REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA BOTSWANA GENERAL CERTIFICATE SECONDARY EDUCATION TEACHING SYLLABUS HUMAN AD SOCIAL BIOLOGY Ministry of Education Department of Curriculum Development and Evaluation FOREWORD
Critical to the success of our secondary
education programme is the recognition of
individual talents, needs and learning styles.
authorise the publication of this senior
Hence, the role of the teacher in the classroom
secondary syllabus which marks a watershed in
manager and facilitator; a director of learning
milestone of progress in fulfilment of the goals
students’ needs to take on board a measure of
accountability and responsibility for their own
Education, Government Paper No. 2 of 1994.
learning. S/he must also take into account the
widening range of ability of the student body
and the different levels of achievement which
technological change and an increasingly inter-
they aspire to. This means active participation
dependent global economy, it is essential that
for all and the creation of rich and diverse
preparing children adequately for their future.
Survival in the coming millennium will depend
It is important then that we value the students’
on the ability to accommodate change and to
own experiences, build upon what they know
adapt to environmental needs and emerging
and reward them for positive achievement. At
socio-economic trends. It is the wish of
the same time, we must be prepared to offer
government to prepare Batswana for future
them guidance and counselling at all levels;
growth and adaptation to ongoing change in
assisting them to make the best decisions in
the socio-economic context; specifically the
keeping with their own interests, career
transition from an agro-based economy to the
prospects and preferences. In that way we shall
more broadly based industrial economy which
prevail in nurturing at the roots of our system,
the national ideals of democracy, development,
self-reliance, unity and social harmony.
The senior secondary programme builds on the
This syllabus document is the outcome of a
seeks to provide quality learning experiences.
great deal of professional consultation and
It aims to prepare our students for the world of
collaboration. On behalf of the Ministry, I
work, further education and lifelong learning.
wish to record my appreciation and thank
However, secondary education must also pay
sincerely those who contributed to and were
attention to the all round development of the
involved in the production of this syllabus.
individual. It should provide not only for the
acquisition of those skills needed for economic,
advancement. It should also provide for the
development of cultural and national identity
and the inculcation of attitudes and values
which nurture respect for one’s self and for
ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS
Introduction . i Rationale . i Aims of Senior Secondary Programme . ii Aims of Senior Secondary Human and Social Biology Programme . ii Recommended Teaching Methods . iii Assessment Objectives . iii Assessment. iv
. 1 … . 3 . 10 . 12 . 16 . 17 . 19
Introduction Rationale Aims of Senior Secondary Programme
On completion of the two year secondary programme learners should have: -
acquired knowledge, developed confidence and ability to assess their personal strengths and weaknesses and
be realistic in choosing appropriate career/employment opportunities and/or further education and training.
2. developed skills to assist them in solving technical and technological problems as they relate to day-to-day
3. developed desirable attitudes and behavioural patterns in interacting with the environment in a manner that is
4. acquired attitudes and values, developed basic skills and understanding to allow for execution of rights and
responsibilities as good citizens of Botswana and the world.
5. developed information technology skills as well as an understanding and appreciation of their influence in
6. acquired knowledge, attitudes and practices that will ensure good family and health practices, including
awareness and management of epidemics (such as HIV/AIDS), that prepare them for productive life.
7. developed pre-vocational knowledge and manipulative skills that will enable them to apply content learnt
and attitudes and values developed to practical life situations in the world of work.
8. developed an understanding of and acquired basic skills in business, everyday commercial transactions and
9. developed foundation skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, inquiring, team work
/ interpersonal to help them to be productive and adaptive to survive in a changing environment.
Aims of Senior Secondary Agriculture Recommended teaching methods Assessment Objectives Dimension 1 Knowledge with understanding Dimension 2 Handling information and solving problems Dimension 3 Practical skills and techniques Assessment Procedures MODULE ONE CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING ORGANISMS General Objective Specific Objective Activities of living
list the characteristic activities of living
organism
organisms; feeding, respiring, excreting, growing,
responding to stimuli, moving, reproducing.
