108
SCIENCE (52)  
BIOLOGY  
SCIENCE Paper - 3
Aims: 
1.  To  acquire  the  knowledge  of  the  economic 
importance of plants and animals. 
2.  To  develop  an  understanding  of  the                 
inter-relationship  between  sustainability  and 
environmental adaptations. 
3.  To  develop  an  understanding  of  the 
interdependence  of  plants  and  animals  so  as  to 
enable pupils to acquire a clearer comprehension 
of  the  significance  of  life  and  its  importance  in 
human welfare. 
4.  To understand the capacities and limitations of all 
the biological and economic activities so as to be 
able to use them for a better quality of life. 
5.  To  acquire  the  ability  to  observe,  experiment, 
hypothesis,  infer,  handle  equipment  accurately 
and make correct recordings. 
CLASS IX 
There will be one paper of two  hours duration of 80 
Marks  and  Internal  Assessment  of  Practical  Work 
Carrying 20 Marks. 
The  paper  will  be  divided into  two  sections,  Section  I 
(40 marks) and Section II (40 marks). 
Section  I  (compulsory)  will  contain  short  answer 
questions on the entire syllabus. 
Section II will contain six questions.  Candidates will 
be required to answer any four of these six questions. 
1.   Basic Biology 
(i)  The  cell,  a  unit  of  life,  protoplasm,  basic 
difference  between  prokaryotic  and 
eukaryotic cell; differences between an animal 
and a plant cell. 
A  basic  understanding  of  the  cell  theory, 
structure  of  plant  and  animal  cell  with 
functions  of  various  cell  organelles. 
(Protoplam,  Cytoplasm,  Cell  Wall,  Cell 
Membrane,  Nucleus,  Nucleolous, 
Mitochondria,  Endoplasmic  Reticulum, 
Ribosome,  Golgibodies,  Plastids,  Lysosomes, 
Centrosome  and  Vacuole).  Difference 
between  a  plant  cell  and  an  animal  cell 
should  be  mainly  discussed  with  respect  to 
cell  wall,  centrosome  and  vacuoles  and 
plastids.   
(ii)  Tissues: Types of plant and animal tissues. 
To be taught in brief with respect to location, 
basic  structure  and  function,  giving  typical 
examples  of  their  location  so  as  to  enable 
pupils  to  understand  their  role  in  different 
physiological  processes  in  plants  and 
animals.  
2.    Flowering Plants 
(i)  Vegetative  Propagation:  Artificial  methods, 
advantages  and  disadvantages.  Economic 
importance  of  artificial  propagation, 
Hybridisation.and    Micro  Propagation.  Brief 
idea  of  Biotechnology  and  its  applications 
role in medicine and industry. 
The concept in brief with suitable examples. 
Artificial  methods:  cutting,  grafting  and 
layering    with  examples.  Advantages  and 
disadvantages  of  vegetative  reproduction  to 
be discussed. 
Economic  importance  of  artificial 
propagation.  
Hybridization: Meaning and benefits. 
Micro  Propagation:  meaning,  uses  and 
limitations. 
Brief idea of biotechnology (example - human 
insulin  from  E.coli.  Applications  of 
biotechnology:  in  medicine    penicillin, 
tetracycline;  in  industry  (example      cheese, 
vinegar,  yogurt,  alcoholic  beverages; 
 109 
synthesis  of  vitamins  namely  vitamin  C;  and 
enzymes - namely lipase). 
(ii) Flower:  Structure  of  a  bisexual  flower, 
functions of  various parts. 
A  brief  introduction  to  complete  and 
incomplete  flowers.  Essential  and  non-
essential  whorls  of  a  bisexual  flower;  their 
various  parts  and  functions.  Use  of  charts  or 
actual  specimens  help  enhance  clarity  of 
concepts. 
Inflorescence and placentation (types  are not 
required in both cases). 
(iii) Pollination:  self and cross-pollination. 
Explanation,  advantages  and  disadvantages 
of  self  and  cross-pollination,  agents  of 
pollination  and  the  characteristic  features  of 
flowers  pollinated  by  various  agents  to  be 
discussed. 
