
3. How does an electric current flow through a circuit?
4. What is the role of a battery in an electrical circuit?
5. How do resistors affect the flow of current in a circuit?
6. What is the function of a switch in a circuit?
7. How does electricity power different devices in the home?
8. What is the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)?
9. How can electrical energy be transformed into other forms of energy (e.g., light, heat)?
10. What safety precautions should be taken when using electrical appliances?

7. Radioactivity

Radioactivity involves the release of energy from unstable atomic nuclei. Understanding this phenomenon is important in fields like medicine, energy production, and safety.

Key Concepts:

• The discovery of radioactivity (Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie).
• Types of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma.
• Uses of radioactivity in medicine and industry.

Sample Questions:

1. What is radioactivity, and who discovered it?
2. What are the different types of radiation?
3. How do alpha, beta, and gamma radiation differ in terms of their properties?
4. How is radioactivity used in medicine for treating diseases like cancer?
5. What are the dangers of radiation, and how can exposure be minimized?
6. What are radioactive isotopes, and how are they used in various industries?
7. How does the half-life of a radioactive element affect its decay?
8. What is the relationship between radioactivity and nuclear energy?
9. How can we detect radiation using instruments like Geiger counters?
10. What precautions are necessary when handling radioactive materials?

8. Skills Acquisition

In Basic Science, acquiring practical skills is just as important as theoretical knowledge. These skills help students understand scientific concepts and apply them in real-world situations.

Key Concepts:

• Practical science skills: observation, measurement, analysis, and experimentation.
• Importance of hands-on learning in science.
• How these skills are applicable to everyday life and various careers.

Sample Questions:

1. What is the importance of practical skills in science?
2. How can you apply observation in scientific experiments?
3. Why is accurate measurement crucial in experiments?
4. What tools are commonly used in scientific experiments?
5. How do scientists analyze data to draw conclusions?
6. How can you develop your skills in problem-solving and critical thinking?
7. Why is teamwork important in scientific investigations?
8. How does hands-on experimentation help you understand science better?
9. What skills are required for working in a laboratory?
10. How can you use skills learned in science in everyday life?

9. Ethical Issues in Science and Development

Ethics in science is essential for ensuring that scientific discoveries and developments are used responsibly. Ethical considerations guide scientists in their research and prevent misuse of knowledge.

Key Concepts:

• Ethical challenges in scientific research.
• The role of science in societal development.
• Issues like cloning, environmental sustainability, and genetic modification.

Sample Questions:

1. What are ethical issues in scientific research?
2. How does science contribute to societal development?
3. What is the debate around genetic modification in food?
4. Why is it important to consider environmental impact when conducting scientific research?
5. How do ethical guidelines ensure that science benefits society?
6. What are the ethical concerns surrounding cloning and stem cell research?
7. How can scientists balance progress with respect for human rights?
8. What role does informed consent play in scientific experiments?
9. How can scientific discoveries be misused, and what safeguards are necessary?
10. What are the ethical implications of environmental pollution caused by scientific development?