Year 8 Science

The curriculum builds on the foundations laid in Year 7, further developing students’ understanding and skills in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Skills	Outcomes
Biology	1. Health and Lifestyle: -Understand the importance of a balanced diet and the components of a healthy lifestyle. – Explain the effects of drugs, alcohol, and smoking on the human body. – Understand the basics of the digestive system and the process of digestion. 2. Ecosystems: – Understand the interactions within ecosystems, including competition and predation. – Explain the carbon and nitrogen cycles. – Understand the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity. 3. Adaptation and Inheritance: – Understand how organisms are adapted to their environments. – Explain the basic principles of inheritance and the role of genes and chromosomes. – Understand variation within species and the principles of natural selection.
Chemistry	1. The Periodic Table: – Understand the organization of the periodic table, including groups and periods. – Explain the properties of elements based on their position in the periodic table. – Understand the concept of metals and non-metals. 2. Chemical Reactions: – Understand different types of chemical reactions, including combustion, oxidation, and displacement reactions. -Explain the reactivity series of metals. -Understand the concept of acids and alkalis, including pH scale and neutralization reactions. 3. Earth and Atmosphere: – Understand the structure of the Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core. – Explain the rock cycle and types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic). – Understand the composition and structure of the atmosphere and the impact of human activities on the environment, such as the greenhouse effect and pollution.
Physics	1. Electricity and Magnetism: – Understand the basic principles of electricity, including current, voltage, and resistance. – Explain series and parallel circuits and their uses. – Understand the basics of magnetism and electromagnetism. 2. Energy: – Understand energy transfer and conservation of energy. – Explain different forms of energy and energy resources, including renewable and non-renewable sources. – Understand the concepts of work, power, and efficiency. 3. Motion and Pressure: – Understand the concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration. – Explain the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (Newton’s Second Law). – Understand pressure in solids, liquids, and gases.
Scientific Skills	1.Working Scientifically: – Develop further skills in planning and conducting scientific investigations. – Learn to control variables and understand the importance of fair testing. – Improve skills in recording and analysing data, including using graphs and charts. – Develop the ability to evaluate methods and suggest improvements. 2. Practical Skills: – Enhance proficiency in using laboratory equipment safely and accurately. – Develop skills in making precise measurements and observations. – Learn to follow and write scientific methods, including safety procedures.

These outcomes aim to deepen students’ understanding of scientific concepts and enhance their practical and analytical skills, preparing them for the more complex topics they will encounter in Year 9 and beyond.