Home > Curriculum > [wpseo_breadcrumb]
KS3 Science
Please click on the links below to find out more about each unit.
Cells
Overview
Students will learn about cells as the fundamental unit of living things. They will observe, interpret and record observations using a microscope. Students will learn the different parts of the animal, plant, bacteria and specialised cells. Students will also revisit the organisation of multicellular organisms.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD16 – Creative learning (model cells), PD29 – Responding positively to artist opportunities and PD21 – Social skills/backgrounds.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.2 – No discrimination and No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely.
Example Key Words
Prokaryote
These cells do not contain membrane bound organelles such as a nucleus and mitochondria.
Eukaryote
Cells of animals, plants and fungi are called eukaryotic cells. They contain membrane bound organelles such as a nucleus and mitochondria.
Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Specialised
Specialised cells have a specific role to perform. Each specialised cell has a different job to do, they have special features that allow them to do these jobs.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semi permeable membrane.
Animal Reproduction
Overview
Students will learn about human reproduction. They will discuss the the differences between the sexes, puberty and how a baby is made. Students will learrn about gestation and how a baby’s needs are met before it is born.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD2 – developing and deepening pupils’ understanding of the FBV of democracy, individual liberty, rule of law and mutual respect and tolerance and PD15 – sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Hormones
Chemical messengers carried in the blood stream.
Gametes
An organisms reproductive cells.
Fertilisation
The joining together of a male and female gamete to form a zygote.
Gestation
The development period inside the womb between conception and birth.
Placenta
Temporary fetal organ that begins developing shortly after the fertilsed egg cell implants in the womb.
Muscles and Skeleton
Overview
Students will learn about the structure and function of muscles and the skeletons. They will focus on their interaction and how muscles work together.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Fascination in learning about themselves.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.6 – Life, survival and development and No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely.
Example Key Words
Skeleton
Part of the body that provides support, shape and protection to the soft tissue and organs of animals.
Antagonistic muscle
A muscle that opposes the action of another.
Muscles
A contractile tissue found in animals.
Tendons
Band of connective tissue
Ligaments
Fibrous bundles of collagenous fibres.
Gas Excange and respiration
Overview
Students will learn about the structure and function of the lungs. They will look at the breathing mechanism and the impact asthma and smoking have on our lungs. Students will investigate aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the difference and similarities.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD19 – Understanding the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Anaerobic respiration
Chemical reaction that transfers energy to cells without the use of oxygen.
Aerobic respiration
Chemical reaction that transfers energy to cells.
Asthma
Lung condition that can cause breathing difficulties.
Ventillation
Movement of air between the atmosphere and the lungs.
Lungs
Spongy air filled organs on either side of the chest.
Ecology and ecosystems
Overview
Students will observe different ecosystems and complete fieldwork. They will also learn about plant reproduction and disect a flower. Students will learn about pollution in food chains and how we can ensure we keep our planet safe.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD19: Understanding the consequences of their behaviour and actions and PD22 – Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and the ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Pollination
The transfer of pollen from a male part of a plant to a female part of a plant.
Biomass
The mass of living material.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular ecosystem.
Bioaccumulation
The build up of chemicals throught the food chain.
Ecosystem
A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
PACE
Overview
Students will learn about the particle model and states of matter. From there they will study more fundamentals of chemistry including the structure of the atom in terms of subatomic particles, soluble and insoluble substances, and describe and explain the difference between elements, compounds and mixtures. They will also investigate a range of separation techniques (filtration, evaporation and distillation).
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes:PD2 – developing mutual respect / tolerance (practical work), PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination, PD16 – Imagination and creativity and PD17 – reflecting on experiences.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.2 – No discrimination and No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely.
Example Key Words
Atom
The basic unit of a chemical element.
Nucleus
Central part of an atom, contains the protons and neutrons.
Electron
Negatively charge sub-atomic particle. Found in shells orbitting the nucleus.
Proton
Positively charged sub atomic particle with a mass of 1, found in the nucleus.
Neutron
Neutral sub atomic particle with a mass of 1, found in the nuclues.
Element
A substance made of only 1 type of atom. They are found on the Periodic Table.
