Science - Year 9
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Biology The microscope Plant and animal cells Eykariotic and prokariotic cells Specialisation in animal cells Specialisation in plant cells Diffusion, osmosis and active transport Exchanging materials Chemistry Atoms Chemical equations Separating mixtures Fractional distillation and paper chromatography History of the atom Structure of the atom Ions, atoms, and isotopes Electronic structures Physics Changes in energy stores Conservation of energy Energy and work Gravitational potential energy stores Kinetic energy and elastic energy stores Energy dissipation | Biology Cell division Growth and differentiation Stem cells Ethical issues in stem cell therapy Chemistry Development of the periodic table Electronic structures and the periodic table Group 1 – the alkali metals Group 7 - the halogens Explaining trends The transition elements Physics Energy and efficiency Electrical appliances Energy and power Energy transfer by conduction Infrared radiation More about infrared radiation | Biology Tissues and organs The human digestive system The chemistry of food Catalysts and enzymes Factors affecting enzyme action How the digestive system works Making digestion efficient Chemistry States of matter Atoms into ions Ionic bonding Giant ionic structures Physics Specific heat capacity Heating and insulating buildings | Biology The blood The blood vessels The heart Helping the heart Breathing and gas exchange Chemistry Covalent bonding Structure of simple molecules Giant covalent structures Fullerenes and graphene Physics Energy demands Energy from wind and water Power from the Sun and the Earth Energy and the environment Big energy issue | Biology Tissues and organs in plants Transport systems in plants Evaporation and transpiration Factors affecting the rate of transpiration Chemistry Bonding in metals Giant metallic structures Nanoparticles Applications of nanoparticles Physics Electrical charges and fields Current and charge Potential difference and resistance Component characteristics Series circuits Parallel circuits | Biology Non-communicable diseases Cancer Smoking and the risk of disease Diet, exercise and disease Alcohol and carcinogens Chemistry History of our atmosphere Our evolving atmosphere Greenhouse gases Global climate change Atmospheric pollutants Physics Alternating current Cables and plugs Electrical power and potential difference Electrical currents and energy transfer Appliances and efficiency |
| Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary | Biology: observe; compare; identify; focus; structure; function; contain; organise; classify; differ; exist; divide; adapt; develop; suit; perform; require; control; exchange; increase; efficient; transport microscope; magnification; resolution; eyepiece lens; objective lens; stage; slide; cover slip; cell membrane; cytoplasm; nucleus; mitochondria; ribosome; cell wall; chloroplast; vacuole; organelle; eukaryotic; prokaryotic; plasmid; flagellum; specialised cell; sperm cell; nerve cell; muscle cell; root hair cell; palisade cell; differentiation; diffusion; osmosis; active transport; concentration gradient; partially permeable membrane; surface area to volume ratio; DNA Chemistry: represent; balance; identify; compare; predict; complete; analyse; discover; propose; change; develop; suggest; separate; collect; rise; move; observe; form; increase; decrease atom; element; compound; molecule; mixture; proton; neutron; electron; nucleus; atomic number; mass number; isotope; relative atomic mass; electronic structure; electron shell;Dalton; Bohr; Rutherford; plum pudding model; filtration; crystallisation; distillation; fractional distillation; chromatography; solvent; solute; solution; residue; filtrate; paper chromatography; Rf value; stationary phase; mobile phase Physics: store; convert; transfer; remain; increase; decrease; apply; move; spread; reduce; waste; affect; impact; rotate; compress; support; load; direction; motion energy; energy store; kinetic energy; gravitational potential energy; elastic potential energy; thermal energy; chemical energy; nuclear energy; dissipation; energy transfer; work done; force; distance; joule; power; efficiency | Biology: divide; replicate; develop; repair; specialise; replace; treat; potential; control; regulate; involve; argue; ethical; issue; concern; benefit; risk; debate; support; oppose mitosis; cell cycle; interphase; cytokinesis; chromosome; chromatid; centromere; DNA replication; growth; differentiation; stem