Scientific skills in Years 7 and 8
Scientific attitudes
- Pupils are taught to pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
- Understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review
- Evaluate risks
Experimental skills and investigations
- Students are encouraged to ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
- Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
- Select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables
- Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety
- Make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements
- Apply sampling techniques
Analysis and evaluation
- Apply mathematical concepts and calculate results
- Present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs
- Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions
- Present reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses
- Evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error
- Identify further questions arising from their results
Measurement
- Understand and use SI units and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical nomenclature
- Use and derive simple equations and carry out appropriate calculations
- Undertake basic data analysis including simple statistical techniques
Scientific knowledge and skills in Year 9
The principal focus of science teaching in Year 9 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. Examples of these big ideas are the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions. Students are also encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.
Scientific attitudes
- Pupils are taught to pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
- Understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review
- Evaluate risks
Experimental skills and investigations
- Students are encouraged to ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
- Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
- Select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables
- Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety
- Make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements
- Apply sampling techniques
Analysis and evaluation
- Apply mathematical concepts and calculate results
- Present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs
- Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions
- Present reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses
- Evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error
- Identify further questions arising from their results
Measurement
- Understand and use SI units and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical nomenclature
- Use and derive simple equations and carry out appropriate calculations
- Undertake basic data analysis including simple statistical techniques
All of these areas are delivered alongside the department’s homework tool – Tassomai. Students will be introduced to a range of curriculum content from all KS3 areas via Tassomai. This enables them to be ambitious with their learning, pre-learn topics and develop their recall skills.
