A Comprehensive Guide to the Hong Kong Junior Secondary Biology Curriculum (2024 Edition)

The Hong Kong junior secondary Biology curriculum is designed to spark curiosity about life sciences through a structured progression from observation to hypothesis and experimental verification. It bridges molecular biology with real-world ecological and health issues, nurturing both scientific reasoning and ethical awareness in students from Grades 7 to 9.

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1. Curriculum Goals and Educational Vision

Biology is a core subject in the junior secondary science curriculum, providing foundational knowledge that supports both everyday scientific literacy and progression to senior-level studies like the HKDSE Biology elective.

Key objectives include:

• Building life science foundations: Understanding how biological structures relate to vital functions.
• Fostering inquiry-based learning: Applying scientific methods through hands-on experimentation.
• Promoting ecological and personal health awareness: Encouraging responsible attitudes toward the environment and lifestyle choices.
• Preparing for senior secondary studies: Creating a knowledge bridge to the HKDSE Biology curriculum.

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2. Curriculum Content: Five Core Domains

(1) Cells and Life Processes

• Cell structure and function
  • Microscopic comparison of animal vs. plant cells
  • Key organelles like mitochondria and their roles
• Life maintenance mechanisms
  • Enzyme activity investigations (e.g., catalase reactions)
  • Diffusion and osmosis experiments using potato strips

(2) Human Biology

Major Body Systems and Experiments

System	Key Concepts	Featured Lab Activity
Digestion	Enzyme action, nutrient testing	Villi structure simulation
Circulatory	Blood type inheritance and functions	Frog capillary microscope observation
Nervous	Reflex arcs and signal transmission	Knee-jerk reflex test

• Health-related topics
  • Vaccine mechanisms (e.g., COVID-19 case studies)
  • Preventive care for non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes)

(3) Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis experiments
  • Iodine starch tests on masked leaves
  • Effects of CO₂ concentration and light on photosynthesis
• Plant adaptation studies
  • Observing xerophytes like cactus stomata
  • Conditions required for seed germination

(4) Genetics and Evolution

• Foundational genetics
  • Simulating Mendel’s pea experiments
  • Trait surveys among students (e.g., earlobe shape)
• Biotechnology and bioethics
  • DNA extraction from strawberries
  • Classroom debates on GM crops

(5) Ecology and Environmental Studies

• Ecosystem analysis
  • Constructing food webs (e.g., Mai Po wetland case study)
  • Energy pyramid modeling
• Current environmental issues
  • Investigating microplastic bioaccumulation
  • Conducting biodiversity surveys on school campuses

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3. Innovative Teaching Strategies

• Project-Based and Interdisciplinary Learning
  Students engage in real-world science projects integrating multiple disciplines.
• Digital Biology Tools
  • Vernier sensors to analyze photosynthesis
  • AR tools like virtual frog dissection
• Contextual Simulations
  • Epidemic modeling for understanding disease transmission
  • Building eco-bottles to visualize nutrient cycling

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4. Laboratory Safety Framework

Level	Experiment Type	Key Safety Measures
BSL-1	Plant studies	Basic hygiene protocols
BSL-2	Microbial cultures	Use of biosafety cabinets

Emergency Readiness:

• Procedures for chemical/media spills
• Safe handling of broken glassware (e.g., microscope slides)

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5. Student Assessment Model

(1) School-Based Assessment (60%)

• Lab skill evaluation
  • Microscopy technique scoring (focus, slide prep)
  • Structured scientific reports (hypothesis → analysis → conclusion)
• Inquiry projects
  • Example: Monitoring how insect diversity on campus correlates with ambient temperature

(2) Public Examination (40%)

• Innovative exam questions
  • Design your own plant experiment (e.g., phototropism)
  • Analyze data sets (e.g., population growth trends)

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6. Teaching Resources for Biology Educators

• Digital Platforms
  • HKU Interactive Biology Learning Platform
  • BioMan gamified learning tools
• Physical Aids
  • 3D organ puzzles
  • DNA model assembly kits

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7. Bridging with Primary and Senior Secondary Levels

• Transition from Primary
  • From naming organs to exploring body systems in action
  • Gradual introduction to independent use of microscopes
• Preparation for DSE Biology
  • Grade 9 students begin reading scientific literature
  • Early exposure to biochemistry concepts (e.g., enzyme activity factors)

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8. New Curriculum Developments (2024 Updates)

• Biotechnology Expansion
  • CRISPR gene editing animations
  • Ethical debates on stem cell therapies
• Ecological Sustainability Projects
  • Chinese white dolphin conservation efforts
  • School-based rain garden initiatives

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9. How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

• At-home biology activities
  • Make yogurt to observe bacterial growth
  • Journal the germination of bean sprouts
• Outreach and Exploration
  • Visit Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden
  • Participate in “Young Naturalist” programs
• Recommended Reads
  • Our Bodies (interactive pop-up book)
  • Youth version of Silent Spring

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2024 Biology Education Stats in Hong Kong

• Lab safety compliance: 91% of schools
• Annual practical lab hours: 50 hours (~35% of total instruction)
• DSE Biology uptake: 45% of science-track students

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Note: For official curriculum guidelines and updates, visit the Hong Kong Education Bureau website.

Editor: Professor Jonathan Chan | Executive Editor: Eric Lau