Natural Science and Technology Past Exam Papers and Memos Grade 6: Facts in South Africa
Introduction
Natural Science and Technology (NST) is a crucial subject in the South African curriculum, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and interact with the natural world. Past exam papers and memos provide valuable insights into the content and format of NST assessments, enabling learners to prepare effectively and improve their academic performance.
Section 1: Life and Living
Exam Paper:
- Question 1: Define the term "habitat" and provide an example of a habitat for a specific animal.
- Question 2: Describe the process of photosynthesis and explain its importance for living organisms.
- Question 3: Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web, using examples.
Memo:
- Answer 1: A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism lives. For example, a forest is a habitat for squirrels.
- Answer 2: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. It is essential for the survival of plants and provides the basis for food chains.
- Answer 3: A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each organism feeds on the one below it. A food web is a more complex network of interconnected food chains, where organisms may feed on multiple sources.
Section 2: Matter and Materials
Exam Paper:
- Question 1: Describe the three states of matter and give an example of each.
- Question 2: Explain the concept of density and how it affects the behavior of objects in water.
- Question 3: Describe the process of evaporation and explain how it contributes to the water cycle.
Memo:
- Answer 1: The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Examples include ice (solid), water (liquid), and air (gas).
- Answer 2: Density is the mass of an object per unit volume. Objects with higher density sink in water, while objects with lower density float.
- Answer 3: Evaporation is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas. It occurs when the temperature of the liquid increases and its molecules gain enough energy to escape into the air. Evaporation contributes to the water cycle by returning water vapor to the atmosphere.
Section 3: Energy and Change
Exam Paper:
- Question 1: Define the term "energy" and explain its different forms.
- Question 2: Describe the process of combustion and explain how it releases energy.
- Question 3: Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, providing examples of each.
Memo:
- Answer 1: Energy is the ability to do work. It exists in various forms, including kinetic energy (energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy), and thermal energy (heat).
- Answer 2: Combustion is a chemical reaction that involves the rapid burning of a fuel in the presence of oxygen. It releases energy in the form of heat and light.
- Answer 3: Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally, such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower. Non-renewable energy sources are those that are finite and cannot be replaced, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas).
Section 4: Earth and Beyond
Exam Paper:
- Question 1: Describe the structure of the Earth, including its layers and their characteristics.
- Question 2: Explain the causes of earthquakes and describe the different types of seismic waves.
- Question 3: Describe the solar system and explain the relative positions of the planets.
Memo:
- Answer 1: The Earth has three main layers: the crust (outermost layer), the mantle (middle layer), and the core (innermost layer). The crust is solid, the mantle is semi-solid, and the core is liquid.
- Answer 2: Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy when tectonic plates move against each other. There are three main types of seismic waves: P-waves (primary waves), S-waves (secondary waves), and surface waves.
- Answer 3: The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), dwarf planets, and other celestial bodies. The planets orbit the Sun in an elliptical path, with Earth being the third planet from the Sun.
Section 5: Science and Technology
Exam Paper:
- Question 1: Describe the role of science and technology in improving human health.
- Question 2: Explain the concept of sustainable development and discuss its importance for the environment.
- Question 3: Describe the different types of communication technologies and explain their advantages and disadvantages.
Memo:
- Answer 1: Science and technology have played a vital role in improving human health through advancements in medicine, vaccines, and medical devices.
- Answer 2: Sustainable development is a concept that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
- Answer 3: Different types of communication technologies include telephones, mobile phones, the internet, and social media. Advantages include faster communication, access to information, and global connectivity. Disadvantages include privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.
Conclusion
Past exam papers and memos for Natural Science and Technology in Grade 6 provide valuable insights into the content and format of assessments. By studying these materials, learners can familiarize themselves with the key concepts, practice answering exam-style questions, and improve their understanding of the subject. This preparation can enhance their confidence and performance in NST examinations, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in science and technology-related fields.