The new curriculum for pupils in key stage 3 places less emphasis on science content and more emphasis on How Science Works skills. The new course we are using incorporates all the different aspects of How Science Works, including evaluating different opinions about scientific phenomena, weighing up evidence along with the usual investigations but delivers it in a dynamic and interesting way. In year 8 pupils continue to develop the skills, concepts and knowledge they will need to allow them to be well equipped for their GCSEs in Years 10 and 11.
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Terms 1 and 2 |
Systems for survival |
Pupils will look at health and diet, the digestive system and respiration.
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How do living things interact? |
Pupils will explore ecological relationships in terms of interdependence, competition in food webs along with behaviour in animals.
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What in a reaction? |
Pupils will investigate the difference between atoms, elements and compounds. They will look in details at the periodic table and how elements combine. They will also have a chance to discuss the applications of new chemicals including ethical and moral responsibility |
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Terms 3 and 4 |
Heating and cooling |
Pupils will consider what scientist mean by heat and temperature. They will use the particle model to explain how heat is transferred through solids, liquids and gases. They will find out about infrared radiation and some of the problems encountered with heat loss/gain in materials.
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Exploring magnetism |
Pupils explore the basics of magnets, expanding their KS2 knowledge and then linking it to the Earth’s magnetic field. They will go on to investigate electromagnetism and its application.
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Rocks and their Uses |
Pupils look at different forms of weathering and then move on to look at the three main types of rock. The last section covers the rock cycle and then volcanoes.
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Terms 5 and 6 |
How do we stay healthy |
Pupils will learn about microbes and diseases. They will look at how the body fights infections as well as discussing antibiotics and vaccinations.
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Finding out about light and sound |
Pupils will investigate how light travels, reflection and refraction and look at coloured filters and their affect on white light. The second part of the chapter investigates sound waves, how the ear works and finishes off looking at how sound can be harmful.
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Range of Activities
Each topic is divided into double page spreads. Each spread covers a small amount of National Curriculum subject matter and at the same time develops one or more process skills. This could involve pupils in investigatory work or may require group discussion or presentations. Pupils may be asked to apply what they have learnt, evaluate or interpret their own or secondary sources of data or make predictions or hypotheses about more familiar situations. The textbook is available on a CD that pupils can take home for further study and/or consolidation of learning. It is also on the school intranet so pupils can have access in the school library.
Homework
There is one science homework task each week for year 8 pupils. This can involve written follow up work from class or it could be a research exercise on the current theme. Occasionally pupils are asked to do small practical tasks at home, but none is likely to involve anything other than normal household materials.
Assessment
As well as regular informal assessment during lessons, there will be three formal tests during the year, which last approximately 50 minutes, and are designed to discover how much pupils have learnt during the term. The analysis of the results allows continuous assessment of a pupil's progress to be maintained. Shorter, less formal tests are available at the end of each topic.