SPM Science cheat sheet

SPM Science: Core Content Domains

• SPM Science integrates Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth/Space topics; the exam is delivered in English (and Malay in national schools), so technical terms such as mitosis, mole, refraction and valence electron stay in English.

• Biology core: cell structure and organelles, mitosis versus meiosis, photosynthesis and respiration, transport in plants and humans, homeostasis, heredity (Mendel, DNA, genes), and ecosystems with food webs and energy flow.

• Chemistry core: atomic structure and the periodic table, ionic versus covalent bonding, mole concept (n = mass/molar mass; molar volume 22.4 dm3 at STP in older syllabi, 24 dm3 at RTP in current usage), acids-bases-pH, salts, electrochemistry, rates of reaction, and organic families (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, polymers).

• Physics core: kinematics (v = u + at; s = ut + 1/2at^2; v^2 = u^2 + 2as), Newton's laws, momentum, work-energy-power (P = W/t; KE = 1/2mv^2; PE = mgh), heat (Q = mc(theta)), waves and sound, light (reflection, refraction, lenses), electricity (V = IR; P = VI; energy = VIt), electromagnetism and transformers (Vp/Vs = Np/Ns).

• Earth and space: structure of Earth, plate tectonics and earthquakes/volcanoes, rock cycle, water and carbon cycles, the solar system, and effects of space exploration; distinguish renewable from non-renewable energy resources.

• Scientific skills tested: identify variables (manipulated, responding, constant), state a hypothesis, tabulate data with units and consistent decimal places, plot graphs with labelled axes and best-fit line, and draw conclusions supported by data.

• Command-word rules: 'state' needs a short fact; 'describe' needs a sequence of properties or observations; 'explain' needs a cause-effect link using a scientific principle; 'calculate' needs formula, substitution with units, and answer with unit.

• Safety and apparatus: use the correct instrument for precision (burette for titration, measuring cylinder for approximate volumes, thermometer with -10 to 110 degrees C range), and apply lab rules such as goggles, no eating, and wafting to smell chemicals.