TOPIC SUB-TOPIC SPECIFIC OUTCOMES KNOWLEDGE

LIVING Characteristics of  Identify the • The characteristics of living organisms: Feeding, breathing,
ORGANISMS Living Organisms characteristics of living reproducing, growing, locomotion, sensitivity and excretion.
AND LIFE organisms. • Living organisms and non-living things.
PROCESSES  Distinguish between
living organisms and • Life processes of living organisms: Metabolism (Catabolism and
non-living things anabolism). Include the role of enzymes.

 Describe life processes of

living organisms.

CELL Microscopes  Demonstrate the correct • How to use a

STRUCTURE use of a microscope microscope: Focusing, mounting a slide, observing.
AND  Prepare specimen using a • Preparation and mounting a microscope
ORGANISATIO microscope slide
N

 Calculate magnification  Magnification of specimen: as the ratio of linear dimensions of the

of specimen. drawing to that of specimen.

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Cell Structure and  Investigate the structure  Structure and functions of cells: Nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane,
Function of cells and functions of mitochondrion ribosome, Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum
the organelles chloroplasts, cell wall

 Distinguish between  Differences between plant and animal cells: Refer to the presence of
plant and animal cell chloroplast and cell wall in plant cells.
structure.

 Relate cell structure to  Relationship between structure and functions of cell: Animals
functions (Nerve cells, blood cells, muscle cells) and Plants (root hair cells,
spongy cells, phloem cells and xylem cells) and their functions.

Cell Organization  Describe cell  Cell organization: Cell, tissue, organ, system and organism.
organization in
multicellular
organisms.
 Tissues • Identify tissues in • Plants (palisade, phloem, epidermis, xylem , spongy) and Animals ( muscle,
plants and animals. bone, nerves, blood)
• Explain the general • General functions of tissues:e.g. Muscle, epithelium, phloem
functions of each tissue

Organs • Identify organs in • Organs in plants and animals: Plants (leaves, roots, stems, fruits, flowers),
plants and animals Animals (heart, liver, brain, lungs, kidneys)
• Explain the general • General functions of plants (leaves, roots, stems, fruits flowers), animals (heart,
function of each organ liver,brain, lungs, kidneys)

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Diffusion, • Describe the processes
Osmosis and of diffusion and osmosis
Active • Explain the effects and
transport. importance of diffusion and
osmosis in living organisms
• Describe what active
transport is.
• Process of diffusion and osmosis: Diffusion: Refer to movement of
solutes into and out of the cell across the membrane; Osmosis as the
movement of water molecules into and out of the cell
• Effects and importance of diffusion and osmosis: Plasmolysis,
turgidity, lysis and crenation
• Active transport: Refer to uptake of mineral salts by root hair cells
from the soil against concentration gradient.
ENZYMES Characteristics • Investigatecharacteristics
of enzymes ofEnzymes.
• Demonstrate the effects
of temperature and pH
on enzyme action
• Explain industrial
application of enzymes.
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• Characteristics of enzymes: optimum temperature, pH, specificity of
enzymes
• Effects of temperature and pH on enzyme
action(Refer to optimum temperature, and pH)
• Industrial application of enzymes baking, brewing and biological
washing powder.
NUTRIENTS  Classes of • Investigate the presence • Nutrients in food: carrying out food tests on reducing sugars,
Nutrients of nutrients in food samples. starch, proteins, fats and oils
• Identify good sources of • Sources of nutrients: Refer to sources of carbohydrates, proteins,
nutrients lipids, Vitamins

10.4.2 Disorders • Describe the importance
of nutrients,
salts,vitamins and
roughage to the body.
• Importance of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, roughage, water,
vitamins and salts
• Disease due to nutritional deficiency: e.g.
kwashiorkor, marasmus, goitre, scurvy, rickets, anaemia, obesity

• Identify nutritional related

disorders/ conditions

10.4.3 Dietary • Design a balanced diet for  Well-balanced diet: Refer to diets of the aged, pregnant woman,
Needs people with different lactating woman, sick person, pre-school aged, sportsman and the
conditions. youth.
 Plant Nutrients • Describe the micro and  Micro and macro plant nutrients: Refer to Macro: nitrogen,
macro plant nutrients potassium, phosphorus
(NPK)
Micro: calcium, magnesium, sulphur boron, copper, iron)

• Describe deficiency  Deficiency diseases: Chlorosis, stunted growth, leaf flecking.

diseases of macro and
micro plant nutrients.

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NUTRITION IN External and • Describe the  External and internal structure of a leaf: External structure: Veins and Lamina.
PLANTS Internal external and internal Internal structure:
Structure of a structure of a leaf. Epidermis, stomata, palisade and spongy mesophyll cells, phloem and xylem,
Leaf. • Investigate factors chloroplasts
necessary for
photosynthesis. Factors necessary for photosynthesis: Carrying out investigations on the
• Describe the light necessity of carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll and light energy to
and dark reactions of photosynthesis
photosynthesis.

