Science - Year 8
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Biology Levels of organisation Breathing Gas exchange Chemistry Atoms Elements Compounds Chemical formulae Physics Forces Contact forces Resistive forces Non-contact forces Balanced and unbalanced forces | Biology Nutrients Food tests Unhealthy diet Digestive system Bacteria and enzymes in digestion Drugs Alcohol Smoking Chemistry Metals and non-metals Groups and periods of the periodic table The elements of group 1 The elements of group 7 The elements of group 0 Physics Forces Pressure in gases Pressure in liquids Pressure on solids Turning forces | Biology Aerobic respiration Anaerobic respiration Biotechnology: Making cheese, beer and bread Chemistry Chemical reactions Word equations Burning fuels Thermal decomposition Conservation of mass Physics Magnets Magnetic fields Electromagnets Using electromagnets | Biology Photosynthesis Leaves Plant minerals Chemosynthesis Chemistry Energy changes in chemical reactions Exothermic reactions Endothermic reactions Energy level diagrams Bond energies Physics Heating as energy transfer Conduction Convection Radiation | Biology DNA Inheritance Natural selection Evolution Extinction Chemistry The carbon cycle Climate change Global warming Recycling Physics Wave effects Wave properties Light Reflection Refraction The eye and the camera Colour | Biology DNA Genes Inheritance Selective breeding Genetic engineering Cloning Chemistry Atomic structure Evidence for atoms Discovering the periodic table Arrangement of the periodic table Physics The night sky The solar system The Earth The moon Discovering the Universe The Big Bang Spacecraft and satellites Mission to the moon |
| Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary | Biology: Exchange; Function; Transport; Absorb; Remove; Rely; Increase; Decrease; Circulate; Process; Efficient Respiration; Gas exchange; Oxygen; Carbon dioxide; Lungs; Trachea; Bronchi; Bronchioles; Alveoli; Diaphragm; Intercostal muscles; Inhalation / Exhalation; Ventilation; Capillaries; Diffusion; Haemoglobin; Red blood cells; Aerobic respiration; Anaerobic respiration; Energy release; Breathing rate Chemistry: Combine; Separate; Identify; Represent; React; Bond; Create; Simplify; Symbol; Change Atom; Element; Compound; Molecule; Chemical bond; Periodic table; Symbol (e.g., H, O, Na); Formula / Formulae; Subscript; Chemical reaction; Reactant; Product; Mixture; Pure substance; Chemical equation Physics: Opposite; Equal; Direction; Effect; Change; Increase / Decrease Force; Friction; Air resistance; Water resistance; Thrust; Gravity; Weight; Mass; Balanced force; Unbalanced force; Newton (N); Resultant force; Motion | Biology: Function; Break down; Absorb; Transport; Support; Energy; Respond; Structure; Process; Regulate Digestion; Nutrition; Diet; Malnutrition; Enzyme; Nutrient; Carbohydrate; Protein; Lipids; Fibre; Vitamin; Mineral; Mouth; Oesophagus; Stomach; Small intestine; Large intestine; Liver; Pancreas; Bile; Villi; Absorption; Mechanical digestion; Chemical digestion; Amylase; Protease; Lipase Chemistry: Displace; Predict; React; Compare; Arrange; Group; Property; Similarity; Pattern; Increase; Decrease Periodic table; Group; Period; Alkali metals; Halogens; Noble gases; Reactivity; Atomic number; Element; Compound; Metal / Non-metal; Displacement reaction; Boiling point; Melting point; Density; Conductivity Physics: Apply; Oppose; Balance; Support; Rotate; Increase; Decrease; Direction; Surface; Area Force; Pressure; Moment (turning force); Lever; Load; Effort; Newton (N); Pascal (Pa); Contact force; Fluid; Air pressure; Liquid pressure; Atmospheric pressure; Turning effect; Pivot | Biology: Process; Produce; Require; Release; Occur; Compare; Convert; Support; Energy; Limited Aerobic respiration; Anaerobic respiration; Glucose; Oxygen; Carbon dioxide; Lactic acid; Energy; Respiratory system; Mitochondria; Word equation; Chemical equation; Oxygen debt; Fermentation; Yeast; Exercise; Breathing rate; Heart rate Chemistry: React; Change; Combine; Identify; Create; Separate; Involve; Evidence; Transfer; Indicate Chemical reaction; Reactant; Product; Exothermic; Endothermic; Combustion; Neutralisation; Displacement; Thermal decomposition; Word equation; Balanced equation; Precipitate; Catalyst; Reactivity; Indicators Physics: Attract; Repel; Oppose; Position; Strength; Field; Detect; Arrange; Influence; Surround; Increase; Decrease; Connect; Complete; Conduct Magnet; Magnetic field; Magnetic poles; North seeking pole / South seeking pole; Bar magnet; Induced magnetism; Magnetic material; Compass; Field lines; Permanent magnet; Temporary magnet Solenoid; Coil; Iron core; Current; Switch; Electric circuit; Magnetic field strength | Biology: Convert; Process; Source; Require; Produce; Store; Support; Occur; Transfer; Enable Photosynthesis; Epidermis; Pallisade cell; Chloroplast; Chlorophyll; Carbon dioxide; Glucose; Oxygen; Sunlight / Light energy; Stomata; Guard cells; Word equation; Chemical equation; Limiting factor; Rate of photosynthesis; Chemosynthesis; Hydrothermal vents; Bacteria; Sulphur compounds Chemistry: Change; Increase; Decrease; Compare; Absorb; Release; React; Measure; Transfer; Result Exothermic reaction; Endothermic reaction; Temperature change; Energy