(iv) Fertilisation. 
Events  taking  place  between  pollination  and 
fertilisation  should  be  discussed  up  to  fusion 
of  male  gamete  with  egg  cell  in  the  embryo 
sac.  Students  should  be  familiar  with  the 
terms  double  fertilization  and  triple  fusion. 
Fruit and Seed (definition) and significance of 
Fruit and Seed. 
3.   Plant Physiology 
(i)  Structure  of  dicot  and  monocot  seeds, 
Germination  of  seeds,  types,  and  conditions 
for seed germination.  
Structure  and  germination  of  Bean  seed  and 
Maize  grain.    Differences  between  hypogeal 
and  epigeal  germination.  Conditions  for  seed 
germination  should  be  dealt  with  by 
experiments. 
(ii) Respiration in plants: outline of the process, 
gaseous exchange. 
A  brief  outline  of  the  process  mentioning  the 
term  Glycolysis,  Krebs  cycle  and  their 
significance. Reference to be made to aerobic 
and  anaerobic  respiration  with  chemical 
equations  in  each  case.  Experiments  on 
gaseous exchange and on heat production. 
 
4.   Diversity in living organisms / Eco systems 
 (i)  Understanding  ecosystems    Definition. 
Interaction between biotic and abiotic factors.  
  Biotic  component  consisting  of  producers,              
consumers,  decomposers.    Terms  of  food 
chain, food web, pyramid. 
  Brief  account  of  Abiotic  or  nonliving 
components  such  as  air,  soil,  water  and 
climatic  factors  like  sunlight,  temperature,  
humidity and wind.   
  Only  Forest  Ecosystem  with  its  flora  and 
fauna to be taught. 
(ii)  A brief outline of five Kingdom classification: 
Main  characteristics  of    each  kingdom  with 
suitable  examples  Monera,  Protista,  Fungi, 
Plantae  (Thallophyta,  Bryophyta, 
Pteridophyta  and  Spermatophyta)  and 
Animalia  (Non-chordates  from  Porifera  to 
Echinodermata  and  Chordates  -  all  five 
Classes) 
(iii) Economic importance of Bacteria: 
  Economic importance of bacteria:  
  Useful  role  of  bacteria  -  medicine  
(antibiotics,  serums  and  vaccines); 
agriculture;  (nitrogen  fixing,  nitrifying  and 
denitrifying  bacteria)  and  industry  (curing  of 
tea, tanning of leather) 
  Harmful role of bacteria  in spoilage of food, 
disease  in  plants  and  animals,  bio-weapons, 
denitrification. 
(iv) Economic importance of Fungi: 
  Economic importance of Fungi:  
  Useful  role  of  Fungi  in      breweries,  bakeries, 
cheese  processing,  mushroom  cultivation 
(Processes of manufacture are not required in 
each case).  
5.  Human Anatomy and Physiology 
  (a)  Nutrition: 
(i)  Classes  of  food:  balanced  diet. 
Malnutrition and deficiency diseases. 
Functions  of  carbohydrates,  fats, 
proteins,  mineral  salts  (calcium,  iodine, 
iron  and  sodium),  vitamins  and  water  in 
proper  functioning  of  the  body  to  be 
 110 
discussed.  Sources  of  vitamins  their 
functions  and  deficiency  diseases  to  be 
discussed.    Students  should  be  familiar 
with  the  term  Balanced  Diet. 
Importance of cellulose in our diet should 
be  discussed.  Students  should  be  taught 
about Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. 
(ii)  the structure of a tooth, different types of 
teeth. 
Structure  of  a  tooth  to  be  discussed  with 
the  help  of  a  diagram.  Functions  of 
different  types  of  teeth  must  also  be 
taught.  
(iii)  Digestive  System:  Organs  and  digestive 
glands  and  their  functions  (including 
enzymes and  their  functions in digestion;  
absorption,  utilisation  of  digested  food); 
tests  for  reducing  sugar,  starch,  protein 
and fats. 
Organs  and  their  functions;  functions  of 
saliva;  brief  idea  of  peristalsis;  digestion 
in various parts of alimentary canal. Tests 
for sugar, starch, protein and fats. 