Organisms affecting Acquire
describe viruses as non-cellular, parasitic and
human health
describe bacteria as unicellular, with a cellwall
and DNA but no nucleus; some pathogenic and
describe fungi as having a mycelium of thread
like hyphae, some being pathogenic and causing
athlete’s foot and ringworm, species of Tenia.
describe protozoa as unicellular animals some
describe flatworms as multicellular animals,
reproducing both sexually and asexually, with
complex life histories involving at least two host
describe insects as multicellular animals with
exoskeleton, segmented bodies and jointed limbs,
life cycles , some insects disease vectors
Cells, the building Acquire knowledge on cell, -
describe the structure of the animal and plant cells
blocks in organization their
as composed of cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell
wall ( plant and bacteria cell only), nuclear
describe the functions of the cell membrane in
controlling the passage of materials into and out
describe the function of the mitochondria as
Movement of Acquire
define diffusion as the movement of molecules
particles in cells
from a region where they are at a higher
concentration to a region where they are at a
lower concentration i.e. down a concentration
define osmosis ( a special form of diffusion) as
movement of water molecules from a region of
their higher concentration to aregion of their
lower concentration through a selective permeable
explain the concept active transport as involving
Cell organization
describe the structure and function of the
following tissues: epithelium, (lining of trachea,
define the term organ, with reference to the eye
(retina, lens, choroid, sclera, iris etc
MODULE TWO PLANTS, FOOD AND MAN General Objective Specific Objective Food production
state the role of green plants as primary producers
define photosynthesis as the production of
carbohydrates from water and carbon dioxide,
using light energy, in the presence of chlorophyll,
state the dependence of all living organisms,
re-cycle of Acquire
describe the carbon cycle in terms of the fixation
of carbon from carbon dioxide in photosynthesis,
its transfer as carbohydrate to animals and release
back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide as a
MODULE THREE: NUTRITION AND DIET General Objective Specific Objective Classification of Acquire
list the major nutrients and state their sources and
nutrients
• carbohydrates : sugars and starch, digestible,
and used as an energy source, for storage
• cellulose from plant cell, indigestible (fibre
• proteins: used for growth and repair of tissues
and as a component of haemoglobin, insulin,
• fats (lipids) : used in the formation of cell
membranes, as an energy source as a storage
material, and as a solvent for vitamin D
describe or carry out the benedict’s test for
reducing sugars, the Iodine test for starch, the
Beuret test for proteins, and the grease spot test
list the principal sources of vitamins C and D, and
of the inorganic elements calcium and iron
relate vitamin C to the formation of epithelial
tissues and thus to the healing of wounds
relate vitamin D to the absorption of calcium ions
from the ileum and to the prevention of rickets in
list the uses of calcium ions in the formation of
bones and teeth, in blood clotting and in muscular
state the use of iron in the formation haemoglobin
Water and dietary Acquire
outline the uses of water in the body : as a
fibre (roughage)
rearrangement in the digestion (hydrolysis) of
food, as a solvent and as a transport medium and
component of body fluids and of cytoplasm
describe the role of fibre in the evacuation of the
Sources of nutrients
discuss the relative values, as sources of nutrients,
of foods obtained from animals (meat, fish, milk
and milk products) and foods obtained from plant
Balanced diet
define a balanced diet as a diet sufficient in all
food nutrients in the right quantity and quality of
proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals,
fibre , water and energy to sustain a healthy life
compare malnutrition as a lack of balanced diet,
either as a shortage of particular nutrients ( vit D
and rickets) or as an excess (excess carbohydrate
leading to obesity and coronary hear disease)
list the food and drink consumed in one week,
MODULE FOUR: DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION OF FOOD General Objective Specific Objective Teeth and the break Acquire
state the increase in surface area : volume ratio
down of food
describe need for chewing and peristalsis
state the cause of dental decay and describe the
and Acquire
define enzymes as proteins that act as biological
properties of enzymes
catalysts involved in all biochemical processes,
including digestion, respiration and protein
state the effects of change in temperature and pH
The alimentary canal
identify from drawing the main structures of the
alimentary canal : mouth, oesophagus, stomach,
duodenum, small intestines, colon, rectum and
describe peristalsis as a muscular movement,
mixing and propelling food along the intestine
outline the functions of I) the pancreas ii) the liver
state the functions of amylase, protease and lipase
in the production of reducing sugars, amino acids
state the main sites of the digestion of proteins
