A comparison of the science curricula of Singapore and Türkiye in terms of structure and science literacy

The aim of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the science education curricula implemented in Turkey and Singapore. In this context, the 2024 Century of Türkiye Education Model Primary School Science Curriculum and the 2023 Singapore Primary Science Teaching/Learning Curriculum (Revised in May 2024) were obtained from the official websites of the respective countries' ministries of education and examined. During the data collection phase, document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Through document analysis, the general structure, content, educational environment (cognitive learning environment, teacher-student roles, socio-emotional learning environment), and assessment-evaluation practices of the curricula were identified. Additionally, the learning outcomes included in the curricula were analysed and classified in accordance to the skills expected of scientifically literate individuals. Based on the findings obtained, a discussion was carried out and several recommendations were made. According to the findings, the science curricula implemented in Turkey and Singapore are generally similar. Both programs are student-centred and aim to raise individuals who are scientifically literate and equipped with the skills required by the modern age. While the 2024 Century of Türkiye Education Model Primary School Science Curriculum has a unit based structure, the 2023 Singapore Primary Science Teaching/Learning Curriculum adopts a thematic structure. In terms of content, the Türkiye curriculum addresses values, morality, ethics, and scientific knowledge in an integrated manner, emphasizing both the universality of science and national elements. In contrast, the 2023 Singapore Primary Science Teaching/Learning Curriculum exhibits more of a global structure. Both curricula emphasize the relationship between science and society, as well as ethics, morality, and values. Although there is a general similarity in the learning environments, the 2023 Singapore Primary Science Teaching/Learning Curriculum differs by including learning partners in the learning process. Regarding assessment and evaluation practices, both science curricula share process-oriented and active student participation approaches. However, in the 2023 Singapore Primary Science Teaching/Learning Curriculum, written tests are more prominent in determining the overall grade compared to other assessment tools. In contrast, the 2024 Century of Türkiye Education Model Primary School Science Curriculum does not include written tests. The learning outcomes in both curricula generally align with the skills of scientifically literate individuals. Findings from the analysis of learning outcomes indicate that both countries focus heavily on conceptual learning. However, countries differ from each other on some topics such as ethics, interdisciplinary relations and using science for society.