  (b)  Movement and Locomotion: 
  (i)  Functions of human skeleton 
  (ii)  Axial and Appendicular Skeleton 
  (iii)  Types  of  joints    immovable,  slightly 
movable and freely movable (hinge joint, 
ball  and  socket  joint,  gliding  joint,  pivot 
joint.) 
(c) Structure and functions of skin.  
Various  parts  of  the  skin  and  their  functions 
to  be  taught  with  the  help  of  diagrams;  heat 
regulation,  vasodilation,  vasoconstriction  to 
be explained. 
(d)  Respiratory  System:  Organs;  mechanism  of 
breathing; tissue respiration, heat production. 
Differences   between anaerobic respiration in 
plants  and  in  man.  Brief  idea  of  respiratory 
volumes,  effect  of  altitude  on  breathing  and 
asphyxiation  should  be  taught.  Role  of 
diaphragm  and  intercostals  muscles  in 
breathing  must  be  explained  to  provide  a 
clear idea of breathing process.  Brief idea of 
gaseous transport and tissue respiration to be 
given. 
6.  Health and Hygiene 
Cause of diseases: 
(i)   Bacteria - types of bacteria, bacterial control, 
three examples of diseases caused by bacteria        
e.g.  Tuberculosis,    Tetanus,  Syphilis  (Veneral 
disease). 
(ii)  Virus  -  nature  of  viruses,  three  examples  of 
viral  diseases  e.g.  Poliomyelitis,  Mumps, 
Rabies,  etc.  Introduction  to  HIV,  its  outline 
structure and spread. 
(iii) Parasites  -  two  examples,  roundworm, 
tapeworm and their control. 
(iv) Brief  idea  of  endemic,  epidemic,  pandemic, 
and sporadic.  
(v)  Hygiene:  simple  personal  hygiene  and  social 
conditions  affecting  this.  Disease  carriers 
(vectors)  flies,  rats  and  cockroaches, 
contamination of water, waterborne diseases. 
General  idea  of  personal  hygiene,  public 
hygiene  and  sanitation,  control  of  housefly, 
mosquitoes, cockroaches and rats (life history 
not  required).  Water  borne  diseases  like 
cholera,  dysentery and Hepatitis. 
7.  Waste generation and management  
  (a)  Sources  of  waste  -  domestic,  industrial, 
agricultural,  commercial  and  other        
establishments. 
      Domestic waste: paper, glass, plastic, rags, 
kitchen waste, etc.       
       Industrial  :  mining  operations,  cement 
factories, oil refineries, construction units.  
      Agricultural  :  plant  remains,  animal  waste, 
processing waste. 
       Municipal sewage : Sewage,  degradable  and 
non degradable waste from offices, etc. 
       e-waste: brief idea about e-waste. 
 
 (b) Methods  of  safe  disposal  of  waste: 
segregation,  dumping,  composting,  drainage, 
treatment  of  effluents  before  discharge, 
 111 
incineration,  use  of  scrubbers  and  electro 
static precipitators. 
       Segregation  of  domestic  waste  into 
biodegradable  and  non-biodegradable  by       
households  :  sweeping  from  gardens  to  be 
converted  to  compost;  sewage  treatment  
plants.   
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF             
PRACTICAL WORK 
The practical work will be designed to test the ability 
of the candidates to make accurate observations from 
specimens of plants and animals. For this, candidates 
should  be  familiar  with  the  use  of  a  hand  lens  of  not 
less than x 6 magnification. They should be trained to 
make  both  simple  and  accurate  drawings  and  brief 
notes as a means of recording their observations. 
The  practical  examiners  will  assume  that  candidates 
would  have  carried  out  the  practical  work  outlined 
below. 
NOTE: Candidates are expected to have a basic idea 
of plant morphology. 
PLANT LIFE 
(i)  The  examination  of  an  onion  peel  under  the 
microscope to study various parts of the cell. 
Students  should  be  given  an  idea  of  removal  of 
onion  peel,  staining,  mounting  the  specimen  and 
handling  the  microscope.    They  should  observe 
the structures and draw labelled diagrams. 