• Describe the fate of Light and dark reactions including chemical equations for photosynthesis
glucose in plants.
• Describe the Utilization of glucose in plants (converted to sucrose and starch, used in
importance of respiration, convention into proteins, cellulose and lipids Source of food for all
nutrients in plant. life forms, maintains levels of CO2 and O2 in atmosphere:
• Identify storage
Refer to storage of nutrients in Seeds, roots, stems, leaves, fruits, rhizomes,
organs of plants. 
corns and tubers.


SAPROPHYTIC Rhizopus • Investigate the  Structure of Rhizopus or Mucor: Mycelium (hyphae, sporangium,
NUTRITION structure of sporangiophore, stolons, rhizoids)
Rhizopus or Mucor. Functions of the parts of
Rhizopus: Refer to Mycelium (hyphae, sporangium,
sporangiophore, stolons and
• State the functions of 
rhizoids)
the parts of Rhizopus. Saprophytic nutrition: Feeding on dead or decaying matter. It involves
• Describe what secretion of enzymes onto the food by the saprotrophs
saprophytic nutrition (extracellular digestion)
is. Importance of saprophytic nutrition: Recycle of nutrients.
 Decomposition of dead organic matter. Symbiosis/Mutualism, and
Parasitism
• Explain the
importance of
saprophytic
nutrition.


• State other types of

saprophytic nutrition. 

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 NUTRITION Dentition in • Identify the external
IN ANIMALS Mammals structure and function of
the human teeth.
• Describe the internal
structure and function of
the human tooth.
• Describe the dental
formulae of a dog and
human being.
• Identify the
differences in dentition of
carnivores, herbivores
and omnivores.
• Describe causes, signs
and symptoms of
gum disease and
tooth decay.
• External structure of teeth: Crown, neck and root.
• External Functions of teeth: such as incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
• Internal structure of the human tooth: Dentine, Cement, Pulp Cavity, Nerve
Endings, Blood Vessels,
(longitudinal section)
• Internal function of teeth
• Dental formulae: Dog i:3/3 c:1/1 pm:4/4 m:2/3, Man i:2/2 c:1/1 pm:2/2 m3/3
• Differences in dentition of carnivores, omnivores and herbivores: Refer to
type of teeth present, function and the number of each type of teeth present in
man, dog and goat
• Causes, signs and symptoms of gum disease and tooth decay
• Ways of preventing tooth decay
 Holozoic • State the main • Processes in holozoic
Nutrition processes in holozoic nutrition: Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion.
nutrition.
• The alimentary canal and associated organs(liver and pancreas)
• Functions of the parts of the alimentary canal and associated organs
• Identify the main • Processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients:Digestion,
regions of the alimentary absorption and assimilation of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. -Role of
canal and associated hepatic portal vein -Absorption of vitamins and mineral salts
organs. • Dehydration (loss of mineral salts and loss of fluids) and inflammation of
• Describe the processes the alimentary canal
of digestion, absorption • Metabolic functions of the liver:Deamination, detoxification, production of
and assimilation of bile, regulation of blood sugar, storage of glycogen, vitamins and iron
nutrients. • Effects of common ailments of the liver: Poor bile formation, high blood
• Investigate the sugar, low blood sugar and high toxin levels in the blood.
common ailments of
the alimentary canal.

• Describe the
metabolic functions
of the liver.

• Describe the effects of

common ailments of the
liver.

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RESPIRATORY Gaseous • Describe the • Respiratory organs of various animals: Insects (spiracles, trachea and
SYSTEM exchange respiratory organs of tracheoles), Fish (operculum, mouth, gills), Humans
animals. (nostrils, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli)
• Describe the • Mechanism of inspiration and expiration in an insect, fish and human
mechanism of gaseous being: Refer to diffusion of gases in respiratory organs of humans, fish
exchange in animals. and insect.
• Describe the • Composition of inspired and expired air: Refer to composition of
composition of inspired oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, moisture, dust
and expired air.
• Describe the adverse
• Effects of pollutants: Refer to Cigarette smoke (nicotine and tar),
sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide
effects of air pollutants
on health of human
beings. • Gaseous exchange in green plants:During day time all the carbon
• Explain gaseous dioxide produced from respiration is used up by photosynthesis.
exchange in green Oxygen from photosynthesis is used up during respiration
plants.
 Types of • Describe types of  Types of respiration: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Respiration tissue respiration.
Production of adenosine triphosphate Equations (word and chemical)

• Describe the
production of adenosine Production of carbon dioxide during respiration Formation
triphosphate. of ATP from ADP and
• Investigate the  P(Experiment to show production of CO2 during aerobic and anaerobic
production of carbon respiration)
dioxide during
respiration. Importance of ATP in cells: Production of biological energy,
• State ways in which Maintenance of levels of CO2 and O2 in atmosphere
respiration is important. Industrial applications of respiration: Baking, brewing, diary, sewage
• Explain the industrial treatment.
applications of respiration


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HEALTH Diseases • Describe what good • Good health: Refer to physical, mental and social well being, dependent
health is. on receiving a balanced diet and an appropriate physical and mental
• Define disease. activity.
• Describe various types • Definition of disease: Refer to loss of health resulting from disturbances
of diseases of the normal processes of the body.
• Types of diseases: Deficiency diseases, Genetic diseases, Pathogenic
diseases, Social diseases, Mental illness, and Ageing and degenerative
diseases.

