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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

Combined science is divided into two sections.  Each section is delivered by a different teacher. Both sections include topics that draw together and apply key concepts. Examples in Life and environmental sciences include Radiation and risk and The Earth’s atmosphere. In these topics, earlier work on atomic structure, waves and electromagnetic radiation is used to explain the effects of different types of radiation on human tissues and on the climate. An example in Physical sciences is Resources of materials and energy, which introduces life cycle assessment as a way of evaluating the impacts of using materials and energy to manufacture useful products.

GCSE specifications in Physics should enable students to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of physics
• develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on physics through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The GCSE specification in biology enables students to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of biology
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of biology through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on biology through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The GCSE specification in chemistry enables students to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through chemistry
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on chemistry through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.