(ii) A  cross-pollinated  flower  to  be  examined  and 
identified and the parts to be studied and labelled 
e.g.  Hibiscus.   
Specimens  should  be  provided  to  the  students 
from  which  they  should  be  asked  to  draw 
diagrams showing the various parts.  
The  flower  to  be  discussed  in  order  of  the  four 
whorls  with  diagrams  of  the  complete  flower, 
reproductive  parts  and  T.S  of  ovary  to  show  the 
arrangement  of  ovules.  Students  should  draw 
directly  from  the  specimen  provided  so  that  they 
have a clear idea of the whorls and their location. 
(iii)  Specimens  of  germinating  seeds  with  plumule 
and radicle ( the bean seed and maize grain) for 
examination,  identification,  drawing  and 
labelling the parts. 
Seeds  soaked  in  water  should  be  provided.  The 
students  themselves  should  see  the  external  and 
internal  structure  so  that  they  can  identify  the 
various parts and draw and label them. 
ANIMAL LIFE 
(i)  The examination of a human cheek cell under the 
microscope to study various parts of the cell. 
  Students  should  be  given  an  idea  of  staining, 
mounting  the  specimen  and  handling  the 
microscope.    They  should  observe  the  structures 
and draw labelled diagrams 
(ii) Identification of sugar, starch, protein and fat.  
  Students  should  perform  different  tests  for 
identification  and  write  down  their  observations 
and inference in tabular form. 
(iii) Examination  and  identification  of  specimens 
belonging  to  the  following  groups  of  animals: 
Porifera, Coelenterata, Annelida, Platyhelminthes, 
Nemathelminthes,  Arthropoda.  Mollusca  and 
Echinodermata. 
  The  specimens  or  models  of  the  given  groups  of 
animals  should  be  shown  to  the  students  and 
reasons  for  their  identification  in  that  particular 
group  should  be  given.  Diagrams  should  be 
drawn as observed in the specimens and not from 
the books. Only those structures that are observed 
should be drawn and labelled. 
(iv) Study  of  different  types  of  movable  joints  in 
human beings. 
(v)  Identification  of  the  structure  of  the  following 
organs  through  specimens/models  and  charts:, 
Lung.and skin. 
(vi) Experiments to show the mechanism of breathing. 
  Bell  jar  experiment  should  be  discussed. 
Comparison  should  be  made  with  the  human 
lungs  and  respiratory  tract  to  show  the 
mechanism of breathing. 
(vii)Visit a few establishments in the locality such as 
motor  repair  workshops,  kilns,  pottery  making 
units,  fish  and  vegetable  markets,  restaurants, 
dyeing  units.  Find  out  the  types  of  wastes  and 
methods prevalent for their disposal. On the basis 
of  the  information  collected  prepare  a  report, 
suggest  measures  to  improve  the  environmental 
conditions.  
(viii) Visit a water treatment plant, sewage treatment 
plant  or  garbage  dumping  or  vermi  composting 
sites in the locality and study their working. 
 112 
CLASS X 
There  will  be  one  paper  of  two  hours  duration  of  80 
marks  and  Internal  Assessment  of  practical  work 
carrying 20 marks. 
The  paper  will  be  divided  into  two  sections,        
Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks). 
Section  I  (compulsory)  will  contain  short  answer 
questions on the entire syllabus. 
Section II will contain six questions.  Candidates will 
be required to answer any four of these six questions. 
1.    Basic Biology 
(i)  Cell Cycle and Cell Division:  
Cell  cycle    Interphase  (G
1
,  S,  G
2
)  and 
M.phase 
Cell Division: Mitosis and its stages.  A basic 
understanding  of  Meiosis  as  a  reduction 
division  (stages  not  required).  Significance 
and  major  differences  between  mitotic  and 
meiotic division.   
(ii) Structure of chromosome:  
Basic  structure  of  chromosome  with 
elementary  understanding  of  terms  such  as 
chromatin,  chromatid,  gene  structure  of  DNA 
and centromere. 
(iii)  Genetics:  Mendels  laws  of  inheritance  and 
sex linked inheritance of diseases. 
