The Science Department Academic Year 2012-2013 Year 7 Science Curriculum Overview
Subject: Science Term 1 Year Level: 7 Week Starting date Unit Learning Outcomes In this unit we will. Curriculum links Week 1 09/09/12 Learn that cells are the basic units of life and are organised into tissues from which organs are made Explore cell structure and differences between plant and animal cells Learn about some functions of cells 3.3a Week 2 16/09/12 Week 3 23/09/12 Week 4 30/09/12 7A: Cells: the body s building bricks 7B: Reproduction Learn how observations made with a microscope helped ideas about the structure of living things to develop Learn to use a microscope safely and effectively Make observations using a microscope and record these in drawings Compare and interpret information from microscopic observation Draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge Carry out an investigation into the growth of pollen tubes, controlling relevant variables and taking account of those which cannot be controlled Extend earlier ideas about human reproduction and consider how offspring are protected and nurtured Consider and compare reproductive patterns in other animals with those in humans Relate the way human bodies change during adolescence to knowledge about human reproduction, growth and the menstrual cycle 3.3b, 3.3c Week 5 7/10/12 Week 6 14/10/12 Consider sample size in biological investigations Present data in bar charts and graphs Interpret data collected and data from secondary sources Learn about acids and alkalis as classes of chemicals with distinct properties and uses Use indicators to classify solutions as acidic, alkaline or neutral Use the ph scale to compare the acidity and alkalinity of different solutions Begin to explore neutralisation 3.2b Week 7 21/10/12 7E: Acids and Alkalis Recognise hazards and use information sources to assess risks associated with acids and alkalis Make and present qualitative observations Interpret qualitative observations, making comparisons and identifying simple patterns Investigate the effectiveness of different antacids, controlling appropriate variables Week 8 28/10/12 Adha Holiday
Week 9 4/11/12 Week 10 11/11/12 7F: Simple chemical reactions Week 11 18/11/12 Week 12 25/11/12 7M: Scientific Investigations Learn that chemical change results in new substances that are different from the ones from which they were made Explore some simple chemical reactions of acids in which a gas is made Explore burning as a chemical reaction involving a gas, air or oxygen Identify hydrogen and carbon dioxide as substances made during some of these reactions Work with gases to understand that gases are real materials Begin to use word equations as shorthand descriptions of reactions Learn techniques for testing for gases, using laboratory equipment effectively and taking action to control risks Present observations in ways which enable patterns to be seen Make generalisations from observations Suggest and evaluate explanations of observations Investigate the role of air in the burning of a candle Identify questions that are suitable for scientific enquiry Use a variety of strategies to answer scientific questions of different kinds Plan and set targets for a piece of work Consider the strength of the evidence, or the quality of the product, in relation to the question investigated Compare the different investigative methods used Work together in a group 3.2b, 3.2c 2.1a, 2.1b, 2.1c, 2.2a, 2.2b, 2.3a Week 13 2/12/12 Revision Week 14 9/12/12 Mid- Year Exam Subject: Science Term 2 Year Level: 7 Week Starting date Unit Learning Outcomes In this unit we will. Curriculum links Week 1 6/1/12 Week 2 13/1/12 7I: Energy resources Be introduced to the concept of energy in the context of fuels as convenient and therefore valuable sources Consider the nature and origin of fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy and how their use has implications for the environment Consolidate and extend ideas about energy resources for living things: food for people and sunlight for plants Link the energy resources to the role of the Sun as the ultimate source of most of the Earth s energy resources 3.1a, 3.4a, 3.4c
Week 3 20/1/12 Week 4 27/1/12 7J: Electrical circuits Recognise hazards and take safety precautions Decide what variables are relevant and how to control these to make fair comparisons Consider the reasons for repeating measurements and observations Use the Bunsen burner and thermometers safely and effectively Make measurements of volume, mass and temperature Investigate the energy resource in foods, controlling relevant variables Consolidate and extend ideas about circuits Use concepts of electric current and energy transfer to explain the working of circuits Explain patterns in the measurements of current and voltage Use the concept of resistance qualitatively Build circuits in which current flow is usefully controlled Consider the hazards of electricity for humans 3.1a, 3.1c Week 5 3/2/12 Week 6 10/2/12 Week 7 17/2/12 Week 8 24/2/12 7C: Environment and feeding relationships Explore early ideas about electric current Model current in a variety of ways Plan safe procedures and recognise hazards Use ammeters to measure current Learn how habitats vary Learn how plants and animals are adapted to live in a particular habitat Learn how plants and animals interact with their environment and with each other, including feeding relationships Learn about adaptations for feeding Learn how to link food chains to make webs Consider the importance of sample size Make measurements of environmental changes and interpret these Survey the variety of living things within a habitat Investigate the activity of a small invertebrate, taking into account variables they cannot control Explore variation within and between species Consider why classification is important and are introduced to scientific classification of animals Investigate patterns of variation in living things and ways of representing and explaining the occurrence of variations 3.3d, 3.3e 3.3d, 3.3e Week 9 3/3/12 Week 10 10/3/12 7D: Variation and classification Frame questions to be answered using first- hand or secondary data Make qualitative observations and record these in a variety of ways Draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge Investigate variation between individuals of the same species using an appropriate sample size
Week 11 17/3/12 Week 12 24/3/12 7G: The particle theory Learn how the particle model can be used to explain differences between solids, liquids and gases Explore how experimental evidence relates to theories and models Use the particle model to explore the interplay between scientific theories and evidence Evaluate whether evidence supports or refutes explanations of phenomena 3.2a Subject: Science Term 3 Year Level: 7 Week Starting date Unit Learning Outcomes In this unit we will. Curriculum links Week 1 7/4/12 Extend our knowledge of dissolving and the separation of the components of a solution and relate this to particle theory Begin to distinguish between a pure substance and a mixture Apply the particle model of solids, liquids and gases in a range of contexts 3.2b, 3.2c Week 2 14/4/12 Week 3 21/4/12 Week 4 28/4/12 Week 5 5/5/12 7H: Solutions 7K: Forces and their effects Make measurements of temperature and mass Describe and interpret patterns in graphs and chromatograms Make predictions from graphs and data about solubility Investigate how a sample of pure salt can be obtained from a sample of rock salt, evaluating the method in terms of salt obtained Consolidate and build on our concept of force and its measurement Identify the origin of friction, air resistance, Upthrust and weight and describe situations in which these forces act Distinguish between mass and weight Use the concept of speed Relate forces acting to changes in motion Identify situations in which forces are balanced and unbalanced Consider why it is important to repeat measurements Measure distance, time and force including weight Construct and interpret line graphs and use them to make predictions Investigate floating in water of varying salinity, ensuring relevant variables are controlled Investigate friction between solids, ensuring relevant variables are controlled 3.1b
Week 6 12/5/12 Week 7 19/5/12 7L: The solar system and beyond Consolidate our ideas about the Sun and Moon, and use models of these to explain phenomena such as eclipses and the seasons Learn that planets and satellites are seen by reflected light and that the Sun, as a star, emits light Compare the Sun with other stars Consider how evidence about the solar system has been collected and interpreted Use models to explain phenomena Present data as a line graph and interpret this Evaluate the strength of evidence obtained Use data from secondary sources to answer questions about the solar system and the stars 3.4b Week 8 26/5/12 Revision Week 9 2/6/12 Exam Week