cell; embryonic stem cell; adult stem cell; therapeutic cloning; tissue; organ system; regeneration; gene expression Chemistry: develop; organise; compare; identify; trend; predict; increase; decrease; arrange; describe; explain; relate periodic table; Mendeleev; group; period; atomic number; electron shell; electronic configuration; reactivity; alkali metals; lithium; sodium; potassium; halogens; fluorine; chlorine; bromine; displacement reaction; boiling point; melting point; transition metals; conductor; density; corrosion; coloured compounds; catalyst Physics: use; save; waste; reduce; transfer; convert; power; consume; emit; absorb; insulate; efficient; useful; output; input energy store; efficiency; Sankey diagram; thermal energy; electrical appliance; power rating; kilowatt; joule; watt; conduction; conductor; insulator; infrared radiation; emitter; absorber; shiny surface; dark surface; vacuum flask; radiation detector; thermal imaging | Biology: function; absorb; break down; increase; decrease; speed up; process; produce; maintain; support; structure; role; improve; prevent; affect; control; interact tissue; organ; organ system; digestive system; mouth; oesophagus; stomach; small intestine; large intestine; liver; pancreas; gall bladder; villi; peristalsis; enzyme; amylase; protease; lipase; catalyst; substrate; active site; denature; optimum temperature; optimum pH; bile; absorption; assimilation; biological molecule; carbohydrate; protein; lipid; test for starch; Benedict’s test; biuret test; emulsification Chemistry: change; form; gain; lose; attract; hold; strong; weak; combine; describe; explain; link solid; liquid; gas; state change; melting; boiling; condensing; freezing; particle model; atom; ion; cation; anion; electron; shell; energy level; ionic bond; electrostatic force; metal; non-metal; transfer of electrons; giant lattice; crystal; high melting point; conductivity; solubility Physics: store; transfer; absorb; insulate; reduce; measure; increase; decrease; protect; prevent; efficient thermal energy; specific heat capacity; joule; kilogram; degrees Celsius; energy change; temperature change; insulation; thermal conductor; thermal insulator; cavity wall insulation; loft insulation; draught excluder; heat loss; U-value; energy efficiency | Biology: transport; carry; pump; beat; protect; flow; block; repair; replace; damage; improve; exchange; maintain; absorb; circulate blood; red blood cell; white blood cell; plasma; platelet; haemoglobin; oxygen; carbon dioxide; artery; vein; capillary; lumen; valve; heart; atrium; ventricle; pacemaker; stent; bypass surgery; artificial heart; heart valve; coronary artery; diffusion; alveoli; trachea; bronchi; bronchioles; diaphragm; gas exchange surface; ventilation; respiration Chemistry: share; form; structure; simple; strong; weak; layer; shape; conduct; connect; explain; represent covalent bond; molecule; single bond; double bond; triple bond; electron pair; non-metal; simple molecular structure; boiling point; melting point; intermolecular forces; giant covalent structure; diamond; graphite; silicon dioxide; allotrope; fullerene; buckyball; nanotube; graphene; delocalised electron; conductivity; carbon atoms; hexagonal lattice Physics: demand; supply; generate; produce; use; reduce; impact; depend; increase; decrease; improve; compare; replace; change; affect energy resource; renewable; non-renewable; fossil fuel; wind turbine; hydroelectric; tidal; wave; geothermal; solar panel; solar cell; biofuel; carbon dioxide; greenhouse gas; global warming; efficiency; electricity generation; environmental impact; energy security; power station; energy mix | Biology: transport; support; absorb; move; depend; increase; decrease; control; rate; factor; affect; structure; system xylem; phloem; vascular bundle; root hair cell; mesophyll; stomata; guard cell; transpiration; evaporation; cohesion; adhesion; transpiration stream; osmosis; diffusion; photosynthesis; water vapour; humidity; wind; temperature; light intensity Chemistry: conduct; shape; strong; useful; improve; explain; increase; decrease; compare; develop; structure; layer; surface metallic bonding; delocalised electron; electrostatic attraction; lattice structure; malleable; ductile; conductor; giant metallic structure; alloy; nanoparticle; nanoscience; surface area to volume ratio; silver nanoparticles; titanium dioxide; antibacterial; catalyst; sunscreen; medical sensor; drug delivery; toxicity Physics: