Secondary Science Syllabus

Substrand: "7.5 Our planet earth"

Subject: Secondary Science Year: 7
Strand 4: Earth and beyond

Substrand: "7.5 Our planet earth" (8 periods)

This sub-strand deals with our planet [Earth]. The materials our planet is made of. The earth is made of different layers of materials, from its centre to its surface. The surface of the earth consists of solid mass of rock called the “plates”. These plates can move horizontally (sideways) and vertically (up wards). The plates change in size as materials may be added to their edge when they come together or push back to the earth. The earth consists of many types of rocks and minerals. The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each rock type is formed in a different way from each other.

General Learning OutcomesSpecific Learning OutcomesSuggested Assessment Events

Learner's should:

Learner's should:

Learner's should:

7.5.1 know that the earth has a series of layers from the centre to its surface (k)

7.5.1.1 in a diagram, draw the layers of the earth in the correct order: crust, mantle, outer and inner core

7.5.2 know that the earth’s layers are made up of different materials (k)

7.5.2.1 describe the various layers of the earth in terms of their material state

7.5.3 be able to show the various layer of the earth (s)

7.5.3.1 model the different layers of the earth using; boiled egg or germinating coconut fruit

7.5.4 know that the crust of the earth forming the “plates” which float on the liquid layers (mantle) can move (k)

7.5.4.1 state that volcanic activities and earthquakes are caused by the movements of the earth’s plates

7.5.5 appreciate that earthquake, volcano, and tsunami are natural processes occurring in the earth’s layers (a)

7.5.5.1 identify signs or indicators of these natural processes to help us prepare to avoid or minimize disastrous consequences when they occur

7.5.6 know that a mineral is a natural substance in which the particles are arranged in patterns (k)

7.5.6.1 state that minerals are building blocks of rocks

7.5.7 know that an Ore is a rock or mineral (k)

7.5.7.1 identify common rocks and describe the minerals they contain

7.5.8 be able to show that minerals can be identify using their properties (s)

7.5.8.1 use moh’s scale of hardness to identify common minerals

7.5.10 know that there is a continuous process of change between rock types (k)

7.5.10.1 identify and describe the three types of rocks; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
7.5.10.2 illustrate the process of rock- cycle using a schematic diagram
7.5.10.3 give examples of rock weathering and erosion processes

7.5.11 understand that weathering and erosion are natural process that changes face of the earth (u)

7.5.11.1 list and explain types of weathering; physical and chemical weathering

7.5.12 know that human activities cause weathering and erosion process (k)

7.5.12.1 identify the different human activities that cause weathering and erosion

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