Life Sciences
Overview
This subject used to be called Biology before the new curriculum was introduced in 2006. The aim of this department is to encourage students to become aware of life around us, the interactions which occur in the environment, problems facing bio-diversity and life on earth, the working of the human body and most importantly, the appreciation of life as well as nuturing a keen interest in the Science of Life.
The courses offered cover a wide spectrum of biological topics from studying Cells, Tissues, Biological Molecules to Basic Control and Processes in Basic Life Systems. A large portion of the learning programme is devoted to Environmental Studies in which basic Ecology, Human Influences on the Environment, Sustaining our Environment, Population Studies and Diseases are studied. A substantial part of the Grade 12 learning programme is devoted to the study of Evolution based on early theories, as well as an explanation of evolution in terms of current knowledge.
In the Junior Grades (Grade 8 & 9) Natural Science is taught. The Life Sciences take charge of the Biology component in this Learning Area. The primary aim is to prepare students adequately for Life Sciences in the senior Grades, as well as instilling some awareness of the Human Body and our Environment, for those who choose not to continue with Life Sciences in Grade 10.
Being a practical subject a portion of the course is taught through experimental work. This aims to develop an understanding of scientific method which brings with it opportunity to take readings in the field and to transfer this data onto tables, graphs etc for interpretation and drawing of conclusions. To complement the practical component two excursions are undertaken each year. The Grade 8\'s explore geographical and biological situations in The Settlers’ Park Reserve whilst the Grade 10\'s undertake a trip to the Rocky Shore.
What is the Purpose of Life Sciences?
The study of Life Sciences enables learners to develop an understanding of the nature of science, the influence of ethics and biases, and the interrelationship of science, technology, indigenous knowledge, environment and society. Learners explore these concepts, which are essential to basic life processes and the interrelationship and inter-dependence of components of the living and physical world. This understanding is directed to improve the quality of life and life support systems in the biosphere. It also allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a way that will lead to sustainable management of resources and life-support systems.
Homework
Homework is left to the discretion of individual teachers in the department to supplement their teaching methods in the classroom.
Notes and Textbooks
Grades 8 and 11
Notes are handed out in specifically designed modules.
Grade 10
Text book/Work book which is purchased by the students for their exclusive use.
Grade12
Text book/Work book which is purchased by the students for their exclusive use.
Life Sciences 12. J Grogan and R Suter (Mind Action Series) (July 2007)
Educational Resources
Suggested References
Branch, M & G. 1981. The Living Shores of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
Dempster, ER. 2006. Crossing Over: The Basics of Evolution. Cape Town:HSRC. (Also available on the HSRC website)
Knobel, J. 1999. The Magnificent Natural Heritage of South Africa. Cape Town: Sunbird Publishing.
Lovegrove, B. 1993. The Living Deserts of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Fernwood Press.
Macrae, C. 1999. Life Etched in Stone: Fossils of South Africa. Johannesburg: Geological Society of South Africa.
McCarthy, T & Rubidge, B. 2005. The Story of Earth and Life: Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
van Wyk, B-E & Gericke, N. 2000. People’s Plants: A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa. Pretoria. Briza Publications.
Skinner & Chimimba. 2006. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion.
Roberts Book of Birds.