flow; path; affect; cause; measure; connect; change; increase; decrease; depend; constant electric charge; static electricity; electric field; field line; current; coulomb; ammeter; potential difference; voltage; voltmeter; resistance; resistor; ohm; Ohm’s Law; component; diode; LED; thermistor; LDR; series circuit; parallel circuit; total resistance; current splitter; potential divider | Biology: risk; prevent; cause; lifestyle; factor; relate; increase; reduce; damage; affect; develop; habit; long-term; harmful; impact non-communicable disease; tumour; benign; malignant; metastasis; cancer; smoking; tar; nicotine; carbon monoxide; cardiovascular disease; obesity; diabetes; exercise; balanced diet; alcohol; liver disease; cirrhosis; carcinogen; mutation; immune response Chemistry:: change; evolve; increase; decrease; contribute; result; affect; source; produce; release; environment; trap; rise; reduce early atmosphere; volcanic activity; carbon dioxide; oxygen; nitrogen; photosynthesis; algae; sedimentary rock; fossil fuel; greenhouse gas; methane; water vapour; global warming; climate change; carbon footprint; combustion; deforestation; sulfur dioxide; nitrogen oxide; particulates; smog; acid rain Physics: connect; transfer; convert; supply; provide; measure; safe; prevent; cause; efficient; power; use alternating current (AC); direct current (DC); mains electricity; frequency; live wire; neutral wire; earth wire; fuse; three-pin plug; cable insulation; potential difference; voltage; power rating; kilowatt-hour; current; resistance; Ohm’s Law; energy transfer; work done; appliance; efficiency; input energy; useful energy output |
| Assessment | Baseline assessment of yr.7 & 8 knowledge and skills in three separate papers (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical Investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigation Summative assessment Biology: Cells and transport, Cell division Summative assessment Chemistry: Atoms, seeparation techniques, The periodic table Summative assessment Physics: Energy conservation and dissipation | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment Biology: Organisation and the digestive system, Human circulatory system Summative assessment Chemistry: Ionic and Covalent bonding Summative assessment Physics:Energy transfer through heating, Energy resources | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations |
| Cultural Capital Careers Cross Curricular Links | Cell biology Knowledge of cell structure and division underpins modern medicine (e.g. cancer research, stem cell therapy),enhancing students' appreciation for healthcare and biological advances. Doctor, biomedical scientist, lab technician, pharmaceutical researcher, and genetic counsellor. The Atomic Model Traces the development of atomic theory and its global contributors, fostering appreciation for scientific progress and multicultural contributions. Chemical analysis, nuclear medicine, materials science, engineering, and energy sectors. Exploring historical models of the atom (e.g. Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford) supports links to historical timelines, scientific method, and philosophy of science. Energy Awareness of climate change, energy conservation, and sustainable living. Mechanical engineering, energy auditing, renewable energy systems, and sustainable technology development. Involves calculating efficiency, thermal insulation, and energy flow diagrams, supporting numerical fluency and real-world problem-solving in Maths and D&T. | Mitosis, stem cells, and cell specialisation Deepens understanding of human growth, development, and regenerative medicine, enhancing awareness of medical advancements and bioethics. Embryologists, stem cell researchers, oncologists, geneticists, and biotechnologists. The periodic table Connects students to historical scientific progress, global contributors (e.g. Mendeleev, Seaborg),and how the structure of the elements informs modern chemistry. Materials engineering, forensics, chemical research, environmental science, and nuclear chemistry. Builds historical context around the evolution of the periodic table, including how ideas change over time, linking with History and philosophy of science. Energy efficiency and power Calculations connect with real-world issues such as climate change, energy conservation, and cost-effective technologies. Energy analyst, environmental engineer, electrician, and sustainable design specialist. Involves formula application, data analysis, and design of efficient systems, reinforcing