Monohybrid  cross,  dihybrid  cross.  The 
following  terms  to  be  covered:  gene,  allele, 
heterozygous,  homozygous,  dominant, 
recessive,  mutation,  variation,  phenotype, 
genotype. Sex determination in human beings. 
Sex  linked  inheritance  of  diseases  to  include 
haemophilia  and  colour  blindness  (only  criss 
cross inheritance).  
2.  Plant Physiology 
(i)  Absorption by roots, imbibition; diffusion and 
osmosis;  osmotic  pressure,  root  pressure; 
turgidity  and  flaccidity;  plasmolysis  and 
deplasmolysis,;  the  absorption  of  water  and 
minerals,  active  and  passive  transport  (in 
brief) ; the importance of root hair.     
Characteristics  of  roots,  which  make  them 
suitable  for  absorbing  water,  should  be 
discussed  with  the  process  of  absorption. 
Structure  of  a  single  full-grown  root  hair 
should be explained. 
(ii)  The rise of water up to the xylem; a general 
idea  of  Cohesive,  Adhesive  forces  and 
transpirational pull) ; demonstrated by the use 
of dyes.  
      Experiments  to  show  the  conduction  of  water 
through  the  xylem  should  be  discussed. 
Mention of the causative forces must be made 
for  better  understanding  but  as  per  the 
syllabus. 
  Transpiration,  process  and  significance; 
experimental work includes the loss in weight 
of a potted plant or a leafy shoot in a test tube, 
the  use  of  cobalt  chloride  paper.    Ganongs 
potometer  and  its  limitations.  The  effect  of 
external conditions on the rate of water loss 
should be stressed. 
Mechanism  of  stomatal  transpiration  must  be 
explained  so  that  concept  of  the  process  is 
clear.  Adaptations  in  plants  to  reduce 
transpiration  to  be  discussed.  A  brief  idea  of 
guttation and bleeding should be given. 
(iii) Photosynthesis: the nature of the process itself 
and the great importance of photosynthesis to 
life  in  general;  experiments  to  show  the 
necessity  of  light,  carbon  dioxide  & 
chlorophyll  and  also  the  formation  of  starch 
and the output of oxygen; carbon cycle. 
The  internal  structure  of  chloroplast  should 
be explained to give an idea of the site of light 
and  dark  reaction.  Opening  and  closing  of 
stomata should be explained. Teachers should 
stress  upon  the  importance  of  a  correct 
balanced  chemical  equation.  The  terms 
"photochemical"  for  light  phase  and 
"biosynthetic"  for  dark  phase  must  be 
introduced. In the light reaction, activation of 
chlorophyll  molecule  followed  by  photolysis 
of water, release of O
2
, formation of ATP and 
NADPH  should  be  taught.  In  the  dark 
reaction  (detailed  equations  are  not 
required),  only  combination  of  hydrogen 
released  by  NADP  with  CO
2
  to  form  glucose 
 113 
to  be  discussed.  Adaptations  in  a  plant  for 
photosynthesis  and  experiments  with  regard 
to the factors  essential for the  process  should 
be discussed.   
3.    Human Anatomy and Physiology 
(i)  Circulatory  System:  Main  features;  the 
structure  and  working  of  the  heart,  blood 
vessels, structure and functions of blood and 
circulation of blood (only names of the main 
blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, 
liver and kidney will be required). 
Composition of blood (Structure and functions 
of  RBC,  WBC  and  platelets).    Brief  idea  of 
tissue  fluid  and  lymph.  Increase  in  efficiency 
of  mammalian red blood  cells  due  to  absence 
of certain organelles should be explained with 
reasons.  A  brief  idea  of    blood    coagulation. 
Structure  of  vein,  artery  and  capillary  should 
be  explained  with  the  help  of  diagrams  to 
bring  out  clearly  the  relationship  between 
their structure and function. ABO blood group 
system,  Rh  factor;  concept  of  double 
circulation;  concept  systole  and  diastole; 
blood  pressure.  Reference  to  portal  system 
should  be  made.  Working  of  the  heart  along 
with names of the main blood vessels entering 
and leaving the heart, the liver and the kidney 
must  be    taught.    Examination  of  a  blood 
smear under a microscope.       