• Describe causative  Agents, symptoms, methods of transmission and control of disease: Refer
agents, signs and to the following diseases: Cholera, Malaria and Bilharzia
symptoms, methods of (Schistosomiasis).
transmission and control.
 HIV and AIDS • Describe ways of HIV • Ways of HIV transmission: Sexual intercourse with an infected person,
transmission sharing contaminated body fluids, sharing un sterilized instruments.
• Explain the dangers of • Dangers of multiple sexual partners: Risk of contracting STIs’ including
having multiple HIV, unintended pregnancy, disintegration of families
sexual partners. • Safe sexual practices: Abstinence, Consistence and
correct use of condoms, VCT Services
• Causes of stigma: Fear, myth, lack of support groups, lack of information
• Describe ways of safe
on the available services
sexual practices.
• Identify the causes of
stigma to people
living with HIV and
AIDS

• Describe ways of  Ways of reducing stigma:

reducing discrimination Support, care, treatment (ART) and advocacy.
to people living with
HIV and AIDS.

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Immunity • Explain the term of • Define immunity to disease: Refer to active, passive artificial and
immunity to disease. natural immunity.
• Investigate the • Importance of the immune system (Refer to control of diseases).
importance of the immune
• Factors reducing immunity: Diet, repeated invasions by pathogens and
system.
development of resistant strains of the pathogens
• Describe the factors
that reduce immunity to • Importance of immunization:
pathogenic diseases refer to induced active immunity
• Explain the importance
of immunization.

The Life Cycle  Describe the life • Life cycle of housefly: Egg, larva, pupa and adult
of the cycle of a housefly. • Life cycle of a mosquito: Egg, larva, pupa and adult
Housefl  Describe the life
y and cycle of a mosquito. • Role of Houseflies: Vectors in the spread of dysentery, cholera, typhoid.
the  Explain the role of
Mosquito. houseflies and • Role of Mosquito: Vector for malaria.
mosquitoes in the
• Control of malaria: (Refer to use of biological and chemical control)
spreading of diseases.
• Control of water borne disease: such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and
the life cycle of the housefly.
 Relate the control of
malaria to the life
cycle of the
mosquito.
 Relate the control of
water borne diseases
to the life cycle of
the housefly.
TRANSPORT Transport in • Describe the external and 
AND STORAGE Plants. internal structure of roots
IN PLANTS and stems.
• Describe absorption of
water and uptake of mineral
salts by roots.
• Describe the movement
of water and transport of
mineral salts from the roots
to the leaves.
• Describe the movement
of organic solutes in
phloem.
• Demonstrate the
process of transpiration.
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External and internal structure of roots and stems: Refer to Cross
section and longitudinal section of roots and stems (xylem and
phloem of herbaceous dicot and monocot anatomy) The role of
roots: absorption of water (osmosis), uptake of mineral salts
(Active
transport)
Movement of water and
 transport of mineral salts: Root pressure, capillarity (refer to
adhesion and cohesion forces), transpiration
stream
Movement of organic solutes: Refer to translocation of
carbohydrates and amino acids in phloem

Process of transpiration: Refer to loss of water vapour through the
stomata, opening and closing of stomata. Use a simple
photometer
• Investigate factors that  Factors affecting transpiration: Humidity; Temperature;
affect the rate of deforestation; Light intensity; and Speed of wind
Transpiration

• Describe adaptive  Adaptive features of a leaf: Reduction of leaf surface, shading of

features of a leaf to reduce leaves, reducing the number of stomata
excess loss of water.

• Explain the significance 

of transpiration in plants.
Significance of transpiration: Refer to water cycle, cooling effect
in plants, absorption of mineral ions, provides water for
photosynthesis
TRANSPORT IN Blood • Identify the composition  Composition of blood: Solid (leucocytes, erythrocytes,
MAN of blood. thrombocytes), Liquid (plasma).
• Explain the functions of Functions of blood: Transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide,
blood. nutrients, mineral salts, vitamins, water, hormones, heat, metabolic
• Distinguish between the wastes, fighting disease, and blood clotting Structural and

red and the white blood functional differences of red blood cells(erythrocytes) and white
cells. blood cells
• Identify the sites where (leucocytes)
the blood cells are produced Sites of production of blood: RBCs-Bone marrow. WBCs-Bone
• Explain the process of marrow, lymph nodes, thymus and spleen.
blood clotting Platelets- Bone marrow

Process of blood clotting: Change of enzyme prothrombin to
thrombin, fibrinogen to fibrin and role of calcium ions and
thromboplastin.


