Science: Living Things, Materials and Energy
What you must understand
Primary science covers living things, materials, energy and simple systems. You must know the characteristics of living things, the parts of plants and their functions, and how animals are grouped by features such as body covering, breathing organs and how young are born. Learn the life cycles of common plants and animals, including the stages and what changes at each stage. For materials, know properties such as hardness, flexibility, transparency and whether a material conducts heat or electricity, and link each property to a use. For energy, understand light, heat, sound and electricity, including simple circuits, conductors and insulators, and how shadows form. Know the water cycle and the effects of forces such as friction and gravity.
Traps to watch for
Questions often ask for a reason when candidates give a description, so always link structure to function. Classification questions include animals that look alike but differ in breathing organs or birth method. Circuit questions may show a bulb that will not light because the circuit is incomplete. Shadow questions test whether you know a shadow needs a light source, an object and a screen. Material questions may ask why a material is unsuitable, so read the question carefully. Keep units and observations precise.
Rule of thumb and worked example
Use the link: property → use. State the property, then explain how it suits the job.
Example: Why is a metal pot handle covered with plastic? Metal conducts heat well, so the handle would become hot. Plastic is a poor conductor of heat, so it protects the hand. The answer must mention both the property and its effect.
For circuits, trace the path from the battery with your finger; if the path does not return to the battery, the bulb will not light.