skills from Maths and Design & Technology. | Nutrition and digestion Empowers students to understand balanced diets, enzymes, and metabolism, encouraging informed decisions about health, obesity, and global food issues. Dietitian, nutritionist, gastroenterologist, sports scientist, and public health advisor. Connects biology to food technology (e.g. food labelling, macronutrients) and PE (linking diet and physical performance),promoting whole-body health education. Ionic bonding Insight into salts, electrolytes, and chemical reactions that underpin everyday products and biological processes. Pharmacists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and forensic scientists who work with chemical compounds and ionic interactions. Specific heat capacity and thermal energy transfer Connect physics to heating systems, climate, materials in construction, and energy conservation. Mechanical engineering, building design, meteorology, and sustainability consulting. Strong ties with geography (climate systems, energy use),maths (calculations and graphs),and D&T (insulation materials). | Respiratory and circulatory systems Builds knowledge around exercise, smoking, cardiovascular health, and the impact of pollution, enabling students to make informed lifestyle choices. Doctor, paramedic, respiratory therapist, biomedical scientist, and fitness professional. Connects to Physical Education (e.g. effects of exercise on heart/lungs) and PSHE (e.g. healthy living, drug awareness). Covalent bonding Linking to both natural and synthetic chemical applications. Chemical engineering, pharmaceutical research, cosmetic science, and nanotechnology. Reinforces symbolic notation, molecular models, and formulae, supporting mathematical reasoning and understanding forces between atoms in physics. Energy resources Raises awareness of climate change, energy security, and ethical consumption. Renewable energy technician, climate scientist, geologist, or energy policy advisor. Strong links to geography (e.g. global energy production/use) and citizenship (e.g. environmental responsibility, international development). | Transport in plants (xylem/phloem) Highlights the importance of plants in global agriculture, climate regulation, and ecosystem balance — linking to issues like deforestation and food sustainability. Botany, agricultural science, plant pathology, horticulture, and environmental science. Links to geography through water cycles, plant distribution, and climate impacts; and to PSHE through food security and environmental responsibility. Metallic bonding Explains the properties of metals used in construction, electronics, and transport, enhancing understanding of the materials that shape modern life. Metallurgy, materials engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. Strong overlap with DT in understanding material choice and product design, especially with applications of metals. Electric circuits Understanding promotes digital literacy and technical confidence. Electrical engineering, robotics, telecommunications, automotive industries, and renewable energy systems. Includes mathematical reasoning (Ohm’s Law, resistance calculations) and supports computing/technology with circuit logic and systems design. | Non-communicable diseases Empowers students to make informed health choices and understand health inequalities across different societies. Careers in medicine, public health, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, sports science, and pharmaceutical research. Strong links with PE (fitness, body systems),PSHE (lifestyle choices, addiction, mental health),and citizenship (NHS, healthcare systems). Chemistry of the atmosphere Addresses climate change, greenhouse gases, and pollution, helping students understand their role in environmental stewardship and how science informs global policy. Supports careers in environmental science, meteorology, climate research, policy making, and sustainability consultancy. Strong ties with geography (carbon cycle, global warming, deforestation) and citizenship (climate justice, global cooperation, COP summits). Electricity in the home Practical understanding of power usage, energy efficiency, and safety, developing responsible attitudes toward energy consumption and cost-saving at home. Electrical engineering, electricians, construction, appliance design, and energy consultancy. Involves mathematical calculations (power, energy transfer, cost of electricity) and links to design & technology through appliances and circuits. |