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Blood • Describe the ABO blood
Groups groups
• Explain the importance
of determining the blood
groups and Rhesus factors.
• Explain the donor-
recipient compatibility
of blood groups.
• Explain the importance
of screening the blood for
purpose of transfusion.
Blood Disorders • Investigate common
blood disorders
 Blood groups: Refer to blood types A,B,AB and
O, antigens and antibodies Importance of blood groups: Refer to
blood transfusions and transplants; the danger of Rhesus positive
 blood to the foetus (haemolytic
disease)
Donor-Recipient compatibility of Blood: Refer to antibody and
Antigen reaction when bloods of different groups are mixed.
Importance of screening blood: Refer to risk of transmission of
HIV and Hepatitis B by blood donors


 Blood disorders:
Leukemia, sickle cell, anemia and haemophilia
 The Heart • Describe the structure of  Structure of the heart: Refer to chambers, valves, vessels, including
the human heart. coronary arteries
• Describe how the heart
functions. Functioning of the heart:
• Explain the causes of  diastole and systole (Include pulse rate and heart beat).
coronary heart disease.
• Describe ways of Causes of coronary diseases: Include diet, stress, smoking and
preventing coronary heart  pollution.
diseases
Ways of preventing coronary diseases: Good diet and importance of
exercises.


Lymphatic • Describe the structure of  Structure of the lymphatic system and relationship with blood
System the lymphatic system circulatory system
in relation to blood
circulatory system. Tissue fluid, lymph and blood(include composition and functions of
 tissue fluid and lymph)
• Compare tissue fluid and Flow of lymph: Refer to the lymphatic system
lymph to blood.
• Describe the flow of  The function of lymph nodes: Disease prevention, (STIs, TB,
lymph. injury).
• Describe the function of
lymph nodes in disease 
prevention.

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 Circulatory • Describe types of blood
Systems circulatory systems.
• Describe double
circulation.
• Distinguish between the
single and double
circulation.
• Identify the main blood
vessels in the double
circulatory system
• Compare the structure
and functions of arteries,
veins and capillaries.
• Describe the structure of
lymph vessels.
EXCRETION Excretion • Describe the process of
excretion.
• Explain the importance
of excretion to animals.
• Types of blood circulatory systems: Closed and open circulatory
systems
• Double circulation: Pulmonary and systemic
circulation
• Single and double
circulation
• Blood vessels: Arteries and Veins to and from the heart, lungs,
head, limbs, intestines, liver and the kidneys
• Structure and functions of Arteries, veins and capillaries
(transverse sections).
• Structure of lymph vessels: Refer to transverse section.
• Process of excretion: Refer to removal of toxic metabolic waste:
Animals ( Carbon dioxide, Nitrogenous wastes,) Plants ( latex)
• Importance of excretion: Refer to Removal of unwanted by-products
and toxic wastes; Regulation of water content of body fluids and pH.
 The Kidney • Identify the internal  Internal structure of the kidneys: Cortex, medulla, pelvis, structure of
structure of the nephron, inlet and outlet of blood vessels.
kidneys. Mechanism of excretion in the kidney Refer to ultra -filtration and
• Explain the selective re-absorption, osmoregulation
mechanism of 
excretion in
the kidney. Kidney failure (refer to infections, high blood pressure and low blood
pressure) and remedies (dialysis machine and kidney transplant)

• Identify common 
disorders and diseases
associated with the
kidney.

The Lungs • Investigate the role  Roles of lungs: Refer to elimination of carbon dioxide
of lungs in excretion.

The Human Skin • Identify the  Structure of the human skin: Refer to the Epidermis, dermis and adipose
structure of the tissue and associated structures.
human skin. Role of the human skin Removal of salts, urea and excess water as
waste products.
• Describe the role of 
the human skin in
excretion.

