S1/S2 Science

Curriculum Area (Science):

Staff:

  • Miss Bates
  • Mr Boyle
  • Mr Dickie
  • Ms Goodsman
  • Mr Johnstone
  • Mrs MacDonald
  • Dr Rice
  • Mr Taylor
  • Ms White

S1 Science Curriculum
Term 1 (August - October)
Lab Safety and Matter
•    Lab Safety covers the safety issues that may occur in a working lab. Our learners focus on the rules of safe lab work and learn about the hazard symbols used to label chemicals.  In this topic there is an opportunity work with science apparatus and practise measuring.
•    In the Matter topic we investigate the differences between solids, liquids and gases – not only from our everyday experiences but from the atomic structure of materials.  We consider what is required for matter to change state and heat transfer.
Term 2 (October – December)
Periodic Table and Cells
•    In the Periodic Table topic our learners start by realising that everything in the world is made up from only a little over 100 different elements.  We research how the periodic table is set out and learn the position of each element is dependent on its properties.  
•    In Cells we learn about the structure of animal and plant cells and get an opportunity to view them through a microscope. The learners will also research cells which carry out a specific job within our bodies and how their structure allows them to carry that job out.
Term 3 (January – April)
Electromagnetic Spectrum and Substances and Solutions
•    In the Electromagnetic Spectrum topic the learners meet a family of waves which all have similar properties to visible light.  They will carry out experiments using light and also research the others members of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. 
•    In the Substances and Solutions topic the learners find out about the differences between elements and compounds and how to separate compounds and mixtures. The will investigate solutions and discover what affects the solubility of substances.
Term 4 (April – June)
The Body and Forces and Friction
•    In The Body topic the learners find out about how the various systems of the human body work together. We will also develop an understanding of how medics use body measurements as an indication of overall health.
•    In the Forces and Friction topic we investigate what forces are and how balanced and unbalanced forces affect the motion of objects.  We consider contact and no-contact forces and look in detail about how friction can be a help at times and a problem at other times.

S2 Science Curriculum
Term 1 (August - October)
Forces and Friction and Acids and Alkalis
•    In the Forces and Friction topic we investigate what forces are and how balanced and unbalanced forces affect the motion of objects.  We consider contact and non-contact forces and look in detail about how friction can be a help at times and a problem at other times.
•    In the Acids and Alkalis topic our learners will understand the differences between acids and alkalis, then measure and study pH. They will learn how to neutralise acids and alkalis give everyday examples of neutralisation reactions.
Term 2 (October – December)
Biodiversity and Photosynthesis and Cells and Circuits
•    In Biodiversity and Photosynthesis we study the variety of living things around us and how they learn to adapt or become extinct.  We will learn how green plants make and store food and are essential for life on Earth.  
•    In the Cells and Circuits topic we learn all about electricity, how it is produced and how useful circuits can be built to help us in day to day life.  We consider the differences between series and parallel circuits and get a chance to make our own battery.
Term 3 (January – April)
Chemical Reactions, DNA and Reproduction and Space
•    In the Chemical Reactions topic our learners will discover the new substances that are formed when chemical reactions take place.  They will investigate how to control the speed of reactions and how everyday reactions affect our lives.
•    In the DNA and Reproduction topic we find out what DNA is and what it can tell us. We will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of DNA profiling. We will then learn about the male and female reproductive systems and investigate the effect of toxins on embryos.
•    In the Space topic we will define what space is and the effects gravity has on objects in space and here on Earth. We will consider the possibility of life on other planets and what conditions would be required to support life there.
Term 4 (April – June)
Microbes
•    In The Microbes topic we find out about the different types of microbes and the best conditions for them to multiply. We investigate how some microbes are good for us while some are not and then how to protect ourselves from the nasty microbes.