Chemical Reactions 1
Overview
Students will build upon the fundamentals learnt in PACE and see how chemical reactions occur between reactants to form new products. They will be introduced to the basics of quantitative chemistry with the conservation of mass law, and investigate key reaction types including: combustion, oxidation and thermal decompositions.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD2 – developing mutual respect / tolerance (practical work), PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination, PD17 – reflecting on experiences and PD22 – working and socialising with other students.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Combustion
Combustion is the scientific word for burning.
Oxidation
Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion.
Displacement
When a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compounds.
Neutralisation
This is a chemical reaction in which acid and an alkali react with each other to form a neutral solution.
pH
pH is a measure of how acidic/basic a solution is, on a scale from 0 -14.
Acid
An acid is any substance that in water solution changes blue litmus paper to red, reacts with some metals to release hydrogen and reacts with bases to form salts.
Earth, its Resources and Atmosphere
Overview
Students will learn about the composition of the Earth by being able to describe its layered structure. They will see how the formation of the three types of rocks found on Earth; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic are all part of larger continuous cycle called the rock cycle.They will focus on the Earth as a source of limited resources and the importance of recycling. Lastly, students will look at the carbon cycle and the delicate composition of Earth’s atmosphere. Students will realise that the production of carbon dioxide by human activity has a large impact on our climate.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes:PD13 – Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life, PD14 – Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values and PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.12 – Respect for children’s views and No.29 – Aims of Education.
Example Key Words
Crust
The crust describes the outermost shell of Earth and is made of solid rocks and minerals.
Core
Earth’s core is the very hot, very dense center of our planet.
Mantle
The mantle has the properties of a solid, but can flow very slowly
Life cycle assessment
A life-cycle assessment or LCA is the route a product takes from beginning to the end of its life and looking at the impact of a manufactured product on the environment.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the broken remains of other rocks that become joined together.
Igneous
Igneous rocks form when hot, molten rock crystallises and solidifies.
Energy 1
Overview
Students will study the fundamentals of how energy is stored within systems, and how it can be transferred from one object to another e.g. from a hot object to a cool object.
The main SMSC/Personal development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them. PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 29 – Aims of Education.
Example Key Words
Energy Store
When a system changes there is a change in the way energy is stored.
Joules
The unit of measurement for energy, shortened to J., written as joules.
Conduction
The transfer of thermal energy through a material as particles vibrate.
Convection
The transfer of thermal energy through a liquid or gas.
Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted by a hot object.
Forces 1
Overview
Students will study the fundamentals of how forces can affect the behaviour of objects, including how to calculate resultant forces, weight and speed.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
PD25. Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 12 – Respect for Children’s views and No. 13 – Sharing thought freely
Example Key Words
Force
An interaction that causes a change in an object’s motion.
Contact force
An interaction between two objects that are physically touching one another.
Non-contact force
An interaction between two objects that are not physically touching one another.
Newton
The unit of force, shortened to N.
Resultant force
The overall force acting on an object.
Electricity 1
Overview
Students will study the fundamentals of current, potential difference and resistance within series and parallel circuits. They will learn how to set up a variety of circuits, and take measurements of properties within the circuit. They will learn the role of the National Grid in the transmission of electricity.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD16 – Use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 17 – Access to information
Example Key Words
Current
The rate at which charge flows through a circuit. Measured in Amps (A)
Potential Difference
The driving force that pushes electrical charge around a circuit. Measured in Volts (V)
Resistance
Anything in a circuit that reduces the flow of charge. Measured in Ohms (?)
Series circuit
Electrical circuits with one continuous loop of wire and components.
Parallel circuit
Electrical circuits with two or more loops of wire and components.
Space Physics 1
Overview
In this topic, students will beging to answer questions about where we are, and where we came from. They will contemplate the awe and wonder of the universe, by studying astronimical bodies, distances within the universe.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about the world around them.
PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 17 – Access to Information
Example Key Words
Solar System
The Solar System is the Sun and all the objects that orbit around it. The Sun is orbited by planets, asteroids, comets and other things.
Galaxy
Stars form immense groups called galaxies. A galaxy can contain many millions of stars, held together by the force of gravity.