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HOMEOSTASIS Homeostasis  Describe • Homeostasis: Refer to maintaining of constant internal environment
AND homeostasis. (blood temperature, contents of tissue fluid, salts, water
OSMOREGULATION  Identify concentration).
important organs • Organs of homeostasis: Kidney, skin and the liver
in homeostasis.
 Describe the role • Role of the kidney: water/salt ion balance (Refer to the role of Anti
of the kidney in Diuretic Hormone (ADH)
maintaining the
balance of water • Mechanism of
and salt ions. Thermoregulation:
 Describe the Overheating(Vasodilation and sweating), Overcooling
mechanism of (vasoconstriction and shivering)
thermoregulation
by the skin.
• Role of the liver in the regulation of the blood sugar (conversion of
glucose to glycogen and vice versa. Amino acids and glycerol to
 Describe the role of glucose) and body temperature.
the liver in the
regulation of blood
sugar and body
temperature.
THE ENDOCRINE Hormones  Describe what  Hormones: Refer to regulatory chemicals transported by blood to
SYSTEM hormones are. target organs.
 Identify the
endocrine glands Endocrine glands: Pituitary, pancreas, adrenal and thyroid, testes and
in a human being.  ovaries
 Identify the
hormones produced
by the pancreas, Hormones produced by the pancreas: Insulin and glucagon:
adrenal, thyroid  Adrenal: Adrenaline,
and pituitary Thyroid: Thyroxine
glands. Pituitary: ADH,TSH,FSH,GH
 Describe the
functions of Functions of Hormones: Thyroxine, insulin and adrenaline (Refer to
thyroxine, insulin, the effects of over and under secretion of hormones)
glucagon and 
adrenaline.

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THE The nervous  Identify main parts  Main parts of nervous system: Brain, spinal cord and nerves.
NERVOUS System of the nervous
SYSTEM AND system in a human
SENSE being. Functions of Neurones: Refer to functions of sensory, motor and
ORGANS  Describe what  relaying neurones
neurones are.
Spinal reflex arc: Movement of an impulse through sensory
 neurone to the CNS and to
 Explain the path effectors
taken by an
impulse through a Spinal reflex (knee jerk); Cranial reflex (blinking, coughing, response
spinal reflex arc. to light intensity) Conditioned reflex (Pavlov’s experiment)
 Describe what the 
Main parts of the brain: Cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum,
spinal, cranial and Hypothalamus and medulla oblongata.
the conditioned
reflex actions are Functions of fore brain (cerebrum and hypothalamus) and hind
 Identify the main  brain(cerebellum and medulla oblongata)
parts of the brain Effects of drug abuse: Affect the breathing centre of the
of a human being. brain(depressants), destroy the neurones, Increase reaction time
 Explain the Effects of tetanus infections: Refer to damage to brain cells and
functions of the  impairment of nerve tissue
forebrain and the
hindbrain.
 Describe the
effects of abuse of 
drugs on the
nervous system
 Explain the effects
of tetanus 
infection.
 Sense organs  Identify the external  External and internal structures of the human eyes: External
and internal structures structures(Sclera, cornea, iris, pupil) include eyebrows and eyelashes:
of the human eye. Internal (include lens, humours ,layers and optic nerve)
 Explain the functions Functions of parts of the eye:
of the parts of eye. Pupil, Iris, Cornea, Tear gland, Conjunctiva, Sclera, retina
 Describe the Accommodation of the eye: Refer to the process of producing a
accommodation of  focused image of near and distant objects on the retina
the eye.
 Describe the causes of The causes of short and long sightedness: Refer to loss of elasticity of
short and long  the lens and abnormal eye ball and age Correction of short (use
sightedness. concave lens) and long sight (use convex lens)
 Explain the correction
of short and long sight. Causes and methods of preventing blindness: (Vit A deficiency,
 Investigate the filarial worm, physical injury and diabetes mellitus) Prevention (foods
common causes and  rich in Vitamin A, surgery and other measures)
methods of preventing Major parts of the ear: outer, middle and inner ears
blindness.
 Describe the structure

of the human ears.

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  Explain the • Functions of eachpart of the
functions of the ear: include eardrum, ossicles, Eustachian tube, cochlea and semi
parts of the ear. circular canals
 Describe causes • Causes and methods of
and methods of preventing deafness Causes: Methods of cleaning the ears; noise and
preventing disease.
deafness.
 Describe the role • Role of skin: Refer to Sensory
of the skin as a receptors for heat, pain, touch and pressure
sense organ

THE  Skeleton  Identify various • Types of skeleton: endoskeleton, exoskeleton, hydrostatic

SKELETON types of skeleton.
AND  Describe the • Functions of skeleton: Support, protection, structure and locomotion
LOCOMOTION functions of
the skeleton.

The Skeleton of  Investigate the • Structure and composition of an exoskeleton: Refer to the position and
an insect structure and composition of a skeleton of an insect
composition of
an exoskeleton. • Joints and attachment of muscle(flexors and extensors) in the limbs of a
 Identify joints grasshopper
and muscles in
the limbs of a
grasshopper.
 The Mammalian  Identify the bones  Types of Skeleton: Axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column),
Skeleton of the axial and the Appendicular skeleton
appendicular (girdles, limbs)
skeletons. A tissue of bone: Refer to living cells in bones, production of red

 Explain a bone as a blood cells. (Include bone marrow, cancer and TB)
living tissue.

