In year 8 the course is broken up into 4 sections. During each time block all classes will study every unit, but not all classes complete them in the same order. Students will usually complete a test at the end of each unit.
Section 1
Environment unit: Students start by considering key terms like producer, consumer, herbivore and prey. They can then write food chains and webs and correctly link the terms to organisms within them. They look at the impact of changes to a food web for example via the introduction of a new predator or disease. They look at the relationship between numbers of predator and prey within an ecosystem and draw simple pyramids of numbers. They then look at methods like pesticides and biological control for controlling the size of populations. Finally they consider the role of insect pollination in producing food crops.
Atoms, elements and compounds unit: Students start by viewing 20 common elements to see the huge variety of elements that exist. They then consider a range of ways in which atoms can be represented via models. They are introduced to chemical formula for compounds and learn how to both interpret and write them. They then consider how compounds are made from elements and conservation of mass in chemical reactions. Finally they research ceramics, polymers and composites.
Energy changes and transfers unit: This unit introduces students to ideas about conduction, convection and radiation. They use particle theory to explain transfer of heat by conduction and convection. They look at how substances expand when heated and shrink when cooled. Finally they consider what happens in terms of energy as ice melts and water boils and the important concept of the conservation of energy.
Section 2
Respiration unit: This unit introduces the students to the process of respiration via which energy is released in cells. They consider how we get the needed oxygen into our bodies via breathing and gas exchange and the role of the heart and circulatory system in transporting glucose and oxygen around our bodies. They also consider things that can effect breathing like asthma, smoking and exercise.
Periodic table unit: This unit introduces students to the periodic table and the wide range of elements that it contains. They complete research into some of these elements and look at how the modern periodic table was developed. They look at the different properties that metals and non-metals have. They then look at some of the patterns in the properties of elements including the reaction of alkali metals with water and less reactive metals with acid. Finally they consider how chemical reactions can be used to extract metals from rocks.
Waves unit: This unit covers ideas about both sound and light, including ideas on how we both hear and see. They learn about how changing the frequency and amplitude of a sound wave alters how it sounds. They look at how other types of waves, such as x-rays and ultrasonic waves, can be used. Students get to make and test a pinhole camera and use it to help explain how the eye works. They also look at reflection of light and how we see colours.
Section 3
Simple chemical reactions unit: Students start by considering reversible and irreversible reactions and how we can tell if a chemical reaction has occurred. They then investigate a range of chemical reactions including displacement reactions, thermal decomposition, endothermic and exothermic reactions, oxidation reactions including combustion and rusting and research the role of catalysts.
Genetics and evolution unit: Students start by looking at examples of genetic and environmental variation in humans. They then complete and write up an investigation into the variety of holly leaves. They are then introduced to the structure of DNA and research how the structure was discovered. Finally they look at natural selection and extinction.
Magnetism unit: Students start by investigating which materials are magnetic and non-magnetic. They then make a simple compass and investigate magnetic fields. They then plan and complete an investigation into the strength of electromagnets. Finally they look at various uses of electromagnets.
Section 4
Plants and photosynthesis unit: This unit introduces students to the important process of photosynthesis. They test leaves to see if they contain starch, look at factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis and the minerals that plants need. Finally they consider all the things that we use plants for and why most life on Earth is dependent on photosynthetic organisms.
Earth and atmosphere unit: In this unit students’ look at the rock cycle and how sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks can be made and the properties of different types of rock. They then look at the carbon cycle, our atmosphere and the role of increasing levels of carbon dioxide within global climate change.
Speed, pressure and moments unit: The unit starts with work on how we measure speed and how the speed of objects can be calculated. They also look at using distance time graphs to plot the motion of objects. They then look at ideas about pressure and how it is exerted in liquids and gases. Before finally considering the principle of levers, simple machines and calculating moments.