state the main site s of digestion of starch to
describe the need for the emulsification of fats
state, describe and explain the process of
absorption of the products of digestion (structure
state the function of the colon as the site of
describe the assimilation of the products of
define defecation, constipation and diarrhoea
MODULE FIVE: BLOOD AND THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM General Objective Specific Objective Composition and Acquire
identify red cells, phagocytes and lymphocytes
function of blood
state the origin of RBCs, WBCs and platelets
state the function of red blood cells in terms of
state the functions of white blood cells in the
phagocytosisi ; formation of antibodies to
state the functions of plasma as the transport of
the products of digestion and carbon dioxide,
outline the function of platelets during the clotting
of blood, soluble fibrinogen being converted to
state the other function of clotting as to protect the
body from loss of blood and entry of pathogens
MODULE SIX: BREATHING AND RESPIRATION General Objective Specific Objective Breathing and Acquire
define breathing as the movement of air in and out
gaseous exchange
describe and recognize from a drawing the
arrangement of the trachea, bronchi, outline of the
lungs and diaphragm as seen in a frontal section
describe the roles of the ribs, intercostal muscles
and the diaphragm in the process of breathing
describe the relationship between changes in
pressure and volume in the lungs during breathing
define gaseous exchange as uptake of oxygen and
release of carbon dioxide in the alveoli
state the differences between inspired and expired
describe the effects of change in physical activity
describe the technique of mouth to mouth
Respiration and Acquire
define respiration as the release of energy from
energy transfer
state the equation of aerobic respiration, using
list activities where energy is required: e.g. cell
division, active transport, maintenance of a
constant body temperature, muscular action
Diseases associated
list the toxic material in cigarette smoke; nicotine,
with tobacco smoke
state the effects of tar as a carcinogen (causes
discuss the effects of nicotine and carbon
monoxide on the body and on a developing fetus
describe effects of cigarette smoke on the cilia
which form the cleaning mechanism of the lungs
MODULE SEVEN: SKELETON, MUSCLES AND MEVEMENT General Objective Specific Objective Functions the Acquire knowledge of the -
list the functions of the skeleton : support,
skeleton
protection of soft tissue, increase effectiveness of
movement by providing levers, as site for
distinguish between tendons (attach muscles to
bees, inelastic) and ligaments ( join bone to bone ,
identify from a drawing and describe the action of
: a hinge joint (e.g. elbow), and a ball and socket
and Acquire knowledge of how -
describe muscle as tissue which produces
movement
movement by contraction ( and relaxation) using
identify the bones of the arm and shoulder, and
show the origins and insertions of the biceps and
describe the role of circular muscles in peristalsis
and the movements in the iris and cilliary body of
MODULE EIGHT: HOMEOSTASIS - MAINTAINING A STAEDY INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT General Objective Specific Objective Homeostasis
define homeostasis as the maintenance of a
locate and name the main organs which maintain
a constant internal environment namely : pancreas
and liver ( blood glucose), kidneys (water content
identify and label on a diagram of the skin: hairs,
sweat glands, receptors and blood vessels
describe the maintenance of constant temperature
discuss the co-ordinating role of the brain in
Regulation of body Acquire
define excretion as the removal of waste products
of metabolism and or toxic materials from blood -
identify parts of the urinary system : kidneys,
state the functions of the parts of the urinary
describe the function of the kidney as a process of
filtration followed by selective reabsorption of :
glucose, salt, urea, water, resulting in the
adjustment of the concentration of blood plasma
relate the process of filtration to blood pressure in
the glomerulus, collection of filtrate in the
Bowman’s capsule and reabsorption of materials
at appropriate sections in the kidney tubule
Regulation of body Acquire knowledge of how the -
explain the concept of negative feed back
temperature
define regulation of body temperature as
maintaining a steady internal temperature by
identify from a drawing the main structures
involved in heat loss by the skin: sweat glands and
ducts, capillaries and associated arterioles
relate the evaporation of sweat to the concept of
describe the effects of vasodilatation and
vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the skin
describe the loss of heat through the lungs during
Regulation of blood Acquire
state that the pancreas secrets insulin when blood
describe the part played by the liver in the
formation of insoluble glycogen in response to
describe diabetes as insufficient release of insulin
describe the effect of glucagon, released by the
pancreas, on the liver and explain the part it plays
MODULE NINE: THE SENSES, NERVOUS SYSTEM, HORMONES AND CO-ORDINATION General Objective Specific Objective Perception