Muscles and Joints  Describe the  Structure of skeletal muscle: Refer to shape and amount of
structure of a mitochondria
skeletal muscle.
Action of antagonistic muscles: Refer to contraction and relaxation of
 Demonstrate the  biceps and triceps; circular and longitudinal muscles in iris
action of
antagonistic Joints: Refer to structure and movement of Ball and socket, and hinge
muscles. joints. (Also refer to joint disorders e.g. gout)
 Compare the ball
and socket joint  Parts and functions of the synovial joint: Refer to Functions of the
and the hinge joint. cartilage, ligament, capsule synovial fluid and membrane.
 Identify the parts Muscle attachment and movement in an endoskeleton and
and functions of exoskeleton.
the synovial joint. 

 Compare the
joints,
muscle attachment
and movement in 
endoskeletons
with those of
exoskeletons

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11.8 TROPIC 11.8.1 Tropic  Describe what • Tropic response: Growth responses in plants to water, light,
AND TAXIC Responses tropic response is. chemicals and gravity
RESPONSES  Demonstrate • Growth responses: Phototropism, geotropism Hydrotropism and
growth responses chemotropism in plants
exhibited by
plants. • Effects of light energy and gravity on growth of shoots and roots
 Explain the (Refer to the Auxin theory).
effects of light
energy and
gravity on the
growth of plants.
11.8.2 Taxic  Describe what • Taxic response: Movement of animals in response to stimulus
Responses taxic response is. (refer to light)
 Explain responses • Responses exhibited by invertebrates: Refer to movement of
exhibited by woodlice and cockroaches to light
invertebrates.
GROWTH AND Growth in Plants  Explain the  Growth: Increase in number of cells, dry mass, complexity and size
DEVELOPMENT meaning of
growth. Regions of growth in stems and roots: cell division ,elongation and
 Identify the regions differentiation

of growth in stems
and roots. Differentiated cells: Refer to meristematic region
 Identify differentiating into collenchymas, parenchyma, cambium,
differentiated cells  sclerenchyma, phloem, and xylem
in plants.
 Explain the Differentiation of primary and secondary tissues in plants
differentiation of
primary and
secondary tissues
in plants.


Germination and  Distinguish the  Structure of a dicot and a monocot seed.

Development structure of a
dicotyledonous and
a
monocotyledonous Conditions for germination: Suitable temperature, water and oxygen
seed. 
 Investigate Hypogeal and Epigeal germination: Epigeal (refer to the elongation of
conditions epicotyls in dicots) and hypogeal(refer to elongation of hypocotyls in
necessary for  monocots) germination
germination.
 Demonstrate
hypogeal and
epigeal
germination.
GRADE12

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12.1. ASEXUAL 12.1.1 12.1.1.1 Describe the  Types of reproduction: Refer to asexual and sexual reproduction
REPRODUCTION Reproduction different
in Fungi, types of Asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms (Refer to budding in
Amoeba and reproduction. yeast cells and bacteria, binary fission in amoeba)
Bacteria 
Asexual and sexual reproduction in fungus (Refer to spores and
12.1.1.2 Describe asexual zygospore)
reproduction in Decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling.
unicellular -Disease causing effects e.g. Ringworm and Bacillary dysentery.
organisms.  Production of a food and alcohol, source of food (mushroom)


12.1.1.3 Describe the sexual
and asexual
reproduction in
fungus.

12.1.1.4 Explain the

importance of fungi
and bacteria.
 12.1.2 Vegetative 12.1.2.1 Describe different • Different methods of natural propagation: Runners, rhizomes, corms,
Reproduction methods of natural buds, suckers, stem tubers, root tubers, bulbs
propagation. • Methods of artificial propagation: Refer budding, cuttings, grafting,
layering

12.1.2.2 Investigate the • Advantages and

different methods of disadvantages of vegetative propagation Advantages: cheap, genetic
artificial stability Disadvantages: overcrowding, no genetic variation.
propagation.

12.1.2.3 Explain the

advantages and
disadvantages of
vegetative
propagation.

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SEXUAL Reproduction  Identify the parts of a • Parts of a Flower: Calyx, corolla, pistil, stamens, receptacle
REPRODUCTION in Plants typical flower.
IN FLOWERING  Describe the functions • Functions of parts of a flower: Refer to Calyx, corolla, pistil, stamens,
PLANTS of various parts of a receptacle
flower.

