Science Autumn Term

Learners will be taught the following topics on a rota;

Gas exchange; during this study period learners will learn how both plants and animals use the process of diffusion to move useful substances in and remove waste products. Learners will build on their knowledge of different cells, tissues, organs and organ systems from C7 by exploring how different tissues, organs and organ systems work together to keep the organism alive with a focus on the key processes of respiration and photosynthesis. Learners will begin by looking at the circulatory and respiratory system in detail then see how these 2 systems work together to ensure respiration occurs. They will compare the different types of respiration and consider how the demands of exercise impact on heart and breathing rate. Learners will explore how plants keep themselves alive through the process of photosynthesis considering how reactants and products enter/leave and move around the organism. They will discover how the rate of photosynthesis can be manipulated by farmers to maximise crop growth as well as developing practical skills including making predictions, observations, analysis of data and reaching conclusions based on evidence from investigations.

Chemical patterns; within this study period, learners will discover how the properties and reactivity of elements are related to their position in the periodic table and their atomic structure (which they have covered in C7).  Covering topics such as; structure of an atom, periodic table, group 1 and 7 elements and different types of chemical bonds. We will also explore the history of the periodic table including how different scientists tried to organise elements and why Mendeleev's periodic table was chosen. This is a great example of how scientific ideas and explanations can change over time with new evidence. They will get to discuss the importance of many chemical reactions and processes to society, including those involving compounds of carbon.

Light & sound; During this study period, learners will learn the key properties of waves, specifically focussing on light waves and sound. Learners will learn about the physical properties of light and sound such as wave speed, frequency and wavelength. Learners should be able to compare the properties of light waves, sound waves and water waves. Learners will also learn about how waves are reflected, absorbed and refracted. Learners will apply their understanding of the properties and behaviour of waves to consider their uses in the technological world and within the human body. Learners will develop their practical skills throughout the study period and are introduced to one of the GCSE required practicals. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop the mathematical skills that will be required in their GCSE exams through calculations and the use of equations

Gas exchange, chemical patterns, light & sound 

End of unit assessment will consist of a 40 mark test

Midway assessment set by class teacher which could be an exam question

Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways.  These include marked assessments, reports, feedback in books, 1:1 interaction, Google Classroom.