Universe
The Universe is everything we can touch, feel, sense, measure or detect. It includes living things, planets, stars, galaxies, dust clouds, light and even time.
Satellite
A satellite is any object that is in orbit around a planet. These can be natural (e.g. moons) or artificial.
Orbit
An orbit is the path of an object around a particular point in space, e.g. the path the Moon takes around the Earth.
Digestion, Nutrition and Health
Overview
Students will be revisiting what is needed for a healthy diet by investigating what is in food. They will then link this to the energy requirements needed by different groups of people. Students will also learn about our digestive system and how medicinal and recrecreational drugs can affect the chemical balance of the body.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD19 – Understanding the consequences of their behaviour and actions, PD24 – The rule of law in relation to drugs and PD2 – Developing and deepening of pupils understanding of Fundamental British Values (Rule of Law).
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.3 – Best interests of the child, No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Obesity
A person who is very overweight.
Malnutrition
A condition that results from lack of sufficient nutrients in the body.
Digestion
Breaking down of food into small molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Enzyme
Proteins that act as biological catalysts.
Healthy Diet
Providing us with the right amount of energy from food and drink.
Photosynthesis
Overview
Students will investigate the process of photosynthesis. They will look at leaves under a microscope and find out about their adaptations. Finally, students will look at how photosynthesis and plants are incorporated into the carbon cycle.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Respiration
A chemical reaction that releases energy. This happens in all living cells.
Limiting factors
Factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis; Carbon dioxide, light and temperature.
Carbon Cycle
The movement of carbon through the environment.
Decomposition
The process of rotting/decay.
Inheritance
Overview
Students will look at what makes us individuals and find out about the scientists involved in the identification of DNA. They will learn about adaptations, variation, natural selection and extinction. Students will then look at the importance of biodiversity and gene banks.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD13 – Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, PD19 – Understanding the consequences of their behaviour and actions, PD25 – appreciating cultural differences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others and PD27 – Recognise things that we share in common with other cultures.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.29 – Aims of Education.
Example Key Words
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular ecosystem.
Extinction
When no living individuals of a species remain.
Natural Selection
The process by which species evolve.
Gene
A short section of DNA.
Chromosome
A long molecule of DNA found in the nucleus, which carries genes.
The Periodic Table
Overview
Students will build on their knowledge of elements and atomic structure from Year 7 by learning how The Periodic Table was developed and how it is arranged today. They will learn about the properties and uses of elements from key areas of the table including group 1 (the alkali metals), the transition metals, group 7 (the halogens), and group 0 (noble gases). Students will then focus on applied materials science, including study of the structure, properties and uses of ceramics, polymers and composite materials.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD14 – Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values, PD15. Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them and PD21 – Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others. on these issues.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Periodic Table
A table of the chemical elements arranged in order of atomic number.
Metals
Metals are shiny, especially when they are freshly cut. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Non-metals
An element or substance that is not a metal.
Alkali metals (Group 1)
Alkali metals include any of the six elements of Group 1 of the periodic table—lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium.
The halogens (Group 7)
The halogens include any of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
The noble gases (Group 0)
The noble gases are any of the gaseous elements helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
Chemical Reactions 2
Overview
This topic focusses on what chemical reactions are and how to evidence a chemial change occurring. Students will build upon their knowledge from year 7 (Chemical reactions 1) and touch upon different types of chemical reactions. There will be a practical element to this topic and the students will look at a variety of exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions and be able to show from their results which type of reaction has occurred.Towards the end of this topic students will appreciate why different methods are needed to extract metals from their ores.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes:PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, PD16 – Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – sharing thought freely and No. 28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Endothermic
A chemical reaction which absorbs energy from the surroundings.
Exothermic
A chemical reaction which releases energy to the surroundings.
Reactant
A substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction.
Product
Products are the substances formed from chemical reactions.
Oxidation
Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion.
Rusting
Iron oxidsing in the prescene of water to form hydrated iron (III) oxide. A form of corrosion.