(ii)  Excretory  System:  Elementary  treatment  of 
the structure and function of the kidneys; the 
kidneys  treated  as  comprising  cortex  and 
medulla and consisting of a branched system 
of  tubules  well  supplied  with  blood  vessels 
leading to the ureter (details of the courses of 
the  tubules  and  their  blood  vessels  not  
required). 
External  and  internal  structure  of  the  kidney; 
parts  of  the  excretory  system  along  with  the 
blood  vessels  entering  and  leaving  it  should 
be  taught  with  the  help  of  charts  or  models. 
Students should be able to draw the diagrams 
with  correct  labelling  and  know  the  functions 
of  various  parts.  A  general  idea  of  the 
structure  of  a  kidney  tubule  nephron  should 
be  given.  A  brief  idea  of  ultra  filtration, 
selective  reabsorption  and  tubular  secretion 
in relation to the composition of blood plasma 
and urine formed. 
(iii) Nervous system: Structure of Neuron; central, 
autonomous  and  peripheral  nervous  system 
(in brief); brain and spinal cord; reflex action 
and how it differs from voluntary reflex. 
Sense organs  Eye and ear; Eye defects and 
corrective  measures  (myopia,  hypermetropia, 
presbiopia, astigmatism and cataract). 
Various  parts  of  the  external  structure  of  the 
brain  and  its  parts  (Medulla  Oblongata, 
Cerebrum,  Cerebellum,  Thalamus, 
Hypothalamus)  and  their functions;  reference 
should  be  made  to  the  distribution  of  white 
and  gray  matter  internally.  Diagrammatic 
explanation  of  the  reflex  arc,  showing  the 
pathway from receptor to effector, differences 
between  natural  and  acquired  reflex  should 
be  taught.  Structure  and  function  of  the  Eye 
and Ear and their various parts.  The external 
and V.S. of the eye must be taught with a brief 
idea  of  stereoscopic  vision.  The  course  of 
perception of sound in human ear. Role of ear 
in maintaining balance. 
(iv) Endocrine  System:  General  study  of  the 
following glands: Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid 
and  Pituitary.  Difference  in  Endocrine  and 
Exocrine glands. 
Correct location and shape of the gland in the 
human  body  should  be  discussed  along  with 
the  hormones  they  secrete  (Pancreas:  insulin 
and    glucagon  to  be  taught;  Thyroid:  only 
thyroxin  to  be  taught).  Effects  of  hypo 
secretion  and  hyper  secretion  of  hormones 
must  be  discussed.  The  term  tropic  hormones 
should  be  explained  in  the  study  of  pituitary. 
Brief  idea  of  feedback  mechanism  must  be 
given. 
(v)  The  Reproductive  System:  Organs, 
fertilisation and a general outline of nutrition 
and  respiration  of  the  embryo.  Menstrual 
cycle, outline of menstrual cycle.   
Functions  of  organs  and  accessory  glands 
must  be  discussed.  An  idea  of  secondary 
sexual  characters,  structure  and  functions  of 
the  various  parts  of  the  sperm  and  an  egg. 
 114 
Fertilization,  implantation,  placenta,  foetal 
membranes,  gestation  and  parturition  
identical  and  fraternal  twins  to  be  explained 
briefly.  
(vi) Population: Problems posed by the increase in 
population in India; need for adopting control 
measures - population control.  
Main  reasons  for  the  sharp  rise  in  human 
population  in  India  and  in  the  world.  The 
terms  demography,  population  density,  birth 
rate, death rate and growth rate of population 
should be explained. With population growth, 
increased  consumption  and  urbanization, 
there is a need to keep a check on demands of 
urban  areas  over  rural  areas,  of  exploitative 
use  of  resources  rather  than  sustainable  use.  
Methods of population control to be taught. 
4.    Physical Health and Hygiene 
(i)  Aids  to  health:  an  understanding  of  the  use 
and  action  of  the  following  -  vaccination; 
immunisation;  antitoxin;  serum;  antiseptics; 
disinfectants; penicillin; sulphonamide drugs; 
First Aid. 