Relevant Websites
National Geographic
Poodwaddle
Climate Change
Grade 8 and 9 Natural Sciences
Curriculum
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Introduction to Natural Science |
Introductory module |
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Planet Earth and Beyond |
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Energy and Change |
Environmental Issues |
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Life and Living |
Plant Adaptations (includes an excursion to Settlers’ Park) Animal Adaptations |
Tests and forms of Assessment
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TERM 1 |
TERM 2 |
TERM 3 |
TERM 4 |
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2 Controlled Tests |
1 Controlled Test |
1 Controlled Test |
Overall CASS mark determined according to departmental requirements |
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3 Assignments Worksheets |
Settlers’ Park Project (linked to excursion) |
Research Project: Global Warming |
Class Tests |
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Class Tests |
Class Tests |
Class Tests |
Final Examination |
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Worksheets |
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Mid-year Exam |
Model: The Cell |
Grade 10 Information
Curriculum
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STRAND |
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Environmental Studies |
Biosphere to Ecosystems |
Biosphere to Ecosystems |
Biosphere, Biomes, Ecosystems, Abiotic and Biotic factors, Energy Flow, Nutrient Cycles |
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Diversity, Change and Continuity |
History of Life and Classification |
Biodiversity and Classification |
Classification schemes, Bacteria, Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals |
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History of Life on Earth |
Fossil Formation and Methods of Dating, Key Events in Life's History |
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Life at the Molecular, cellular and Tissue Level |
Molecules to Organs |
The Chemistry of Life |
Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Vitamins, Inorganic Substances, Water, Mineral Salts |
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Cells - the basic unit of life |
Cell Structure and Function, Differences betwen Plant and Animal Cells, Movement of substances across membranes, Differentiation and Specialisation |
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Cell Division - Mitosis |
The Cell Cycle, Role of Mitosis |
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Plant and Animal Tissue |
Plant Tissue: xylem, phloem, parenchyma, collenchyma, schlerenchyma, epidermis Animal Tissue: epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve tissue |
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Life Processes in Plants and Animals |
Life Processes that sustain Life Energy Transformations sustain life |
Photosynthesis |
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Cellular Respiration |
Anaerobic and aerobic respiration, comparison bewteen anaerobic and aerobic respiration, ATP |
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Animal Nutrition |
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Gaseous Exchange |
Tests and forms of Assessment
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TERM 1 |
TERM 2 |
TERM3 |
TERM 4 |
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1 x Controlled Test |
1 x Controlled Test |
1 x Controlled Test |
Class Tests |
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1 x Controlled Class Test |
Class Tests |
1 x Controlled Class Test |
Overall CASS mark determined according to departmental requirements |
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Rocky Shore Excursion: Cape Recife Nature Reserve (assignment, data collection and interpretation) |
Practical Examination |
Hands-on-Practical: Chicken Wing |
Final Examination (2 Papers) |
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Class Tests |
Project: Human Nutrition |
Hypothesis Test: Cellular Respiration |
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Practical Work |
Worksheets |
Class Tests |
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Worksheets |
Mid-year Examination (1 Paper) |
Worksheets |
Grade 11 Information
Curriculum
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Tissues, Cells and Cell Structures |
Micro-organisms (Viruses, Bacteria, Protists and Fungi – including diseases |
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Structures and Control of Processes in Basic Life Systems |
Structural Support – Human Skeleton |
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Environmental studies |
Human Influence on the Environment Sustaining the Environment |
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Diversity, Change and Continuation of Life |
Population Dynamics |
Tests and forms of Assessment
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TERM 1 |
TERM 2 |
TERM 3 |
TERM 4 |
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1 x Controlled Test |
1 x Controlled Test |
1 x Controlled Test |
Overall CASS mark determined according to departmental requirements |
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1 x Controlled Class Test |
Hands-on-Practical: Kidney |
1 x Controlled Class Test |
Class Tests |
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Practical work |
Practical Examination |
Research Project: Human Health issues |
Final Examination (2 Papers externally set) |
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Worksheets |
Worksheets |
Practical work |
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Hypothesis Test: Heart Rate |
Mid-year Exam (1 Paper internally set) |
Worksheets |
Grade 12 Information
Curriculum
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Tissues, Cells and Cell Structures |
DNA and Protein Synthesis |
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Structures and Control of Processes in Basic Life Systems |
Human Reproduction |
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Environmental studies |
Local Environmental Issues |
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Diversity, Change and Continuation of Life |
Early Theories of Evolution |
Tests and forms of Assessment
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TERM 1 |
TERM 2 |
TERM 3 |
TERM 4 |
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1 x Controlled Test |
1 x Controlled Test |
Class Tests |
Final Examination (2 Papers externally set) |
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1 x Controlled Class Test |
Class Tests |
Trial Examination (2 Papers externally set) |
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Practical Work |
Practical Examination |
Research Project |
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Worksheets |
Worksheets |
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Hands-on-Practical: DNA |
Mid-year examination (1 Paper internally set) |
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Research Project: Genetic Diseases |
Research Project: Genetic Diseases |