Chemical Bonds
Overview
Following a recap on atomic structure, students will study the fundamentals of chemical bonds including ionic, covalent and metallic bonding. Students will then discover the properties of ionic compounds, and understand the difference between simple covalent and giant covalent substances. This includes work on the bonding, structure and uses of a range of allotropes of carbon (diamond, graphite, graphene and fullerenes).
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, PD16 – Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.17 – Access to Information.
Example Key Words
Electronic structure
The configuration of electrons in an atom.
Ionic bonding
Type of bond formed between a metal and non-metal involving the transfer of elctrons.
Covalent bonding
Type of bond formed between a non-metal and a non- metal involving the sharing of elctrons.
Metallic bonding
Type of bond formed between metal ions and delocalised electrons.
Allotrope
A different form of the same chemical element.
Diamond
A rare allotrope of carbon in its hardest form.
Forces 2
Overview
Students will build on their knowledge of forces from last year, focusing on how forces can change the shape and motion of objects. They will also study the impact of speed, weather and other factors on the stopping distance of cars. Pupils should review the keywords from Year 7 Forces.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Information
Example Key Words
Deformation
A change to an object caused by stretching forces. Inelastic – permanent change. Elastic – returns to its original shape.
Spring constant
A term which describes the stretchiness/stiffness of a spring.
Moment
The turning effect of a force. Measured in Newton-metres (Nm)
Pressure
Pressure is the force per unit area. It can be calculated with: P = F/A
Stopping distance
The sum of the distance the vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time (thinking distance) and the distance it travels under braking force (braking distance).
Particle Model of Matter 1
Overview
Students will study the fundamental behaviour of particles, ranging from density to gas pressure.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No17 – Access to Information.
Example Key Words
Density
Mass per unit volume. SI Unit is kg/m3, sometimes measured in g/cm3.
State
The form in which matter exists – solid, liquid or gas. Substances can change between states.
Evaporation
Occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into a gas. The liquid does not need to be at its boiling point.
Waves 1
Overview
Students will study the fundamental behaviour of waves, with a focus on the difference between tranverse and longitudinal waves, as well as light and sound.
The Main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freelt and No. 28 – Access to Education
Example Key Words
Transverse wave
A wave in which the energy transfer is perpendicular to the vibration of the wave.
Longitudinal wave
A wave in which the energy transfer is parallel to the vibration of the wave.
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position.
Wavelength
A measurement from one part of a wave to the same part of the next wave (typically from peak to peak).
Frequency
The number of waves that pass a point in one second. Measured in Hertz, Hz.
Magnetism 1
Overview
In this topic, students will cover the fundamental principles of magnetism, focussing on the magnetic field lines around a magnet and the Earth, the differences between permanent magnets and induced magnets, as well as the useful applications of magnets, e.g. in electromagnets and college bells.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
PD20 – Working Scientifically Assessments and hinge questions as formative assessment.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 17 – Access to Information.
Example Key Words
Magnetic material
Materials that are affected by a magnet: steel, nickel, iron and cobalt.
Magnetic field
The area around a magnet in which a non-contact force is exerted on another magnetic material. The arrows represent the direction in which a north pole would move.
Permanent Magnet
A magnet that cannot be turned off.
Induced magnet
A material that becomes a magnet when it is placed within a magnetic field.
Electromagnet
An electromagnet consists of a solenoid and a core. When current passes through the solenoid, a magnetic field is generated.
Basic Structures
Overview
Students will discover the similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokatryotic cells. They will then use microcopes to investigate these, record their observations and calculate image size and magnification. After looking at specialised cells students will also learn about cell division and cellular transport mechanisms.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences and PD20 – National assessments and examinations are useful indicators of pupils’ outcomes, but they only represent a sample of what pupils have learned.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely, No.17 – Access to Information and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Cell
Basic building block of all animals and plants.
Mitosis
A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semi permeable membrane.
Active transport
The movement of particles from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration using energy from respiration.
Body 1: The Heart
Overview
Students will investigate how the heart works. They will link back to the lungs and the adaptations that ensure good gas diffusion. Students will then learn about coronary heart disease. Finally, students will look at how our body responds to exercise.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely, No.24 – Health, water, food and environment and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Respiration
A chemical reaction that releases energy. This happens in all living cells.
