Science - Year 9

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Knowledge	Introduction to scientific skills Safety Apparatus Variables Scientific method Data capture Data analysis and interpretation Biology Skeleton Movement: joints Movement: muscles Chemistry The particle model States of matter Melting and freezing Boiling More changes of state Diffusion Gas pressure Physics Introduction to forces Squashing and stretching Drag forces and friction Forces at a distance Balanced and unbalanced forces	Biology Observing cells Plant and animal cells Specialised cells Movement of substances Unicellular organisms Chemistry The particle model States of matter Melting and freezing Boiling More changes of state Diffusion Gas pressure Physics Introduction to forces Squashing and stretching Drag forces and friction Forces at a distance Balanced and unbalanced forces	Biology Adolescence Reproductive systems Fertilisation and implantation Development of a foetus The menstrual cycle Chemistry Elements Atoms Compounds Mixtures Solutions Solubility Filtration Evaporation and distillation Chromatography Physics Magnets and magnetic fields Electromagnets Using electromagnets	Biology Flowers and pollination Fertilisation and germination Seed dispersal Chemistry Elements Atoms Compounds Chemical formulae Physics Food and Fuels Energy resources Energy and Power	Biology Food chains and webs Disruption to food chains and webs Ecosystems Chemistry Acids and alkalis Indicators and pH Neutralisation Making salts Physics Electrostatics Circuits and current Potential difference Series and parallel circuits Resistance	Biology Competition and adaptation Adapting to change Variation Continuous and discontinuous variation Chemistry The Earth and its atmosphere Sedimentary rocks Igneous and metamorphic rocks The rock cycle Physics Waves Sound and energy transfer Loudness and pitch Detecting sound Echoes and ultrasound
Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary	Scientific Skills: Accurate; Reliable; Valid; Compare; Evaluate; Interpret; Observe; Predict; Measure; Justify Variable; Independent variable; Dependent variable; Control variable; Hypothesis; Anomaly; Conclusion; Data; Evidence; Reproducible Biology: Support; Structure; Function; Connect; Flexible; Contract; Relax Skeleton; Muscle; Tendon; Ligament; Joint; Antagonistic pairs; Cartilage; Bone marrow; Movement; Biceps / Triceps Chemistry Arrangement; Expand; Compress; Flow; Transfer Particle; State of matter; Solid; Liquid; Gas; Condensation; Evaporation; Melting; Freezing; Sublimation; Density; Kinetic energy 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 Structure; Function; Process; Observe; Compare; Identify; Transport; Surround; Contain Cell membrane; Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Mitochondria; Chloroplast; Vacuole; Cell wall; Microscope; Unicellular; Multicellular; Specialised cell; Diffusion; Tissue; Organ; System Chemistry: Condensation; Saturated solution; Boiling point; Melting point Physics: Push; Pull; Change; Effect; Cause; Direction; Motion; Contact; Balanced; Oppose Gravity; Friction; Air resistance; Water resistance; Magnetism; Electrostatic force; Thrust; Drag; Force meter; Newton (N); Mass; Weight; Contact force; Non-contact force	Biology: Develop; Cycle; Mature; Release; Change; Protect; Connect; Nourish; Occur Sperm; Egg (ovum); Gestation; Implantation; Fertilisation; Ovary; Testes; Uterus; Vagina; Penis; Cervix; Oviduct; Menstrual cycle; Puberty; Hormone; Embryo; Foetus; Reproduction; Gamete; Zygote Chemistry: Mixture; Separate; Method; Substance; Solution; Property; Process; Change; Filter; Measure Filtration; Evaporation; Distillation; Chromatography; Solute; Solvent; Residue; Filtrate 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: Transfer; Produce; Develop; Growth; Release; Form; Function; Support; Structure; Process Pollination; Fertilisation; Germination; Seed dispersal; Stamen; Anther; Filament; Carpel; Stigma; Style; Ovary; Ovule; Nectar; Petal; Sepal; Pollen; Embryo; Dispersal 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 Source; Use; Store; Convert; Release; Transfer; Measure; Sustainable; Efficient; Reduce Carbohydrate; Calorie; Fossil fuel; Renewable; Non-renewable; Combustion; Chemical energy; Kinetic energy; Thermal energy; Electrical energy; Power station; Biomass; Hydroelectric; Solar panel; Wind turbine; Energy transfer; Joule (J); Watt (W); Power	Biology: Environment; Interact; Depend; Affect; Survive; Compete; Adapt; Balance; Resource; Support Ecosystem; Habitat; Population; Community; Producer; Consumer; Predator; Prey; Decomposer; Food chain; Food web; Biodiversity; Photosynthesis; Herbivore; Carnivore; Omnivore; Adaptation; Interdependence; Biotic / Abiotic factors Chemistry: Identify; React; Change; Indicate; Test; Record; Neutral; Measure; Compare; Mix Acid; Alkali; Neutralisation; pH