Biology is one of the core science subjects taught in Senior Secondary School (SSS1–SSS3) across Nigeria. The SS1 Biology Scheme of Work marks the beginning of structured scientific study that prepares students for WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and other national examinations.
This comprehensive, updated article provides the complete NERDC-aligned SS1 Biology Scheme of Work for all three terms—First, Second, and Third Term. It includes:
- Weekly breakdown of topics
- Detailed topic overviews
- Learning objectives
- Suggested teacher activities
- Practical activities
- Assessment methods
- Instructional materials
- Revision and exam-preparation strategies
This guide is ideal for biology teachers, school administrators, curriculum planners, homeschooling parents, and students seeking to study ahead.
OVERVIEW OF SS1 BIOLOGY CURRICULUM
The Senior Secondary Biology curriculum aims to:
- Build a strong foundation in life sciences.
- Develop scientific observation and practical laboratory skills.
- Prepare learners for advanced topics in SS2 and SS3.
- Equip students with knowledge applicable to everyday life.
- Instill curiosity and appreciation for living organisms and the environment.
The official curriculum is designed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and used in both public and private schools nationwide.
SS1 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK — FIRST TERM
The SS1 First Term Biology Scheme introduces foundational biological concepts essential for understanding the rest of the subject.
WEEK 1 — Meaning and Scope of Biology
Content
- Definition of Biology
- Branches of Biology (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Ecology, Genetics, Anatomy, Physiology, etc.)
- Importance of Biology in medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, environment, biotechnology, etc.
Learning Objectives
Students should be able to:
- Define biology accurately
- Identify and classify branches of biology
- Explain the relevance of biology to everyday life
Activities
- Group discussion on careers in biological sciences
- Display of charts showing branches of biology
WEEK 2 — Living and Non-Living Things
Content
- Characteristics of living things (MR NIGER D: Movement, Respiration, Nutrition, Irritability, Growth, Excretion, Reproduction, Death)
- Differences between living and non-living things
- Classification of things in the environment
Activities
- Sorting activity—students classify pictures into living and non-living things
- Observation of plants and animals around the school
WEEK 3 — Cell as the Basic Unit of Life
Content
- Cell theory
- Types of cells: Plant vs animal cells
- Unicellular vs multicellular organisms
Learning Objectives
Students should be able to:
- State the cell theory
- Draw and label plant and animal cells
- Explain differences between plant and animal cells
Activities
- Microscopy practical: observing onion cells and cheek cells
- Drawing exercises
WEEK 4 — Cell Structure and Functions
Content
- Cell organelles: nucleus, mitochondrion, ribosomes, chloroplast, cell wall, vacuole, cytoplasm
- Functions of each organelle
Activities
- Matching organelles to their functions
- Group presentation: “The Cell as a Factory” analogy
WEEK 5 — Organization of Life
Content
- Hierarchy of biological organization: cell → tissue → organ → system → organism
- Specialized cells
Activities
- Students construct flowcharts
- Identification of organs on charts/models
WEEK 6 — Classification of Living Organisms
Content
- Classification systems (Aristotle, Linnaeus)
- Binomial nomenclature
- Five-kingdom system (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia)
Activities
- Students write binomial names of common organisms
- Chart display of kingdoms
WEEK 7 — The Plant Kingdom
Content
- Major plant groups (thallophytes, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms)
- Differences between monocots and dicots
Activities
- Collection of leaves/flowers for classification
- Drawing monocot vs dicot seed
WEEK 8 — The Animal Kingdom
Content
- Invertebrates vs vertebrates
- Classes of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals)
- Examples and characteristics
Activities
- Chart labeling
- Group research presentations
WEEK 9 — Microorganisms
Content
- Types: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa
- Useful and harmful microorganisms
Activities
- Simple culture demonstration (bread mold)
- Class debate: “Microbes—Friends or Foes?”
WEEK 10 — Laboratory Rules & Safety
Content
- Safety precautions
- Laboratory apparatus and their uses
Activities
- Tour of the school laboratory
- Identification of apparatus
WEEK 11 — Revision
WEEK 12 — Examination
Also Read : SS1 Mathematics Scheme of Work for First Term
SS1 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK — SECOND TERM
The SS1 Second Term Biology Scheme focuses on ecology, environment, nutrition, and plant/animal relationships.
