PSLCE Primary Science case studies
PSLCE Primary Science · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE) Primary Science paper is the science component of the school-leaving assessment taken at the end of primary schooling. It is intended for final-year primary candidates who need a recognised record of their science learning before moving into secondary education or vocational training. The paper samples the science taught across the primary years: living things and life processes; plant structures, growth and reproduction; the human body, health and nutrition; matter and materials; forces, motion, energy and simple machines; Earth, weather, the water cycle and natural resources; environment and conservation; scientific enquiry, observation and measurement; and everyday applications in agriculture and technology. Questions reward correct use of basic scientific vocabulary, careful reading of diagrams and tables described in words, and the ability to explain a familiar everyday observation in a few clear sentences. The PSLCE Primary Science case studies are 5 cases and about 2,902 words.
1Fair Test with Bean Seedlings and a Waterlogged Tomato Plant
At Nkonyeni Primary School, Grade 7 pupils set up a fair test to find out whether bean seedlings need light. They used four identical tins.
560 words, about 3 min2Sports Day Water Loss and an Iron-Poor School Meal
During a hot sports day at a primary school, Themba (12 years old) plays football for 45 minutes. He drank only 200 ml of water since breakfast.
572 words, about 3 min3Choosing Materials for a Cooking Pot Handle and Drinking-Water Storage
In the school kitchen, the handle of the large cooking pot has broken. The cook needs a new handle that will not burn her hand when the pot is over a hot fire.
549 words, about 3 min4Rainwater Harvesting, Overflow and a Dripping Tap
A primary school has a roof area of 60 m² and a water tank of 900 litres. On Monday it rained 20 mm; on Tuesday 5 mm; on Wednesday there was no rain.
614 words, about 3 min5Loading a Maize Sack with a Ramp and a Wheelbarrow
A farmer needs to load a 120 kg sack of maize into a truck whose floor is 1.0 m above the ground. He has a strong plank 3.0 m long and two helpers.
607 words, about 3 min