scale; Indicator; Universal indicator; Litmus paper; Hydrochloric acid; Sodium hydroxide; Salt; Base; Corrosive; Irritant; Hazard symbol; Chemical reaction Physics: Flow; Connect; Complete; Control; Measure; Increase; Decrease; Transfer; Power; Detect Circuit; Current; Voltage; Resistance; Cell; Battery; Switch; Conductor; Insulator; Series circuit; Parallel circuit; Ammeter; Voltmeter; Component; Wire; Lamp (bulb); Energy transfer	Biology: Change; Inherit; Develop; Survive; Differ; Compare; Respond; Function; Select; Environment Adaptation; Variation; Inherited variation; Environmental variation; Species; Characteristics; Natural selection; Evolution; Genetics; DNA; Reproduction; Offspring; Survival of the fittest; Extinction; Mutation; Camouflage; Behavioural adaptation; Structural adaptation Chemistry: Form; Layer; Break; Change; Erode; Build; Cycle; Structure; Process; Surface Igneous rock; Sedimentary rock; Metamorphic rock; Rock cycle; Weathering; Erosion; Deposition; Compaction; Cementation; Magma; Lava; Crust; Mantle; Outer core; Inner core; Tectonic plate; Fossil; Mineral; Sediment Physics: Collide; Vibrate; Travel; Detect; Hear; Measure; Transfer; Direction; Source; Increase; Reduce Sound wave; Vibration; Frequency; Amplitude; Pitch; Volume; Wavelength; Oscillation; Medium (plural: media); Echo; Absorb; Reflect; Longitudinal wave; Compression; Rarefaction; Decibel (dB);Cochlea; Auditory nerve; Ear drum; Microphone
Assessment	Baseline assessment of scientific skills	Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical Investigations	Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigation Summative assessment on: Movement, Cells, The particle model, Forces	Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations	Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment on: Human reproduction, Plant reproduction, Separation techniques, Elements and compounds, Magnets and magnetic fields, Energy	Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment on Ecosystems, Adaptations and Variation, Acids and alkalis, The Earth's structure, Electrostatics, Sound waves
Cultural Capital Careers Cross Curricular Links	Scientific Skills Develop pupils' appreciation of how science works through hypothesis testing, data analysis, and fair testing. Scientist, statistician, epidemiologist, and forensic analyst. Musculoskeletal System Link learning to real-life applications in sports, injury prevention, and physical rehabilitation. Physiotherapist, sports coach, or orthopaedic surgeon. Collaborate with PE to examine movement, joints, and muscle function during activities. Use real-time examples such as sprinting or stretching to link theory to practice. Forces Connect force diagrams, friction, and balanced/unbalanced forces with bridge building, vehicle design, and safety equipment in Design Technology and engineering. Mathematics in Science (All Topics): Strengthen use of formulas, units, graph skills, and data analysis. Reinforce proportional reasoning and converting units. Particle Model: Use relatable examples like perfume diffusion, ice melting, or inflating balloons to highlight how particle behaviour underpins daily experiences. Link to food science or product design. Chemical engineer, materials scientist, and cosmetic chemist English and Communication Skills (Scientific Literacy): Encourage students to present results, write conclusions, or argue ethical issues (e.g., performance-enhancing drugs in sport),strengthening literacy and persuasive writing.	Cell Biology Explore the discovery of the microscope and key scientists (e.g. Robert Hooke, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek). Doctors, biomedical scientists, nurses, and lab technicians. Use microscope drawings, cell models, and scientific sketches to strengthen observation skills and visual analysis. Link to biology illustration and anatomical drawing. Particle Model of Matter Discuss real-life uses like airbag deployment, perfume evaporation, or storage of gases under pressure. Chemical engineering, materials science, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Maths Integration (All Topics): Reinforce graphs, measurements, units. Emphasise estimation, and data interpretation. Forces and Materials Use examples like cycling, car safety, or using aerosols to explore the impact of forces and states of matter. Encourage students to apply physics to analyse daily life and innovate solutions. Discuss how astronauts, aerospace engineers, and pilots use knowledge of gravity, air resistance, and balanced/unbalanced forces in their work. Connect to DT through material selection and product design based on forces (e.g. bridges, helmets, sports equipment). Highlight how knowledge of force and particle behaviour informs engineering design. Linking Science Communication Encourage debating, writing, or presenting scientific ideas to build communication skills. Invite students to create posters, write news articles, or deliver mini TED-style talks.	