The Maltese Science Education Curriculum

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The Maltese Science Education Curriculum

• The Environmental/Ecological

The Nutritional Aspect
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Overview
1. The Maltese Educational System
2. Science Education in Malta
3. The National Minimum Curriculum
4. Environmental/Ecological Aspects
5. Nutritional Aspects
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Maltese State Educational System
University
18

Science Arts 2 years
18 17 16
Post Secondary Courses
Post Secondary Courses
Vocational Technological
1 to 4 years
Second Cycle 3 years
First Cycle 2 years
Second Cycle 3 years
First Cycle 2 years
15 14 13 12 11
Secondary Schools
Junior Lyceums
AGE
Single Sex
Single Sex
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Second Cycle 3 years First Cycle
3 years
Primary Schools
Mixed
Kindergarten
4
Maltese Non-State Educational System
SEC
Church Schools
Independent Schools
16 15 14 13 12 11
Mixed
Single Sex
Secondary Years
Secondary Years
AGE
Proceed directly from Primary to Secondary
Proceed directly from Primary to Secondary
Sit and Pass Common Entrance Exam
10 9 8 7 6 5
Primary Years
Primary Years
Single Sex Mix
Mixed
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Maltese State Educational System
University
18

Science Arts 2 years
18 17 16
Post Secondary Courses
Post Secondary Courses
Vocational Technological
1 to 4 years
Differentiated Educational Programme
15 14 13 12 11
AGE
College
Single Sex
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Second Cycle - 3 years First Cycle
- 3 years
Primary Schools
Mixed
Kindergarten
6
Science Education in Malta
Integrated Science Taken by all students in
Form 1 and Form 2
Choice of Science Subject in Form 3
Physics Compulsory for all students attending
State Schools
Biology Optional for students
Chemistry Optional for students
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The National Minimum Curriculum

• The National Minimum Curriculum (NMC) is a
  framework establishing parameters within which
  every school will be empowered to design and
  propose an educational provision that meets its
  particular curricular needs.

This is meant to eventually lead to a more
ambitious objective, namely that of providing an
educational provision that caters for the
particular needs of every individual student.
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NMC Educational Objectives
The educational objectives can be realised
through teaching and training that enable
students to acquire knowledge, skills and
attitudes related to several areas of human
development.
Objective 12 Greater awareness of the role of
science and technology in everyday life
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Environmental/Ecological Aspects
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Objective 12 - Skills
Ability to apply scientific knowledge in
everyday life. Ability to make effective use of
scientific and technological apparatus. Safeguard
ing the natural environment in a sensitive manner.
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Objective 12 - Attitudes
Developing positive and critical attitudes
towards scientific and technological
developments. Being ready to engage in
experimentation in different aspects of science
and technology without undue fear. Being ready
to work to ensure that everyone benefits from the
positive results of science and technology.
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Environmental/Ecological Syllabi
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Integrated Science Syllabus
Recognise that energy exists in many different
forms. Know that the different forms of energy
are inter convertible. Awareness of the finite
quantity of energy available to
mankind. Awareness of the need for control and
efficient use of energy resources. Link the
energy resources to the role of the Sun as the
ultimate power source.
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Social Studies Syllabus
Pollution environmental degradation, health
hazards and the throw away society Management of
Waste Sustainable Development
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Chemistry Syllabus

• To Create Awareness About
• The main air pollutants
• Their source
• Effect on the Environment
• Possible Remedies
• Example Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, CFCs

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Physics Syllabus

• Heat Transfer
• Everyday applications and consequences of heat
  radiation, including the greenhouse effect
• Energy Sources
• Fossil Fuels, Nuclear
• Wind, Hydroelectric
• Solar and Biomass
• Energy Efficiency
• Effect and efficient use of these resources
• Pollution and running costs
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Changes in pressure and its effect on the weather

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Biology Syllabus
Use and misuse of living resources and
land. Extinction of species due to habitat
destruction. Law enforcement on wildlife
preservation and need of Nature
Reserves. Pollution Air, Land, Sea Possible
Solutions for ecological problems.
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Design and Technology Syllabus

• Environmental issues
• Pollution
• Waste Management
• Economic Use of Material

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Geography Syllabus
The Mediterranean Climate under threat What
Pollutes the Mediterranean Sea Pollution in
Mediterranean towns and cities Pollution and
the Ozone Layer A Wasteful Society
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Geography Syllabus
Waste in the Streets Soil erosion
conservation Sources of Water in the Maltese
Islands Natural formation of costal features in
the Maltese Islands Types of climates and
ecosystems The effect of changes in weather and
climate
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Home Economics Syllabus
The reduction , re-use and recycling of household
materials. Choosing goods and services with the
minimal impact on the environment. The efficient
use of energy and its impact on the environment.
Alternative sources of energy.
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European Studies Syllabus
Population - identify the factors that caused a
decline in the population of Europe in past
times and in the present. - understand the
implications of a longer life span and its
effects on the lives of Europeans. Identify
the effects which industry had on the
urbanisation process in Europe. Effects of
Climate on the environment understand some of the
problems of water supply in the Mediterranean
region Pollution air, water and land
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Environmental Studies Syllabus
Ecosystem as a system of inter-relationships
among living things and between living things and
the physical features Sustainable development
respecting environmental, societal and economic
needs of a country Management of resources
agriculture, water,
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Nutritional Aspects
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Objective 11 - Skills
Reflect on the consequences of the range of
choices in the area of health Make informed and
responsible choices and decisions about personal
health Contribute to the improvement of health
services in the country in order to safeguard the
health of people in different localities and at
different workplaces in Malta
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Objective 11 - Attitudes
Through the curricular experience, students
develop the following attitudes Respect for
life and for the quality of human life Respect
for one's health and that of others Appreciation
of the importance of a healthy life Awareness
of the need for continuous action so that health
provision in Malta would meet the highest
standards.
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Nutritional Syllabi
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Integrated Science Syllabus
Humans need food to be healthy, to grow and have
energy Learn about the process of
digestion Describe a balanced diet
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Biology Syllabus
Composition and properties of carbohydrates,
lipids and proteins Their importance as energy
sources Food stores and structural
materials Sources and functions of vitamins A, C
and D in a human diet Mineral salts requirements
of organisms The importance of water in organisms
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Home Economics Syllabus

• Food in relation to health
• The wise choice of food for the reduction of diet
  related disorders common in Malta
• Factors affecting food choices and habits and
  their effect on health
• Functions and source of nutrients
• - Planning meals for different members of
  the family
• - Planning meals for vegetarians and people
  needing special diets
• - Interpretation of food labels

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Physical Education Syllabus
A balanced diet carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
vitamins, minerals, water and fibre. Beneficial
effects of these substances in the
body. Definition of basal metabolic
rate. Caloric intake, Caloric expenditure
- Diet related to physical activity
performed - Diet before, during and after
physical activity - Dietary problems obesity
and anorexia
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Design and Technology Syllabus
Understand the nutritional content of
foods Identify the nutritional value, uses of
foods Planning suitable meals for people of
various age groups and who have different dietary
conditions Awareness of standards and
regulations set up by FDA, WHO, FSA and EU.
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European Studies Syllabus
Identify the importance of a healthy diet for a
better quality of life. Identify the features
and advantages of the Mediterranean diet for a
healthy nutritional lifestyle. Understand the
positive effects of physical exercise and sports
in the European context.
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Thank you for your attention Caruana
John Farrugia Cristina Magro Stephen