Science Spring Term

Learners will continue with the rota they started last term of gas exchange, chemical patterns and light & sound. Once they have finished this they will then continue with a rota of relationships, chemical reactions and circuits & magnets

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.

Relationships; In this unit learners will explore how plants and animals interact and the importance of these relationships in maintaining our planet. They will learn about how both plants and animals reproduce and how genes are passed on from one generation to the next as well as exploring how species have evolved over time. Learners will have the opportunity to have a go at sampling our school ecosystem and learn more about how humans are impacting on the world around them.

Chemical reactions; This unit is about understanding how different substances react with each other. Learners will be introduced by learning that new substances are made during chemical reactions. They will cover the two categories of reactions; exothermic and endothermic. They will cover in depth the following reactions; combustion, thermal decomposition, oxidation, displacement and neutralisation, including making salt crystals. They will then move onto how we can speed up chemical reactions. Learners will look to develop their scientific maths skills throughout this unit such as using reaction profile diagrams and calculating how much energy is transferred during a chemical reaction. They will finish the unit on balancing symbol equations. 

Circuits and magnets; During this study period, learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of electrical circuits, current and voltage. Learners will learn about the different components used in constructing electrical circuits and their functions. Learners will explore the phenomena of potential difference, current, resistance, power and learn how they interact with each other. Learners should be able to compare the properties of series and parallel circuits and evaluate their uses as well as discuss the role of magnets and electromagnets. Learners will apply their understanding of the properties and behaviour of electrical components to consider their uses in the technological world and the home. Learners will consider where our electricity comes from and will evaluate the ethical considerations of different energy sources. 

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, relationships, chemical reactions, circuits & magnets 

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.