BECE JUNIOR HIGH SCIENCE SYLLABUS GHANA

JHS-3 Syllabus - Soil and water conservation

1.2.1 explain the factors which lead to the depletion of soil resources.

Factors leading to depletion of soil resources
Agents of soil erosion
Types of soil Erosion
Factors of Soil Erosion

- discuss the meaning of soil and water conservation.
- identify the factors that cause depletion of soil resources.
- explain how the factors cause the loss of soil resources.
- brainstorm to bring out the meaning of soil erosion.
- demonstrate how wind and water cause soil erosion.
- undertake a field trip to observe the various types of soil erosion and the assess the destruction caused by soil erosion.
- construct a mud-hill model using clay and top soil to demonstrate the factors which influence soil erosion.

- discuss the effects of soil erosion on farming and the environment.

Differentiate between soil depletion and soil erosion.
Distinguish between splash, rill and gully erosion.

1.2.2 assess the effects of erosion on farming and the environment.

- discuss the effects of soil erosion on farming and the environment.

State four effects of soil erosion on farming.

1.2.3 prevent and control soil erosion.

Methods of preventing and controlling soil erosion.

- demonstrate the methods of checking soil erosion. State five methods of controlling soil erosion.

1.2.4 give reasons for the application of Fertilisers in farming.

Meaning of soil fertility.

- discuss what a fertile soil is in relation to crop yield.

Major and Minor Nutrients.

Importance of N,P,K, and deficiency symptoms in plants.

- make a list of plant nutrients and group them into major and minor nutrients.
- discuss the differences between major and minor soil nutrients.
- discuss the roles of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N. P. K) in plant growth and development.

1.2.5 select and use fertilizers appropriately in farming.

Effects of nutrient deficiency.
Sources of Plant Nutrients.
Maintenance of Soil Fertility.
Compost Preparation.

Types of fertilizers.

Methods of Fertilizer Application.

Effects of chemical fertilizers on the environment.

Teacher to show live specimen/photographs of plants with symptoms of N, P, K deficiencies.
- describe Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium deficiency symptoms in the plants.
- discuss the economic effects of nutrient deficiency in crop production.
- discuss the various sources of plant nutrients.
- discuss the methods of maintaining soil fertility.

- prepare compost, package and market it to Pot Flower Producers, Vegetable Growers, etc.
- discuss the various types of fertilizers giving examples of each type.
- demonstrate the various methods of fertilizer application
- discuss the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on the environment.

Draw a future’s wheel showing the consequences of misapplication of chemical fertilizers on the environment.

JHS-3 Syllabus - Acids, bases and salts

1.1.1 distinguish between an acid and a base.

use litmus paper to distinguish between acids and bases.

1.1.2 classify substances as acids or bases.

- bring different substances from home
- rub litmus papers over each of the substances brought

- record their observations

- classify the substances as acidic or basic.

Classify the following substances as acids or bases:

1.2.3 prepare Sodium Chloride by neutralization method.

use small quantities of dilute sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid to prepare sodium chloride.

evaporate the product from the reaction to obtain Sodium Chloride crystals (common salt).

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JHS-2 Syllabus - Climate

2.2.1 distinguish between weather and climate.

Meaning of weather and climate

Elements of Climate.

- brainstorm to bring out the meaning of weather and climate.
- discuss the differences between weather and climate
- identify the elements of climate, and discuss how each element affects agriculture.

2.2.2 explain that weather and climate change do occur in a cyclic manner.

Cyclic nature of weather and climate:
Incidences of weather and climatic changes - The 1983 drought, 1969 Heavy rains, 1963 Heavy rains, etc.

- collect information on the incidences and effects of weather and climatic changes that occurred over the past 30 – 50 years from
people, libraries, internet and scientific journals.
- discuss the effects that these changes had on the environment (agriculture, vegetation, water cycle, etc).

How have climatic changes affected your daily activities?

Explain why the climate of Tamale is different from that of Axim.

2.2.3 use weather measuring equipment.

Weather Measuring Equipment: rain gauge, wind vane, sun dial, thermometer etc.

- visit a Meteorological Station, observe various weather measuring equipment and satellite images and how they are used.
- list the various weather measuring equipment and discuss how each one is used.
- practise the use of some of the equipment.

2.2.4 prepare a weather chart.

- collect data by using the equipment and make a simple weather chart.
- relate the weather charts to activities undertaken by humans in the locality.
2.2.5 relate climate to vegetation zones.

Relationship between climate and vegetation zones.

- collect information on the climate of the various vegetation zones in Ghana from libraries and the Internet
- compare the information on climate to the vegetation zones and note the differences
- draw the map of Ghana showing the vegetation zones and the distribution of crops and animals.
-list agencies involved in providing weather and climatic information to the public and discuss their roles.

Give reasons why sorghum thrives best in Northern Ghana while cocoa does well in the rain forest belt.

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JHS-2 Syllabus - Carbon cycle

2.1.1 describe how carbon is cycled in nature.

- discuss and illustrate the carbon cycle
- identify and explain the stages in the carbon cycle
- draw the carbon cycle

Teacher to design a role-play for pupils to perform showing the relationships between the various stages of the cycle.

Pupils to explain how the carbon cycle is disrupted by humans.

2.1.2 outline/ discuss the importance of the carbon cycle.

describe ways the carbon cycle is disrupted.

- gather information from library and the internet on human activities which disrupt the carbon cycle

-describe ways by which the activities disrupt the cycle.

List and discuss three ways the carbon cycle is disrupted.

2.1.3 explain the effects of the disruption of the carbon cycle on the environment.

- list and explain the effects of the disruption of the cycle on the
atmosphere and the environment.

2.1.4 outline ways to maintain the carbon cycle

- suggest ways to maintain the carbon cycle.

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JHS-2 Syllabus - Water

1.5.1 describe the composition and properties of water.

- brainstorm and describe the chemical components of water
- describe the properties of water
- collect water from difference sources and compare them in terms of appearance, odour, taste and any other characteristics
perform activities to demonstrate the properties of water.

What are the chemical elements in water?

Describe three properties of water.

1.5.2 distinguish between hard and soft water.

- compare the lathering abilities of various samples of unboiled water with soap
- use their observations to group the samples into hard and soft water.
- use the activities to define hard and soft water
- discuss the importance of soft and hard water
- discuss the properties of good drinking water.

Why it is advisable to wash clothes with soft water?

1.5.3 demonstrate various ways of softening hard water.

- perform various activities for softening hard water e.g. boiling, addition of washing soda, distilling.
- discuss the importance of purified and treated water.

Describe how to make hard water soft.

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