An  idea  of  local  defense  system  and  their 
merits,  active  and  passive  immunity, 
difference  between  antiseptics  and 
disinfectants to be discussed. Basic principles 
of first aid to be taught. 
(ii)  Health  organisations:  Red  Cross,  WHO; 
common health problems in India. 
Major  activities  of  Red  Cross  and  WHO 
should  be  discussed.  Common  health 
problems in India. 
5.      Pollution 
 
(i)   Types  of  pollution  -  air,  water,  (fresh  and 
 marine) soil, radiation and noise.  
      Self explanatory. 
(ii) Sources of pollution and major pollutant:   
      Air:    Vehicular,  industrial,  burning  garbage, 
brick kilns.  
      Water:  Household  detergents,  sewage, 
industrial waste, oil spills, thermal pollution.  
           Soil:  Industrial  waste,  urban  commercial  and 
domestic  waste,  chemical  fertilizers, 
biomedical waste, like needles, syringes, soiled 
dressings etc, biodegradable waste, like paper, 
vegetable  peels,  etc;  Non  biodegradable            
waste  like    plastics,  glass,  Styrofoam  etc.; 
Pesticides like DDT etc.   
           Radiation:  X-rays;  radioactive  fallout  from 
nuclear plants. 
   (iii) Effects of pollution on climate, environment, 
human  health  and  other  organisms  and  its 
abatement. 
    Greenhouse effect and global warming, Acid 
rain, Ozone layer depletion.  
    Meaning of the terms, causes, effect  on life on 
earth, idea about setting standards - 
Euro/Bharat stage vehicular standards.  
 
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF              
PRACTICAL WORK 
The practical work will be designed to test the ability 
of  the  candidates  to  make  accurate  observation  from 
specimens  of  plants  and  animals.  For  this,  the 
candidates  should  be  familiar  with  the  use  of  a  hand 
lens  of  not  less  than  x6  magnification.  Candidates 
should  be  trained  to  make  simple  and  accurate 
drawings  and  brief  notes  as  a  means  of  recording 
their observations. 
The  practical  examiners  will  assume  that  candidates 
would  have  carried  out  the  practical  work  outlined 
below. 
PLANT LIFE 
(i)  Observation of permanent slides of mitosis. 
Self-explanatory. 
(ii)  Experiments  indicating  osmosis,  diffusion  and 
absorption. 
The  teacher  should  give  a  demonstration  and 
then the students should perform the experiments 
in  order  to  have  a  better  understanding  of  the 
processes. 
(iii)  Physiological experiments on transpiration to be 
set up by the teacher and the pupils to identify 
the products, draw and label the apparatus. 
       The  teacher  should  set  up  the  experiment 
stepwise  so  that  the  student  gets  a  clear  idea  of 
the  aim,  apparatus,  procedure  and  result  of               
 115 
the  experiment.  For  transpiration  experiments 
the  CoCl
2
  paper  should  be  kept  in  a  dessicator 
and  its  importance  should  be  explained. 
Limitations  for  the  use  of  Ganongs  potometer 
should be given. 
(iv)  Experiments  to  show  the  necessity  of  light, 
carbon  dioxide  and  chlorophyll  essential  for 
photosynthesis;  release  of  O
2
  during 
photosynthesis.  Candidates  to  write  down  their 
observations and draw and label the apparatus. 
Importance  of  destarching  the  plant  before  the 
experiment  should  be  discussed.  Diagrams  should  be 
drawn  with  the  correct  labelling.  Pupils  should  be 
able to analyse the result. 
ANIMAL LIFE 
(i)  Identification  of  the  structure  of  the  urinary 
system,  heart  (internal  structure)  and  brain 
(external view) through models and charts 
(ii) The identification of different types of blood cells 
under a microscope. 
      Different  types  of  WBCs  should  be  observed. 
Teacher should point out the differences between 
red blood cells and white blood cells. Ratio of red  
blood  cells  to  white  blood  cells  should  be 
discussed. 