list the stimuli to which the sense organs respond:
light energy, sound energy, temperature change,
Structure and Acquire knowledge of the -
describe and identify from a drawing a horizontal
functions of the eye
section through the eye : optic nerve, lens, sclera,
cornea, iris, retina choroid, cilliary muscles
aqueous humor , blind spot, fovea and suspensory
describe the action of the components of the eye
in forming inverted images on the retina
discuss short sightedness and long sightedness
state the function of the retina in transforming
describe the reflex action of the circular and
radial muscles of the iris in regulating the amount
Nervous system
state the main divisions of the nervous system :
central nervous system (CNS) comprising the
brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system
distinguish between a neurone and a nerve
describe and recognize from a drawing a simple
state the role of the sensory, intermediate and
relate the control of movement at the elbow in
withdrawing the hand from a stimulus to reflex
carryout simple experiment to demonstrate reflex
Hormones
define a hormone as a chemical substance,
produced by a gland, carried by the blood, which
alters the activity of one or more specific target
state the role of adrenalin in co-ordination
progesterone in the menstrual cycle and in
distinguish between the hormonal and nervous
control systems (chemical substance or impulse:
in terms of speed of response, widespread or
localized response, long-term or short-lived
Alcohol and other Be aware of the dangers of -
describe the short-term effects of alcohol on
reaction time (rate of transmission of impulses),
co-ordination and the ability to make rational
state the short term and long term effects on the
brain and liver of excessive intake of alcohol
state the physical and social effects of marijuana,
MODULE TEN: REPRODUCTION AND THE CONTINUITY OF LIFE General Objective Specific Objective The reproductive
define a gamete as either a sperm or an ovum,
having half the number of chromosomes found in
describe sexual reproduction as the process
involving the fusion of nuclei from two different
identify from a drawing the structure of the male
and female reproductive system, as seen in side
state the function of: testis, sperm duct, prostate
gland, urethra, ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix,
describe the menstrual cycle and the production of
describe the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in
Fertilization
describe fertilization and early development of the
zygote in terms of the formation of the ball of cells
which becomes implanted in the wall of the uterus
describe the development of the fetus in terms of
dependence on the placenta for exchange of food
materials, oxygen,, urea and carbon dioxide
distinguish between identical and fraternal twins
describe the placenta as a barrier , separating
describe the passage of nicotine, alcohol and some
viruses from the mother to fetus through the
state the protective function of the amniotic fluid,
in terms of even distribution of pressure around the
describe the three stages of birth: labor, opening
(dilation), delivery and after birth (expulsion)
Family planning
describe family planning as a means of limiting the
number of children in the family and of spacing
births, thus giving both mother and children a
better chance of receiving adequate nutrition and
other resources of developing good health
discuss the dangers of teenage pregnancy
list methods of birth control, stating practical
advantages and disadvantages : rhythm (safe
period), condom, cap, intra-uterine device (IUD,
coil, loop), oral contraceptive pill, sterilization
(vasectomy for males, tying of oviduct for
Heredity : Units and
defineinheritance as the transmission of genetic
processes
information (genes) from one generation to the
define a gene as a length of DNA coding for a
particular characteristic, and distinguish clearly
state that genes are carried on thread-like
structures, made of protein and DNA, called
define mitosis as a nuclear division resulting in the
formation of two nuclei with the same number of
chromosomes and same genetic content , as the
define meiosis as a nuclear division resulting in a
halving of the chromosome number, and the
production of variation, during the formation of
Monohybrid
define the terms dominant , recessive, genotype,
inheritance
using symbols, draw and interpret diagrams to
show the genetic characteristics of the offspring
using symbols, draw and interpret diagrams to
MODULE ELEVEN: HEALTH AND DISEASE General Objective Specific Objective Health and disease
define good health as a state of physical and
mental wellbeing, dependent on receiving a
balanced diet and on appropriate physical and
define disease as a loss of health resulting from a
disturbance of the normal processes of the body, or
due to various causes such as malnutrition,
infectious organisms, degeneration of organs /
Non-transmissible
describe nutritional deficiency disease illustrated
diseases and disorders
describe degenerativediseases, as illustrated by
describe cancer, as illustrated by lung cancer
describe inherited disorder, as illustrated by
Transmissible
distinguish between signs of a disease (e.g. rash,