transfer; Reaction profile; Activation energy; Bond breaking; Bond making; Energy level diagram; Combustion; Neutralisation; Displacement reaction; Thermometer; Insulation Physics: Transfer; Flow; Increase; Decrease; Direction; Spread; Surround; Contact; Conduct; Prevent Thermal energy; Heat transfer; Conduction; Convection; Radiation; Insulator; Conductor; Thermal conductor; Temperature; Specific heat capacity; Infrared radiation; Absorption; Surface area; Thermal equilibrium | Biology: Inherit; Pass on; Develop; Vary; Adapt; Survive; Select; Change; Compare; Explain DNA; Trait / Characteristic; Inherited; Variation (inherited/environmental; Reproduction; Mutation; Natural selection; Adaptation; Survival of the fittest; Evolution; Extinction; Species; Common ancestor; Fossil record Chemistry: Cycle; Release; Trap; Absorb; Increase; Contribute; Result; Impact; Reduce; Occur Carbon cycle; Carbon dioxide (CO₂); Combustion; Respiration; Photosynthesis; Decomposition; Fossil fuels; Climate change; Global warming; Greenhouse gases; Methane; Greenhouse effect; Deforestation; Carbon sink; Atmosphere; Emission; Carbon footprint; Recycle Physics: Travel; Reflect; Refract; Pass through; Transfer; Detect; Block; Spread; Direct Wave; Wavelength; Frequency; Amplitude; Transverse wave; Longitudinal wave; Reflection; Refraction; Absorption; Transmission; Light wave; Visible spectrum; White light; Prism; Mirror; Lens; Ray diagram; Angle of incidence; Angle of reflection; Dispersion; Normal line; Transparent; Translucent; Opaque | Biology: Inherit; Pass on; Control; Select; Modify; Transfer; Develop; Compare; Change; Ethical DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid); Gene; Chromosome; Trait / Characteristic; Genotype / Phenotype; Inheritance; Dominant / Recessive; Selective breeding; Genetic engineering; Cloning; Embryo; Genetic modification (GM); Mutation; Heredity; Variation; Ethical issues; Reproduction (sexual/asexual; Identical / Non-identical Chemistry: Structure; Arrange; Prove; Detect; Organise; Represent; Predict; Compare; Develop; Identify Atom; Element; Compound; Mixture; Proton; Neutron; Electron; Nucleus; Electron shell / energy level; Atomic number; Mass number; Periodic table; Group; Period; Mendeleev; Model of the atom; Dalton / Rutherford / Bohr; Subatomic particles; Reactivity trend; Symbol (e.g., H, He, O) Physics: Orbit; Rotate; Reflect; Observe; Explore; Expand; Support; Record; Predict; Discover Solar system; Planet; Moon; Star; Sun; Orbit; Rotation / Revolution; Galaxy; Universe; Milky Way; Telescope; Satellite; Spacecraft; Artificial satellite; Astronaut; Meteor / Asteroid / Comet; Phases of the Moon; Eclipse (solar/lunar); Gravity; Light year; Big Bang theory |
| Assessment | Baseline assessment of yr.7 knowledge and skills | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical Investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigation Summative assessment on: Breathing, Nutrition and digestion, Elements and Compounds, Metals and acids, Forces, Moments and Pressure | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment on: Respiration, Photosynthesis, Types of chemical reactions, Magnets and magnetic fields | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment on Inheritance, Genetics, The earth and atmosphere, Atomic structure and the periodic table, Light, Space physics |
| Cultural Capital Careers Cross Curricular Links | Respiratory System Importance of lung health, the dangers of smoking/vaping, air quality, and how exercise supports respiratory function. Doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist, biomedical scientist, and sports physiologist. PE through discussions on fitness, and PSHE via topics such as personal health responsibility. Atoms/Elements/Compounds Grasp the building blocks of matter, forming a foundation for understanding chemical reactions, everyday materials, and global scientific developments. Promotes interest in chemist, chemical engineer, materials scientist, pharmacist, and laboratory technician careers. Reinforces maths skills via chemical formulae/balancing equations. Balanced/Unbalanced Forces Real-world applications like transport safety, sports performance, architecture, and engineering design. Mechanical engineer, aerospace technician, civil engineer, and architect, showing how understanding forces is essential in design and innovation. All three topics offer opportunities to develop investigative skills, data handling, hypothesis testing, and critical thinking applicable across subjects and in life. | Nutrition/Digestion The importance of balanced diets, the impact of malnutrition globally, and how lifestyle choices affect long-term health. Dietician, nutritionist, personal trainer, gastroenterologist, and sports scientist. Connects with PE (how food fuels performance) and Food Technology (meal planning, macronutrients, food labels). Groups of the Periodic Table Group 1 metals, Group 7 halogens, and Group 0 noble gases, which are essential in batteries, disinfection, lighting, and more. Chemist, materials scientist, pharmacist, laboratory technician, and nuclear physicist Ties to history through the development of the Periodic Table (Mendeleev),and to maths through trends in atomic number and reactivity