 Distinguish between • Types of pollination: self pollination and

Pollination two different types of cross pollination
pollination. • Wind and insect
 Distinguish between pollination (Include adaptive structures of wind and insect
wind and insect pollinated flowers)
pollination. • Process of fertilization in flowers: leading to fusion of male and
 Describe the process of female gametes include seed and fruit formation
fertilization in flowers. • Seed dispersal: Refer to water, wind, animals and self mechanism.
• Adaptation of fruits and seeds: Scent, shape, colour of various parts
• Importance of dispersal: For plant propagation, plant preservation and
 Investigate ways survival
in which seeds
and dispersed.
 Explain the adaptation
of fruits and seeds to
mode of dispersal.
 Explain the importance
of fruit and seed
dispersal.
 Sexual  Describe the process • Process of reproduction in frogs: Refer to number of eggs laid,
REPRODUCTION Reproduction of nature of
IN ANIMALS in reproduction in a frog. fertilisation, care of the young (metamorphosis is not needed)
Animals • Reproductive organs: Male(Testes, Epididymis, sperm duct,
urethra, penis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle) and female(ovaries,
oviduct, uterus, cervix, vagina)

 Identify male and • Functions of different organs: Testes,

female reproductive Epididymis, sperm duct, urethra, penis, prostate gland, seminal
organs in human vesicle) and female(ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, vagina)
beings. • Biological changes: Primary and secondary
 Explain the functions characteristics. (Include formation of gametes and onset of
of the different menstruation, role of hormones), Stimulating the production of
organs of the human sperms and ova
reproductive system.
 Describe the
biological changes
associated with
sexual development
in human beings.

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 1Describe the menstrual • Menstrual cycle: Stages, follicular growth and ovulation; roles of
cycle in human beings. hormones (FSH, LH,
Oestrogen, progesterone)

• Processes of fertilisation and implantation: Fusing of sperm and

ovum in
 Explain the processes of oviducts; Implantation of embryo to the uterus wall
fertilisation and • Causes of infertility: Alcoholism, weak sperms, fibroids, blocked
implantation in human oviducts, ovulation disorders, STIs
beings. • Development of embryo: Refer to the functions of amnion, amniotic
 Identify causes of fluid, umbilical cord and placenta
infertility in human
beings • Health Risks: Poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol and drugs/ herbal
 Describe development medicines during pregnancy
of • Healthy pregnancy: Antenatal services, good nutrition, exercise,
the embryo in the uterus. giving birth at a health facility, avoiding taking harmful substances
to the body.

 Describe health risks

associated with foetal
development in human
beings.

 Describe healthy
pregnancy and safe
child birth
 Birth Control  Explain some methods • Method of birth control:
of birth control. Refer to mechanical (Condoms, IUDs) surgical, hormonal and natural
 Describe the benefits methods.
and possible risks of
using contraceptives • Benefits and Risks of Contraceptives: Benefits: Planned families,
Risks: side effects (Disturbed menstrual cycle, weight gain, and
hormonal imbalance)

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GENETICS 12.4.1 Variation in  Describe terms used  Terms used in the study of genetics: Gene, allele, chromosome,
Plant and Animal in the study of genotype, phenotype, dominant gene, recessive gene.
Species genetics. Variation in human being: Eye colour, skin colour, finger print,
 Describe the tongue rolling, height, ear lobes). Variations in flowering plant: Fruit
variations in human  structure and scent, height (tall, dwarf. Include leaf size, shape, and
beings. weight).
Continuous and discontinuous variations in human being:
 Observe variations Continuous( refer to height ,skin colour, body mass) and
in flowering plants.  discontinuous variations ( eye colour, blood group, sex and tongue
 Distinguish between rolling)
continuous and
discontinuous Factors that cause variations: Refer to climatic factors, nutrition,
variations.  soils.
 Describe the factors
that cause
variations among
plants and animals
of the same species.


 Cell  Describe the stages  Stages of cell division in mitosis and meiosis: (Refer to chromosome
Division and of cell division. and double strand of DNA).
Chromosomes  Explain the Importance of mitosis and meiosis: Refer to growth and reproduction.
importance of Include
mitosis and meiosis.  uncontrolled cell division(cancer)

Inheritance  Explain what a  Monohybrid crosses: Refer to homozygous, heterozygous recessive,

monohybrid dominant, F1, F2 generation, offspring, ratio, gene, chromosomes,
inheritance is. alleles, phenotype and genotype, gamete.
 Demonstrate Inheritance of human characteristics: Refer to height, eye colour,
the albinism, sickle cell.
inheritance of
human Sex of a human being: (Refer to X and Y chromosomes)
characteristics using 
the crossings
Inheritance of sex linked characteristics (Refer to red, green colour
 Explain the factors blindness and haemophilia).
that determine the
sex of a human 
being.

 Explain the
inheritance of sex 
linked
characteristics.

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  Describe the  Mechanism of ABO blood
mechanism of ABO groups inheritance: Refer
blood groups to alleles IA, IB, IO; dominancy, co-dominancy and recessive
inheritance.

Mutation  Describe what  Mutation (refer to permanent changes in structure of chromosomes

mutation is. and genes).
 Identify the causes Causes of mutation: Natural radiation (nuclear emission, and x-rays,
of mutation. ultra-violet light.

 Explain effects of Effects of mutation: Down’s Syndrome, haemophilia, sickle cell
mutation. anaemia
 Describe the uses of Uses of mutations:
mutations  Induced mutation in Agriculture. (Polyploidy plants).