Reproduction Discuss advances like IVF, contraceptive technologies, and prenatal screening. Discuss the contributions of scientists such as William Harvey Midwife, fertility specialist, obstetrician, and sexual health nurse. Separation Techniques Real-world applications such as water purification, drug testing, and forensic science. Analytical chemist, lab technician, and environmental scientist. Link to clean water access, oil refining, and pollution control. Discuss global issues like desalination and plastic separation, tying in climate and sustainability (Geography). Magnetism & Electromagnets Show how electromagnets are used in MRI scanners, maglev trains, and scrapyard cranes.Discuss contributions of Michael Faraday Eectrical engineer, automotive technician, or robotics designer. Explore how magnetic fields impact circuit design, motors, and household appliances. Link to electronics in DT and real-life gadgets like doorbells or speakers. Mathematics (Separation & Electromagnetism): Apply ratio, proportion, measurement and data interpretation in chromatography, and cooling curves. Reinforce scientific numeracy. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Encourage hands-on investigations and analysis of evidence, helping students develop resilience, teamwork, and curiosity, which are valuable across all subjects and careers.	Plant Reproduction Link to real-world challenges such as food production, pollination decline, and climate change impacts on crops. Explore how understanding plant reproduction supports sustainable farming. Botanist, ecologist, agronomist, and conservationist. Atoms & Compounds Connect atomic theory and chemical formulae to products students use daily – from toothpaste ingredients to cleaning agents. Promote awareness of chemical literacy for informed choices. Chemical engineer, forensic scientist, materials scientist, and pharmacologist. Fuels & Food Energy Encourage discussion of renewable vs. non-renewable resources, fossil fuels, and carbon footprint. Link to climate change, global energy inequality, and ethical consumption. Students can explore how energy transformations underpin modern technology. Relate to careers in renewable energy technology, electrical engineering, and sustainable design. Cross over with PE and PSHE by examining energy from food, balanced diets, and calorific needs. Explore global energy distribution, economic and environmental impacts of different fuels, and energy security. Link to geopolitics, resource management, and human geography. Mathematics Integration (Chemical Formulae & Energy Calculations): Reinforce key skills like balancing equations, using ratios, units, and calculating energy values, supporting numeracy across the curriculum.	Ecosystems Foster a sense of responsibility for nature and global ecological systems. Ecologist, environmental consultant, wildlife biologist, and conservationist, Acids & Alkalis Understanding hazards in household products, pH of everyday substances, and applications in cleaning, agriculture, and food. Lab technician, chemical engineer, and water treatment analyst. Develop accurate measuring, neutralisation, and data interpretation skills using indicators – reinforcing maths in science. Electric Circuits Relate circuits to everyday technology – mobile phones, computers, lights, and appliances – building understanding of how electricity powers the modern world.Show how circuit knowledge is fundamental to innovation and infrastructure. Electrical engineer, electrician, robotics technician, and circuit designer. Link to design technology and computing through electronic components, Arduino kits, or simple coding and robotics projects, building interdisciplinary thinking.	Adaptation/Variation Builds awareness of biodiversity, natural selection, and human impact on species. Promotes respect for the variety of life and the importance of conservation. Zoologist, geneticist, ecologist, wildlife conservationist, and evolutionary biologist. Rock Cycle Understanding geological time, fossils, plate tectonics, and the formation of the Earth, fostering a deeper appreciation of Earth's structure and processes. Geologist, paleontologist, mining engineer, and environmental consultant Sound Waves Musical instruments to communication technologies (phones, sonar, etc.). Explores how sound is vital in medicine, entertainment, and engineering. Sound engineer, audiologist, music producer, and acoustic technician. Strong links with music (pitch, volume, vibrations),DT (design of instruments or devices),and physics/maths (wave calculations, frequency). Scientific Inquiry and Problem Solving (All Topics): Opportunities to ask questions, analyse patterns, draw conclusions, and apply learning to real-world scenarios – developing scientific literacy and transferable skills.