Earth and Life Science for Grade 11 is a senior high school core subject designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of both Earth science and biology. The curriculum covers the history of the Earth through geologic time, the Earth's structure, composition, and processes, as well as natural hazards and their mitigation. It also introduces basic biological principles, including life processes and interactions at cellular, organism, population, and ecosystem levels
Key Topics Covered
Earth Science Component:
- Origin and formation of the universe and the solar system
- Earth's internal structure (crust, mantle, core)
- Earth's subsystems: geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere
- Minerals, rocks, and Earth's materials
- Natural hazards (geologic and hydrometeorological) and community risk assessment
- Earth's resources and environmental concerns
Life Science Component:
- Basic principles of biology including cell processes
- Biodiversity and classification of organisms based on evolutionary relationships
- Ecosystem principles, biotic potential, environmental resistance
- Interactions and interdependence within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
- Human impacts on the environment and mitigation strategies
Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to:
- Understand the scientific hypotheses about the origin of the universe and solar system
- Recognize Earth's uniqueness in supporting life
- Identify and describe Earth's layers and subsystems
- Conduct surveys or studies assessing geological and meteorological hazards in their communities
- Describe life processes and ecosystem dynamics
- Develop action plans to address environmental challenges locally
Course Duration and Structure
The course is typically delivered over 80 hours (20 weeks) in the first semester of Grade 11, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical activities such as surveys and community-based studies
. In summary, Grade 11 Earth and Life Science integrates Earth science and biology to help students understand the planet's physical characteristics and life systems, preparing them to appreciate and address environmental issues and natural hazards