Blood
Body fluid that delivers nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports waste away from the cells.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen from the body back to the heart.
Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood that is high in oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body.
Body 2: Disease
Overview
Students will learn about communicable and non communicable diseases. They will look at the different types of pathogens and our body’s defence system. Finally, they will look at drug develpment, resistant bacteria and vaccinations.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences and PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.6 – Life ,survival and development, No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Vaccination
Helps the immune system develop protection from a disease.
Bacteria
A prokaryote. A single celled organism.
Virus
An infectious agent that can only multiply in living cells of animals, plants or bacteria.
Fungi
A group of spore producing organisms feeding on organic matter. Including; molds, yeast and mushrooms.
Protist
A pathogen that is often transferred to toher organisms by a vector, which doesn’t get the disease itself. An example of a protist is malaria.
Plants
Overview
Students will be investigating plant structure and function and linking their knowledge to photosythesis, transpiration and translocation. They will then learn about plant diseases and plant hormones.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Xylem
A type of plant tissue which transports water and mineral ions around the plant.
Phloem
A type of plant tissue which transports dissolved sugars around the plant.
Auxin
A plant hormone that controlls the growth of a plant in response to different stimuli
Topism
The turning of all or part of an organism in a particular direction in response to an external stimulus.
External Links
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/plant-tissue-cnh32t
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/plant-roots-61k3jr
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/transport-in-plants-6rr38c
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/investigating-transpiration-6tjk0r
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyk8msg/revision/1
Atoms and Bonding
Overview
Students will build upon their work in the previous topic and study the history of the atomic model, how and why is has changed and evolved over the years. Pupils will then learn how to calculate relative atomic mass numbers using isotopic % abundance data. This topic also covers a recap of the key sections of The Periodic Table, types of bonding, and study of nanoparticles (their size, properties and applications).
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves and the world around them, PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences and PD20 – National assessments and examinations for indicators of pupil outcomes.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Atomic structure
The structure of an atom including protons, neutrons and electrons.
Plum pudding model
Early model of the atom containing a solid positive sphere and embedded electrons.
Nuclear model
A model of the atom contaiing a central nucleus and surrounding orbiting electrons.
Electronic structure
The configuration of electrons in an atom.
Ionic bonding
Type of bond formed between a metal and non-metal involving the transfer of elctrons.
Covalent bonding
Type of bond formed between a non-metal and a non- metal involving the sharing of elctrons.
Quantitative
Overview
Students will be implementing their mathmatical knowledge by using a variety of equations to solve simple chemical problems. Students will learn how to calculate the chemical ‘mole’ and then extend this knowledge to calculate the concentration of a solution in relation to the mass of solute and the volume of solvent. They will determine the empirical formulae from the ratio of atoms and balance both chemical equations and ionic equations.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD20 – National assessments and examinations for indicators of pupil outcomes, PD22 – Use a range of skills in different contexts and PD23 – WIllingness to participate in a variety of contexts.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Conservation of Mass
A chemical law which states that the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products when a reaction has occurred.
Concentration
A measure of how much solute is dissolved within a particular volume of solvent.
Mole
A chemical quantity equal to Avagradro’s number (6.02×10^23).
Relative formula mass
The average mass of one atom of an element, compared to the isotope carbon-12.
Titration
A practical method used for very accurate neutralisation reactions to calculate unknown concentrations.
Atom economy
A measure of how many reactant atoms going into forming the useful product during a chemical reaction.
Chemical Changes
Overview
This topic ties together a lot of fundamental theory work from KS3 with practical elements. Pupils will study the reactivity series of metals and REDOX reactions, and learn about acid reactions and their relative strengths. Acid-base titrations will be studied which links to some of the quantitative chemistry pupils studied last year. The students will also complete work on synthesising soluble salts, electrolysis and the extraction of metals.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD15 – Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, PD16 – Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and PD17 – Willingness to reflect on their experiences.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Reactivity series
A list of common metals ordered by their reactivity from highest to lowest.
Reduction
The removal of oxygen, or gain of electrons to a chemical during a reaction.
