Science
The Science Department is committed to helping every student develop as an inquirer who has the lifelong interest in learning Science through a standards-based curriculum that includes inquiry, investigation, experimentation and reflective thinking.
It is important to our department that students develop an understanding of how science impacts their daily lives.
Pedagogy
The Science curriculum at EGPS adopts the pedagogy of inquiry-based learning (IBL) and reflective thinking. The premise is that students should participate actively in learning and constantly reflect on their learning. Through active learning, students learn better, as their questions and reflections help them comprehend and synthesize knowledge.
Inquiry-based Learning (IBL)
The (IBL) is a student-centered learning process based on John Dewey’s learning theory of constructivism where hands-on activities are used to develop concepts through creative problem solving, decision-making and investigation processes.
In our day-to-day teaching of inquiry-based Science, our teachers focus on asking questions as well as encouraging students to ask relevant questions. Questioning strategy allows for a high degree of pupil participation as a good mix of low and high level cognitive questions are used. The use of Object-Based Inquiry (OBI) and the modified thinking routine of See-Think-Wonder, tapped on students’ natural curiosity that promote the cycle of inquiry which allows students to construct meaning from their interactions with objects and phenomena in and out of the classroom through observation, developing inferences and generating their own questions.
To provide an appealing and non-threatening way to represent abstract concepts and ideas, concept cartoons which are “cartoon-style” drawings presenting characters with different viewpoints around a particular situation are used at different stages of a lesson – as a trigger to get students to tune in, as an activity to elicit students’ responses and generate discussion, as a means to clear misconceptions or as a means of summarizing the topic at the end. Science lessons thus becomes more interactive and student-centred as students are actively involved in their learning: verbalizing their ideas and thoughts. Participating in such discussions also lets students hone their communication skills and in the process allows teachers to gain important insights into their students’ understanding.
Innovation @EGPS
Aligned to our school’s mission of P.L.A.Y., our Science Department conducts several activities and enrichment programmes throughout the year as part of our Innovation Programme. In addition to encouraging integration of the different subjects so as to provide a holistic and joyful learning experience for our students, we also hope to inculcate values and skills in them so as to develop them to be good and useful individuals.
● Science Leadership Programme
To build effective leadership skills within our Science Leaders, the Science Leadership Programme is held to equip students with necessary skills to carry out their duties well. The leadership programme is conducted at the start of every semester where students familiarise themselves with the various Science apparatus that they will be handling when assisting their teachers during every Science lesson. They are also briefed on the safety procedures when in the Science laboratories. This year, the Science Leaders were also invited to play a more active role in the promotion of love for the subject among their peers.
Environmental Education Programme
We believe in nurturing young minds to become responsible global citizens who are aware of and care for the environment. We are committed to providing environmental education to our students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Our Environmental Education Programme is designed to foster a deep understanding of environmental issues and inspire sustainable actions. We implement eco-friendly practices throughout the school compound. We have green spaces that serve as outdoor classrooms, allowing students to connect with nature and learn in a natural setting. We have also implemented recycling initiatives, energy-saving measures, and water conservation programs to minimise our ecological footprint.
Plastic Recycling
To inculcate recycling habits in our students, our schools participated in the RVM School Education Programme under the Recycle N Save initiative by NEA.
We organised activities during Earth Week to encourage the practice of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) among the students. Students experienced the use of the Reverse Vending Machine located at the canteen where they recycled used plastic bottles.
(Recycling used plastic bottles at the Reverse Vending Machine)
E-waste Recycling
As part of our efforts to promote sustainability and environmental education, we organized an E-Waste collection drive. The objective of the collection drive is to create awareness that electronic waste can be reused and recycled if handled and dismantled properly. We hope to educate our students that the reuse and recycling of e-waste would conserve our planet’s finite resources and cut the amount of waste going to our incineration plants and landfill.
Partnering with Singapore’s main E-waste recycling company, ALBA, an information and game booth was set up for students to develop an understanding that Singapore currently has only one landfill, which will run out of space by 2035. The students also learnt that Singapore may not have enough land or sea space to build incineration plants and landfills.
Through our Environmental Education programme, we aim to inspire our students to become environmentally conscious and responsible individuals who will contribute towards a sustainable future for Singapore and the world.
Applied Learning Programme – Environmental Innovators and Agents of Change (Sustainability)
We are committed to providing our students with a holistic education that prepares them for challenges in the future. Our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of sustainability principles and empower our students to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Our P4 students are involved in the Reduce Carbon Footprint Programme. Students actively engage in various activities aimed at reducing their environmental impact. Using the Design Thinking Approach, students explore strategies to make sustainable choices in their daily lives and inspire others to do the same. Our students participated in energy-saving initiatives such as optimising energy usage in classrooms and common areas. They also learn about renewable energy sources and how they can contribute to a greener future.
(Students engaged in brainstorming sustainable solutions for the school environment)
Our P3 students are involved in the Farm to Table Programme. It provides a unique opportunity to understand the journey of food from its source to the table. Through this experiential learning initiative, students gain deeper appreciation for the value of locally sourced and sustainable food.
Students learn about the challenges in land scarce Singapore and get hands-on experience in planting, tending, and harvesting crops, witnessing the transformation from seeds to fully grown produce using the Hydroponics system. They also explore the environmental impact of different food production systems and learn about the benefits of consuming locally grown, seasonal produce. Through this project, students develop a strong connection between their food choices and the environment, encouraging them to make conscious decisions that support sustainability.
Sustainability aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. Through these programmes, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while nurturing a sense of responsibility towards the environment and their community.
T.G.I.F
We believe in providing our students with exciting opportunities to explore science beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Our TGIF Programme is a platform for our students to dive deeper into scientific adventures. It aims to extend and expose students to a range of science disciplines, encouraging them to explore and question the world around them.
Science SPARKS Programme
Our Science SPARKS programme is specifically designed for Primary 1 and Primary 2 students, aiming to ignite their curiosity and develop a lifelong interest in science. We believe that early exposure to science and experiential learning not only develops students’ interest in the subject but also cultivates essential thinking skills that will benefit them in all areas of their academic journey. The programme sets the foundation for future scientific exploration and fosters a growth mindset among our students.
Through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning, our programme provides students with exciting opportunities to explore and discover the fascinating world of science. We believe that by actively participating in experiments and investigations, students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts while nurturing their natural sense of wonder.
Science Olympiad Training and Competition Programme
We believe in nurturing young minds and providing them with opportunities to excel in the field of science. Our Science Olympiad Training and Competition programme is designed to challenge and inspire our students, allowing them to showcase their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills in a competitive platform. Our training programme covers various scientific disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, earth science, and engineering. Students delve deep into these subjects, developing analytical and critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, and enhancing teamwork and collaboration abilities.
(P5 Science Olympiad Students who received the certificate of participation)
Science E2K Programme
The Science E2K programme is an enrichment initiative that aims to engage and extend the scientific knowledge and abilities of our students. Through a specialised curriculum and tailored learning experiences, we foster a stimulating environment where these young minds can thrive and reach their full potential in the field of science.