The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) recently implemented a “rationalization” exercise that involved removing a chapter from the Class 10 Science textbook. The chapter in question, titled ‘Classification in Elements and Periodicity in Properties,’ delved into the essential concept of the Periodic Table. This move aims to reduce the content load on students, particularly considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to note that the corresponding chapter in the Class 11 Chemistry textbook will still be retained.
The significance of the Periodic Table in understanding the fundamental building blocks of chemistry cannot be overstated. Despite this, NCERT made the decision to remove the chapter in order to alleviate the academic burden on Class 10 students.
In addition to the Periodic Table chapter, several other topics have also been discarded from various Science textbooks. The subject of ‘Evolution,’ including the Darwinian theory of natural selection, has been excluded from the Class 10 curriculum. However, it remains a part of the syllabus in the Class 12 Biology textbook. Furthermore, chapters on ‘Fibre and Fabrics’ have been removed from Science textbooks in Classes 6, 7, and 8.
It is worth noting the irony of certain deletions. For instance, the chapter on “Why do we fall ill” has been removed from the Class 9 Science textbook, despite introducing students to viruses and air-borne diseases like Covid-19. The rationale behind these changes is rooted in the aim to streamline and optimize the educational experience for students.
As the revised textbooks, containing these modifications, make their way into the market, educators and students alike will adapt to the updated curriculum. While some chapters have been removed, it is important for educators to supplement students’ knowledge in these areas to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