12.5 12.5.1  Identify various  Types of plants:
CLASSIFICATION Classification types of plants. Chlorophytes (Algae), Bryophytes (mosses, ferns), coniferous
OF PLANTS AND  Identify various plants and flowering plants. Types of mammals:
ANIMALS types of animals. reptiles, amphibians, birds, arthropods and protozoa.
 Formulate a simple 
key for Simple keys for classification: Refer to Dichotomous keys.
classification of
plants and animals. Identify classes of vertebrates and common invertebrates using
 Use a simple simple classification keys.
classification key to 
identify plants and
animals.

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THE SOIL Soil Composition  Demonstrate soil
and composition.
Fertility.  Describe the types of
soil and their
properties.
 Describe factors that
make soil fertile.
 Investigate causes of
loss of fertility in soil.
 Explain methods of
improving and
retaining soil fertility.
 Determine the
distribution of earth
worms in different
types of soils
• Soil composition: Air, micro-organism, soil particles, humus
• Types and Properties of soil: types; Clay, Loam and sand soils
• Factors that make soil fertile: Air, micro organisms, moisture, mineral
elements, organic matter, pH
• Causes of loss of fertility in soil: Deforestation, poor farming methods,
late burning, overgrazing,
leaching, harvesting
• Methods of improving and retaining soil fertility: Suitable pH, weeding,
application of fertiliser, crop rotation, conservation farming
• Distribution of earth worms: Refer to sand, loam, clay of different
acidity, alkalinity, moisture or water and plant population
ECOLOGY  Explain the term  Ecology: Interaction of organisms with their environment
Biotic and ecology. Ecological terms: Habitat, niche, population, community (Refer to
Abiotic  Explain the terms specialisation and adaptation to a specific habitat)
Interactions. 
used in ecology

Feeding  Design a food chain.  Food Chain: Producer, Consumer and Decomposer. Food web
Relationships  Design a food web. (Relate the food chain to development of a food web).
and  Describe the way Energy flow: Refer to ultimate source of energy as being sunlight;
Energy Flow 
energy flows along noncyclical nature of energy flow.
food chains and Efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels (Refer to 90% loss
food webs. of energy at each level). Pyramids of numbers, bio-mass and energy
 Describe the  (Refer to diagrammatic representation)
efficiency of energy
transfer between
trophic levels.
 Construct pyramids

of numbers, bio-
mass and energy

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Population  Explain the term  Population: Refer to different species in a community.
population. Change in population size: Refer to natural disasters, disease,
 Investigate factors immigration, emigration, and wars.

that cause change in Refer to graphs, histograms, tables and pie charts
population size.
 Interpret population
data.


 Carbon  Describe how carbon  Carbon and nitrogen cycles: Include the roles of micro-
and and nitrogen are organisms
Nitrogen, Water cycled within an
Cycles ecosystem.
 Describe what the Water cycle (Relate to human and environmental
 factors)
water cycle is.

Ecosystem  Investigate key  Features of an ecosystem: Community and Nonliving part of

features of an environment (Use a pond as an example).
ecosystem. Effects of agriculture on ecosystem: Refer to water, soil and air
 Explain the effects of pollution.
Agriculture on an  Effects of deforestation: Soil erosion, global warming.
ecosystem.
 Describe the effects
of deforestation on
soil stability and 
climate.
 12.7.6 Pollution  Describe the  Undesirable effects of pollution on water, air and
undesirable effects land
of pollution. Measures to prevent pollution: Refer to waste management. Use of
 filters in chimneys. Include the conversion of sulphur dioxide to
 Determine
measures to prevent sulphuric acid by passing it through a tank of water
pollution.

Conservation  Identify the  Importance of conserving plant and animal species (Refer to
importance of endangered species)
conserving plant 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
and animal species.

 Explain how to reuse, Sustainable use of resources: Avoid deforestation, over fishing, over
reduce and recycle hunting; encourage game keeping
materials. 
 Investigate the
importance of
sustainable use
of resources

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Bio-diversity  Investigate diversity  Bio-diversity: Refer to school grounds, a pond or nearby wetland
of organisms in a organic reserves.
given locality. Importance of biological diversity: Refer to equilibrium of organisms
 Investigate the in the ecosystem

importance of
diversity of Adaptations of organisms: Refer to adaptive characteristics of fish,
organisms in given insects, mammals and plants.
locality Impact of human
 Explain how  activities on organisms: Refer to hunting, fishing, and charcoal
some organisms production. Also refer to the threatened extinction of the African
are adapted to elephant.
the environment Maintaining biodiversity: Refer to tourism, medicinal plants and
 Investigate the impact
 animal, source of food.
of human activity on
organisms

 Describe the 
economic reasons
for maintaining
biodiversity.