Oxidation
Oxidation is the gain of oxygen or loss of electrons during a reaction to a molecule, atom or ion.
Soluble
A substance which can be dissolved by a solvent.
Salt
A neutral crystaline product formed from acid – base neutralisation reactions.
Extraction
The method used to obtain a pure metal from its ore.
Energy Changes
Overview
This topic focusses on the measurement of energy changes in chemical reactions. Students will look into the following ideas; exothermic and endothermic reactions, activation energy and reaction profiles. They will then move onto calculate energy changes of reactions and study how fuel cells and batteries work.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD22 – Use a range of skills in different contexts, PD23 – WIllingness to participate in a variety of contexts and PD24 – develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No.13 – Sharing thoughts freely, No.17 – Access to Information and No.28 – Access to Education.
Example Key Words
Exothermic
A chemical reaction which releases energy to the surroundings.
Endothermic
A chemical reaction which absorbs energy from the surroundings.
Activation energy
The mimiumum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur.
Reaction profile
Sketch graph showing the energy changes during a chemical reaction.
Reactant
A substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction.
Product
Products are the substances formed from chemical reactions.
Energy 2
Overview
In this topic, students build on their knowledge of Energy from Year 7, with a focus on energy being transferred between stores. There is a greater focus on power and efficiency, in particular looking at energy bills, and non-renewable and renewable energy resources.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD21 – Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education
Example Key Words
Store
When a system changes there is a change in the way energy is stored.
Work Done
When a force causes an object to move, energy is transferred. This is called work done.
Power
The rate at which energy is transferred. Measured in Watts, W. Power = energy/time
Renewable
A resource that is used at the same rate at which it is replaced. It can be replenished (within a human lifespan).
Non-renewable
“A resource that is used and not replaced. It cannot be replenished.”
Forces 3
Overview
In this topic, students build on their knowledge of forces from Year 7 and Year 8. There is a greater focus on the impact of forces on the speed, velocity and acceleration of objects.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD22 – Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education
Example Key Words
Scalar
A quantity that has magnitude only e.g. speed, distance
Vector
A quantity that has magnitude and direction e.g. a force, velocity
Resultant force
The overall force acting on an object, which is most often the sum of multiple individual forces. This should have magnitude and direction.
Acceleration
An object that speeds up is accelerating. The average acceleration of an object can be calculated using the equation acceleration = change in velocity/time taken
Proportional
A mathematical term which describes the relationship between two variables. If one increases the other increases by the same factor. E.g. if one doubles, the other also doubles.
Particle Model of Matter 2
Overview
Students build on their understanding of the behaviour of particles, with a focus on the effect of transferring energy to them. Students will investigate the impact of specific heat capacity and specific latent heat on the physical changes that occur to a substance as energy is transferred to it.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic include: PD20 – Hinge point and exam questions as first-hand assessment of pupils’ work.
PD22 – Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education
Example Key Words
Density
Mass per unit volume. Measured in (typically) kg/m3 or g/cm3
Pressure
Pressure is the force applied to a particle area. It is calculated by force/area. Measured in Pascals, Pa.
Specific Heat Capacity
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1 °C. Measured in J/kg°C
Specific Latent Heat
The amount of energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance. Fusion – from solid to liquid, Vapourisation – from liquid to gas.
Internal energy
The sum of the kinetic and potential energy stored by the particles of a substance.
Electricity 2
Overview
In this topic, we build on the knowledge gained from Year 7. Students use their mathematical skills to calculate various unknowns in electrical circuits, including the use of Ohm’s Law, Electrical Charge, Potential Difference and the behaviour of resistors in series and parallel circuits. We take a closer look at electricity in the home, with a focus on the wires within a plug and the difference between AC and DC.
The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD22 – Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education
Example Key Words
Earth wire
A copper wire coated in striped plastic that provides a path for current to flow from the case of the device to the ground if there is a fault.
Live wire
A copper wire coated with brown plastic, along which the current enters the device
Neutral wire
A Copper wire coated with blue plastic that also connects to the cable in the wall and completes the circuit
Alternating current
Also called ac. An electric current that regularly changes its direction and size.
Direct current
Also called dc. An electric current that flows in one direction only.