Comparison of the Science Curriculum of Korea and Singapore: Focus on the Chemistry

Abstract

This study compared and analyzed the chemistry curriculum of South Korea and Singapore. The analysis revealed that Korea's achievement standards in the chemistry subject comprised knowledge and skills, whereas Singapore's achievement standards comprised knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. The scope of knowledge and skills of the Singaporean achievement standards-wherein each element was explicitly presented-were more extensive than that of Korea. The elementary school curriculum in both countries was structured to help students qualitatively understand materials in real life, whereas the middle school content was structured such that students could understand the topic of particles. Additionally, several differences were found in specific content elements; for example, the periodic tables were included only in the Singaporean content, whereas changes in the volume of gas according to temperature and pressure were included only in the Korean content. The Singaporean academic achievement standards, integrating knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes in science curriculum, can be used as a reference for adjusting and restructuring the Korean curriculum.