NCERT has removed a chapter on the periodic table of elements, among other topics, from the Class 10 science textbook
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to drop the topic of the ‘periodic table’ from the textbook of Science for Class 10 students of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The chapter from the textbook has been deleted as a part of ‘rationalisation’ to reduce the ‘burden on students.Apart from this, topics such as environmental sustainability and sources of energy have been removed from the Science book.
At the beginning of the year, there was a lot of uproar over the removal of the theory of development from the 10th standard syllabus. More than 1,800 scientists and educators wrote an open letter expressing concern. The government, however, dismissed all the criticisms.
However, the students will be allowed to study these topics, only if they choose relevant subjects in class 11 and class 12.
NCERT says, ”syllabus is being rationalized due to the coronavirus pandemic”
The NCERT website states that it is imperative to reduce content load on students in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Education Policy 2020, also emphasises reducing the content load and providing opportunities for experiential learning with creative mindset, the NCERT said.