NERDC Curriculum – JSS1 Intermediate Science

NERDC Curriculum – JSS1 Intermediate Science

The NERDC Curriculum – JSS1 Intermediate Science is the newly revised and updated scheme of work prepared by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). It is designed to provide Junior Secondary School 1 learners with a solid foundation in science, technology, and environmental education, using a competency-based and outcome-oriented approach.

This curriculum focuses on equipping students with essential knowledge, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for higher levels of science and real-life applications. Built on a thematic and spiral design, the NERDC Curriculum – JSS1 Intermediate Science ensures that lessons are engaging, interactive, and progressively structured to suit learners’ development.

What Makes This Curriculum Stand Out

• Competency-Based Approach: Every theme is tied to clear learning outcomes, performance objectives, and practical applications.

• Real-World Relevance: Lessons focus on environmental sustainability, energy use, health, safety, and skill acquisition.

• Skill Development: Encourages ICT literacy, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and ethical awareness.

• Teacher-Friendly Structure: Each section includes objectives, content breakdown, activities, resources, and evaluation guides.

• Global Competitiveness: Integrates STEM/STEAM principles, ensuring students are prepared for both national and international standards.

Key Topics Covered in the NERDC Curriculum

The scheme of work is divided into major themes with specific focus areas:

1. Our Environment

   • Environmental Degradation: Erosion

   • Environmental Degradation: Flooding

   • Environmental Degradation: Bush Burning

2. Living and Non-Living Matter

   • Matter – Basic Concepts

   • Living Matter (plants and animals)

   • Non-Living Matter (metals and non-metals)

3. Energy

   • Forms and Sources of Energy

   • Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

4. Science, Technology and Development

   • Skill Acquisition and its Importance

   • Ethical Issues in Science and Development

   • Familiarisation with Laboratory and Workshop Safety

   • Workshop Accidents and First Aid

   • Materials: Wood, Metals, Ceramics, and Building Materials

   • Workshop Processes: Drawing Practice and Board Practice

   • Machines and Tools: Woodwork and Metalwork Hand Tools

   • Maintenance of Tools and Machines

By using the NERDC Curriculum  teachers, parents, and schools can ensure that learners gain the right mix of knowledge, creativity, and skills to excel academically and apply science meaningfully in daily life.