diseases
high temperature), which can be seen or measured,
and symptoms (e.g. pain) which can only be
Influenza
name the causative organism (virus) and the
method of spread (droplet airborne) and methods
Gonorrhoea and syphilis
state the method of control and prevention
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency
state the causative organism ( human immuno-
syndrome)
defiency virus, HIV) and the methods of spread:
sexual intercourse, use of contaminated needles for
injecting drugs, blood transfusion; methods of
name the causative organism (bacterium) and
methods of spread: contamination of human food
control of spread by sanitary disposal of faeces,
preventing access for house flies to faeces, careful
washing of hands after using the toilet / water
closet and tracing of carriers, followed by medical
Tuberculosis
name the causative organism as a bacterium
(Mycobacterium tubeculosis), capable of forming
spores and therefore of surviving drying ; state
overcrowding, avoiding spitting, BCG vaccination,
early diagnosis by mass X-ray, drug treatment
state the chief signs and symptoms, including
name the causative organism as a bacterium
(vibro), spread by water contaminated with
describe control by sanitary disposal of faeces and
through chlorination of drinking water; occurrence
MODULE TWELVE: CONTROL OF DISEASES General Objective Specific Objective Personal Hygiene
discuss the importance of cleaning the body,
particularly the pubic, anal regions and the hands,
discuss the meaning and importance of sanitary
the Acquire organisms that understanding about control of -
describe the use of high temperature as a means
cause disease
of destroying pathogens in cooking, steam
describe the use of chemical sterilization agents,
with particular reference to the use of chlorine
distinguish between antiseptics which inhibit the
reproduction of bacteria and disinfectantswhich
kill bacteria but also damage human tissue
Antibiotics
discuss the use of antibiotics, illustrated by the
use of penicillin in the treatment of gonorrhoea
Control of vectors
state the principles of controlling a disease by
controlling the vector that transmits the pathogen,
illustrated by methods of controlling houseflies
explain the need for knowing the life cycle and
MODULE THIRTEEN: IMMUNITY AND IMMNISATION General Objective Specific Objective Immunity
define active immunity, illustrated by immunity to
tuberculosis gained naturally during recovery
from the disease, and artificially through BCG
define passive immunity, illustrated by immunity
to tetanus gained by injection with the immune
discuss the differences between active, natural,
discuss the WHO campaign to eliminate small
pox and the immunization programme to control
MODULE FOURTEEN: COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH General Objective Specific Objective Sewage disposal
state the risks from leaving sewage untreated and
describe, and identify from a drawing a section
state the reasons for the careful siting of the pit
state the part played by micro-organisms in
making sewage harmless and the effluent safe for
Save drinking water
compare the relative purity of water e.g. rivers,
shallow wells, boreholes and rain water collected
discuss the effects of boiling water for drinking
describe the large scale treatment of water
(filtration, sedimentation, chlorinating etc)
Refuse disposal
state the dangers from allowing domestic waste to
accumulate around living quarters; attracting
house flies and providing suitable conditions for
breeding; attraction of rats and mice (vectors of
state the reasons for, and methods of controlling
relate the life cycle of the house fly to the need for
the regular emptying of bins for domestic waste
state the methods of disposal of domestic refuse:
destruction by burning at very high temperature),
compacting refuse at communal sites to make it
MODULE FIFTEEN: POLLUTION General Objective Specific Objective Air pollution
state the toxic components of motor exhaust
fumes, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides
describe the effects of lead on the body
describe the causes and effects of global warming
Water pollution
describe the undesirable effects of water pollution
by: discharge of untreated sewage (cholera);
discharge of chemical waste from industrial
plants; surface run-off of chemicals (fertilizers,
pesticides and herbicides), discharge of oils at
sea, from garages, solid matter / litter
Deforestation
state the effects of deforestation on the
state the effects of veld fires to the environment
INSTITUTO EGRÉGORA O Papel da Educação Dentro do Cenário Sócio- Histórico Antônio Leite de Barros Neto Antônio Leite de Barros Neto O Papel da Educação Dentro do Cenário Sócio- Histórico Trabalho da disciplina Gestão das Cidades e Sistema de Educação, do Prof. Carlos Alberto Reys Maldonado do Curso de Pós-Graduação em Gestão Pública Mun
Stinging nettle – Medicinal uses Overview: Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens ) has a long medicinal history. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic (to rid the body of excess water) and to treat joint pain. Stinging nettle has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals that are released when the plant comes in contact