AF-ZA · Science
South Africa CAPS Life Sciences
Upper secondary (ages 15–18) Ages 16–18 50 hours en
CAPS FET Life Sciences with extra indigenous knowledge notes.
Cells to ecology; NSC style assessment practice.
Curriculum family: South Africa — CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement)
Course overview
This Science course connects core university concepts to African contexts, practical inquiry and community-based application. Learners work through guided readings, a weekly studio and an applied final task.
Learning outcomes
Explain key Science concepts; analyse evidence and assumptions; apply methods to an African case; communicate findings clearly; reflect on ethics, power and community impact.
Weekly outline
Week 1: Orientation and local context; Week 2: Core concepts; Week 3: Methods and evidence; Week 4: African case study; Week 5: Applied project; Week 6: Assessment and reflection.
Assessment
Weekly activities 30%; participation and peer response 20%; applied final project 50%.
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite. Learners need curiosity, regular study time and access to weekly course materials.
Course media
Exams and assessment papers
No exam papers are available for download yet. Exam papers and results will appear here when a teacher publishes them.
Weekly lessons
| Week | Lesson | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 2 | Week 2 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 3 | Week 3 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 4 | Week 4 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 5 | Week 5 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 6 | Week 6 — South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 7 | Unit 7 - a local case study: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 8 | Unit 8 - comparison across places: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 9 | Unit 9 - voice and representation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 10 | Unit 10 - ethics and responsibility: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 11 | Unit 11 - systems and relationships: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 12 | Unit 12 - patterns and interpretation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 13 | Unit 13 - measurement and proportion: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 14 | Unit 14 - change over time: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 15 | Unit 15 - power and access: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 16 | Unit 16 - community strengths: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 17 | Unit 17 - primary sources and lived experience: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 18 | Unit 18 - research questions: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 19 | Unit 19 - organising evidence: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 20 | Unit 20 - mid-course synthesis: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 21 | Unit 21 - language and meaning: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 22 | Unit 22 - identity and community memory: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 23 | Unit 23 - land, environment and place: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 24 | Unit 24 - technology and access: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 25 | Unit 25 - designing a fair process: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 26 | Unit 26 - creative practice: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 27 | Unit 27 - problem definition: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 28 | Unit 28 - hypotheses and explanations: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 29 | Unit 29 - testing and revision: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 30 | Unit 30 - collaboration: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 31 | Unit 31 - communicating to an audience: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 32 | Unit 32 - visuals, numbers and media: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 33 | Unit 33 - resources and sustainability: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 34 | Unit 34 - rights and dignity: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 35 | Unit 35 - regional connections: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 36 | Unit 36 - project proposal: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 37 | Unit 37 - project purpose: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 38 | Unit 38 - project consultation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 39 | Unit 39 - project preparation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 40 | Unit 40 - project milestone one: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 41 | Unit 41 - constructive feedback: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 42 | Unit 42 - improving after feedback: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 43 | Unit 43 - quality and standards: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 44 | Unit 44 - risk and safety: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 45 | Unit 45 - leadership and responsibility: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 46 | Unit 46 - African innovation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 47 | Unit 47 - professional application: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 48 | Unit 48 - project milestone two: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 49 | Unit 49 - accessible knowledge: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 50 | Unit 50 - self-assessment: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 51 | Unit 51 - debate and evidence: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 52 | Unit 52 - policy and collective action: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 53 | Unit 53 - livelihoods and value: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 54 | Unit 54 - health and wellbeing: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 55 | Unit 55 - climate resilience: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 56 | Unit 56 - heritage and future generations: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 57 | Unit 57 - digital literacy: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 58 | Unit 58 - community review: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 59 | Unit 59 - project milestone three: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 60 | Unit 60 - independent inquiry: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 61 | Unit 61 - theory and practice: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 62 | Unit 62 - uncertainty and limitations: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 63 | Unit 63 - future pathways: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 64 | Unit 64 - justice and reciprocity: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 65 | Unit 65 - clear presentation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 66 | Unit 66 - project rehearsal: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 67 | Unit 67 - final evidence: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 68 | Unit 68 - applied project completion: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 69 | Unit 69 - public storytelling: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 70 | Unit 70 - teacher conference: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 71 | Unit 71 - exam preparation: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 72 | Unit 72 - practice assessment: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 73 | Unit 73 - correcting misconceptions: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 74 | Unit 74 - peer teaching: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 75 | Unit 75 - course synthesis: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 76 | Unit 76 - learning portfolio: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 77 | Unit 77 - community action: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 78 | Unit 78 - learner voice: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 79 | Unit 79 - assessment submission: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 80 | Unit 80 - mentorship and lifelong learning: South Africa CAPS Life Sciences Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for South Africa CAPS Life Sciences. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
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