(iii) The structure of the Ear and an Eye (candidates 
will be required to identify each structure in the 
models of these organs). 
  Models  should  be  shown  and  students  should 
draw correct  labelled diagrams. 
(iv) Identification  and  location  of  selected  endocrine 
glands (Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid and Pituitary 
glands) with the help of a model or chart. 
   Correct  labelled diagram to be drawn. 
(v)  Compiling material for a First Aid box. 
  Self-explanatory. 
EVALUATION 
The  practical  work/project  work  are  to  be  evaluated 
by the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.                
(The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated 
by  the  Head  of  the  school,  who  could  be  from  the 
faculty, but not teaching the subject in the relevant 
section/class.  For  example,  a  teacher  of  Biology  of 
Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner 
for Class X, Biology projects.) 
The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will 
assess the practical work/project work independently. 
Award of marks (20 Marks) 
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner)  10 marks 
External Examiner       10 marks 
The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the 
Council by the Head of the school. 
The  Head  of  the  school  will  be  responsible  for  the 
entry  of  marks  on  the  mark  sheets  provided  by  the 
Council. 
 
 
 116 
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES 
Criteria  Preparation 
 
Procedure/ 
Testing 
Observation  Inference/ 
Results 
Presentation 
Grade I 
(4 marks) 
Follows instructions (written, 
oral, diagrammatic) with 
understanding; modifies if 
needed.  Familiarity with and 
safe use of apparatus, materials, 
techniques. 
Analyses problem
systematically.  
Recognises a number of 
variables and attempts to 
control themto build a 
logical plan of 
investigation. 
Records 
data/observations 
without being given a 
format.  Comments 
upon, recognises use 
of instruments, degree 
of accuracy.  
Recording is 
systematic. 
Processes data without 
format.  Recognises and 
comments upon sources of 
error. 
Can deal with unexpected 
results, suggesting 
modifications. 
Presentation is accurate 
and good.  Appropriate 
techniques are well 
used. 
Grade II 
(3 marks) 
Follows instructions to perform
experiment with step-by-step 
operations.  Awareness of 
safety.  Familiarity with 
apparatus, materials and 
techniques. 
Specifies sequence of 
operation; gives reasons 
for any change in 
procedure.  Can deal with 
two variables, controlling 
one. 
Makes relevant 
observations.  No 
assistance is needed 
for recording format 
that is appropriate. 
Processes data appropriately 
as per a given format.  Draws 
qualitative conclusions 
consistent with required 
results. 
Presentation is 
adequate.  Appropriate 
techniques are used. 
Grade III 
(2 marks) 
Follows instructions to perform
a single operation at a time.  
Safety awareness.  Familiarity 
with apparatus  & materials. 
Develops simple 
experimental strategy.  
Trial and error 
modifications made to 
proceed with the 
experiment. 
Detailed instructions 
needed to record 
observations. Format 
required to record 
results. 
Processes data approximately 
with a detailed format 
provided.  Draws 
observations qualitative 
conclusions as required. 
Presentation is 
reasonable, but 
disorganised in some 
places.  Overwriting ; 
rough work is untidy.   
Grade IV 
(1 mark) 
Follows some instructions to 
performa single practical  
operation . Casual about  safety.  
Manages to use apparatus  & 
materials. 
Struggles through the 
experiment.  Follows very 
obvious experimental 
strategy. 
Format required to 
record observations/ 
readings, but tends to 
make mistakes in 
recording. 
Even when detailed format is 
provided, struggles or makes 
errors while processing data.  
Reaches conclusions with 
help. 
Presentation is poor 
and disorganised but 
follows an acceptable 
sequence.  Rough work 
missing or untidy. 
Grade V 
(0 marks) 
Not able to follow instructions 
or proceed with practical work 
without full assistance.  
Unaware of safety. 
Cannot proceed with the 
experiment without help 
fromtime to time. 
Even when format is 
given, recording is 
faulty or irrelevant. 
Cannot process results, nor  
draw conclusions, even with 
considerable help. 
Presentation 
unacceptable; 
disorganised, untidy/ 
poor.  Rough work 
missing.