Key stage 3 Science

Content Overview

A High-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. All pupils should be taught essential aspects of knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

Through building up a body of fundamental knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognize the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
  • Develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different science inquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
  • Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

The following content is covered:

Biology

1. Structure and Function of Living Organisms
  • 1. Cells and Organisation
  • 2. Nutrition and Digestion
  • 3. The Skeletal and Muscular Systems
  • 4. Gas Exchange System
2. Ecosystems
  • 1. Interdependence
  • 2. Plant Reproduction
  • 3. Respiration
  • 4. Photosynthesis
3. Genes
  • 1. Variations
  • 2. Human Reproduction
  • 3. Evolution
  • 4. Inheritance

Chemistry

1. Matter
  • 1. Particle Model
  • 2. Atoms, Elements and Compounds
  • 3. The Periodic Table
  • 4. Separating Mixtures
2. Reactions
  • 1. Metals and Non- metals
  • 2. Acids and Alkalis
  • 3. Chemical Energy
  • 4. Types of Reactions
3. The Earth and Atmosphere
  • 1. The Earth’s Structure
  • 2. Rock Types and the Rock Cycle
  • 3. The Atmosphere and Climate
  • 4. Recycling and the Carbon Cycle

Physics

1. Forces and Motion
  • 1. Speed
  • 2. Gravity
  • 3. Contact Forces
  • 4. Pressure
2. Electricity and Magnetism
  • 1. Current Electricity
  • 2. Static Electricity
  • 3. Magnetism
  • 4. Electromagnets
3. Energy & Waves
  • 1. Energy Costs, Energy Transfers
  • 2. Work, Heating and Cooling
  • 3. Sound, Wave Effects
  • 4. Light, Wave Properties
4. Space Physics