patterns. Pressure Explaining phenomena like blood pressure, hydraulic brakes, air travel, and scuba diving. Aerospace engineer, civil engineer, plumber, mechanic, doctor, and meteorologist. Strong ties to maths through calculations involving force and area, and to Design & Technology in understanding load-bearing and material stress. Environmental Context (All Topics): Opens discussions on sustainability, nutrition inequality, element use in green technologies, and how pressure relates to climate/weather systems. | Respiration Understand how the body produces energy, the impact of exercise, and real-life implications like fitness, recovery, and sports performance. Sports science, physiotherapy, personal training, biomedical science, and emergency medicine (e.g., CPR and oxygen debt). Combustion & Decomposition Understanding burning fuels, cooking, waste management, and food spoilage (e.g., composting and decay). Chemical engineers, fire safety officers, forensic scientists, environmental scientists, and waste managers. Ties to climate change, carbon emissions, and sustainable energy sources, linking to geography and citizenship topics. Magnetism & Electromagnets The role of electromagnets in modern devices and transport (e.g., maglev trains). Electrician, electrical engineer, MRI technician, railway engineer, and robotics designer. | Photosynthesis The essential role plants play in producing oxygen and food, linking to global issues like food security, climate change, and ecosystem health. Botanist, agricultural scientist, environmental consultant, forestry manager, and renewable energy researcher (biofuels). Energy Changes How energy is stored in everyday chemical reactions such as cooking, batteries, and industrial processes, enhancing practical scientific literacy. Chemical engineering, energy sector jobs, materials science, and pharmaceutical development. Links to DT in designing energy-efficient products or systems. Heat Transfer & Sustainability Awareness of energy efficiency, insulation, and sustainability, critical for understanding home heating, climate control, and renewable energy use. Mechanical engineer, building services engineer, environmental scientist, and energy auditor. Ties to geography through weather/climate systems and physics via the study of conduction, convection, and radiation. Ethical & Global Perspectives: Encourages discussion on sustainable energy use, climate action, and human impact on ecosystems, fostering global citizenship and environmental responsibility. | Inheritance & Evolution How evolution explains life’s diversity – essential for developing an informed view on biodiversity, health, and climate resilience. Geneticist, evolutionary biologist, paleontologist, zoologist, and roles in biomedical science. Supports respectful dialogue on science vs belief systems, and the historical development of evolutionary theory (e.g., Darwin, Lamarck). Rock Cycle Enhances understanding of Earth’s structure, natural resources, and geological timescales, supporting environmental awareness and resource sustainability. Geologist, seismologist, mining engineer, environmental consultant, and earth science researcher. Links to geography (types of rocks, plate tectonics, erosion) and art through studying the textures and colours of rocks and minerals. Light Waves How light is essential for vision, technology (e.g., cameras, glasses, fibre optics),and even art and perception, building awareness of light’s role in daily life. Optometrist, lighting technician, laser engineer, and telecommunications specialist. Explores colour theory, reflections, and refraction in art, links to design technology in lighting design, and ICT in understanding digital displays and fibre-optic communication. Ethical & Global Understanding: Sparks conversations on genetic engineering, fossil fuel use, and technology’s impact on health and environment, fostering critical thinking and global citizenship. | DNA Builds awareness of how genetics influence traits, health, and agriculture, and introduces ethical debates around genetic engineering and selective breeding (e.g. GM crops, designer babies). Geneticist, biotechnologist, veterinary scientist, forensic scientist, and plant breeder. Atomic Theory and the Periodic table Teaches how our understanding of atomic structure has developed historically, showing how science evolves over time and the importance of curiosity and experimentation. Chemical engineering, materials science, nuclear physics, laboratory research, and pharmaceuticals. Reinforces numeracy through atomic numbers and structures; supports historical analysis of the work of scientists like Mendeleev, Dalton, and Bohr. Space Understanding of our place in the universe, the importance of space technology, and big questions around life beyond Earth and cosmic origins. Astrophysicist, aerospace engineer, astronomer, satellite technician, and roles at organisations like NASA or ESA. Links to geography (Earth systems, satellites),history (space race, moon landing),and computing (coding in space missions, satellite data processing). Inspiration & Engagement: These topics encourage awe and curiosity, helping students see how science solves real-world problems, influences technology, and shapes future possibilities. |