WEEK 1 — The Environment
Content
- Meaning of environment
- Biotic and abiotic factors
- Components of terrestrial and aquatic environments
Activities
- Students list abiotic factors in their surroundings
- Field observation
WEEK 2 — Ecosystem
Content
- Definition
- Components (producers, consumers, decomposers)
- Food chains and food webs
- Ecological niche
Activities
- Students draw food chains/webs
- Identify organisms and their roles
WEEK 3 — Ecological Factors
Content
- Climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, humidity)
- Edaphic factors (soil type, pH)
- Biotic interactions (competition, parasitism, mutualism)
Activities
- Soil testing practical
- Group case studies on ecological relationships
WEEK 4 — Tolerance and Adaptation
Content
- Meaning of adaptation
- Adaptation of organisms to aquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal habitats
Activities
- Students create posters on adaptive features
- Video observation of animals in their habitats
WEEK 5 — Energy Flow in Nature
Content
- Solar energy
- Energy pyramid
- Trophic levels
Activities
- Model building (energy pyramid using cardboard)
WEEK 6 — Nutritional Processes in Plants
Content
- Photosynthesis
- Mineral requirements of plants
- Importance of chlorophyll and sunlight
Activities
- Photosynthesis experiment (destarching leaves)
- Testing for starch
WEEK 7 — Modes of Nutrition
Content
- Autotrophic vs heterotrophic nutrition
- Parasitism, saprophytism, carnivory
Activities
- Observation of parasitic plants around school
- Carnivorous plant videos/documentaries
WEEK 8 — Soil and Its Importance
Content
- Composition of soil (air, water, humus, minerals)
- Soil profile
- Soil fertility
Activities
- Soil sample collection
- Soil texture identification
WEEK 9 — Practical Ecology (Fieldwork)
Content
- Quadrat sampling
- Population estimation
- Density distribution
Activities
- School field quadrat study
- Data recording and analysis
WEEK 10 — Pollution and Conservation
Content
- Types of pollution
- Effects of pollutants
- Conservation practices
Activities
- Environmental cleanup exercise
- Creating environmental awareness posters
WEEK 11 — Revision
WEEK 12 — Examination
SS1 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK — THIRD TERM
Third Term Biology in SS1 covers foundational physiology and human biology.
WEEK 1 — Transport System in Plants
Content
- Water absorption and movement
- Transpiration
- Xylem and phloem
Activities
- Dye-in-water stem experiment
WEEK 2 — Transport System in Animals
Content
- Circulatory system
- Types: open vs closed
- Components of blood
Activities
- Chart labeling of circulatory system
WEEK 3 — The Skeletal System
Content
- Parts/functions of the skeleton
- Types of bones
- Joints and movement
Activities
- Observation of bone models
WEEK 4 — Excretion in Plants and Animals
Content
- Excretory structures
- Kidneys, nephrons
- Transpiration and guttation in plants
Activities
- Kidney model demonstration
WEEK 5 — Respiratory System in Humans
Content
- Breathing mechanism
- Gas exchange
- Diseases of the respiratory system
Activities
- Spirometer demonstration (if available)
WEEK 6 — Nutrition in Humans
Content
- Types of food
- Balanced diet
- Digestive system anatomy
Activities
- Food nutrient experiment
- Drawing digestive system
WEEK 7 — Reproductive System
Content
- Male and female reproductive organs
- Menstrual cycle
- Fertilization
Activities
- Labeling diagrams
- Group discussion
WEEK 8 — Growth and Development
Content
- Growth curves
- Mitosis vs meiosis
- Factors affecting growth
Activities
- Students draw growth curves
WEEK 9 — Homeostasis
Content
- Regulation of temperature, water, salt, blood sugar
- Hormonal control
Activities
- Charts and case studies
WEEK 10 — Revision
WEEK 11 — Examination
TEACHING MATERIALS & RESOURCES FOR SS1 BIOLOGY
Teachers should use:
- Biology textbook (NERDC recommended)
- Laboratory apparatus
- Microscopes
- Prepared slides
- Plant/animal specimens
- Models (skeleton, heart, kidney)
- Instructional videos
- Charts and diagrams
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY (FOR ALL TERMS)
Continuous Assessment (40%)
- Class tests
- Practical reports
- Assignments
- Project work
Examination (60%)
- Objective test
- Theory questions
- Practical evaluation
WHY THIS SS1 BIOLOGY SCHEME OF WORK MATTERS
Using a well-structured scheme ensures:
- Lesson consistency
- Smooth planning
- Curriculum coverage
- Better student performance
- WAEC/NECO readiness
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive SS1 Biology Scheme of Work for First, Second and Third Term provides everything needed for effective lesson planning, teaching, and student preparation. It follows the NERDC curriculum used in Nigerian secondary schools and aligns with WAEC/NECO examination standards.