Year 7 & 8 Administrative & Course Handbook

SCIENCE YEAR 7 SCIENCE This course introduces students to the skills and processes of science. Topics studied were selected from: scientific apparatus, safety, ecosystems, machines, astronomy, chemistry, forces, classification and the water cycle; renewable and non-renewable resources. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE • Relate simple procedures for preparing and separating mixtures to medical and industrial procedures. • Describe the characteristics and applications of gears. • Describe simple magnetic and electrostatic effects in terms of a field model. • Explain the biological basis of ecosystems. • Group a variety of organisms on the basis of similarities and differences. • Describe how positions of the planets, moon, sun and stars affect natural phenomena. • Describe major components of the universe. • Perform experiments and predict and observe results. • Practice safe experimental techniques in the laboratory. • Develop skills and practices in care and handling of equipment. YEAR 8 SCIENCE In this subject, students will reinforce their skills and understanding of the processes of science. Topics studied were selected from body systems, rocks, energy (light and sound), chemistry, states of matter, cells and microscopes. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE • Describe ways of producing a chemical change and influencing its rate. • Relate the safe use and disposal of common substances to their physical and chemical properties. • Describe the characteristics and application of the transmission and reflection of energy in the form of light and sound. • Use a simple particle model to explain the properties and structures of solids, liquids and gases. • Describe interactions between living things and their non-living surroundings. • Explain how plants and animals obtain, transport and store nutrients. • Develop skills in observing microscopic structures. • Identify various rock types and the processes involved in their function. • Perform chemical experiments safely and explain chemical reactions using words in a report. • Develop skills and practices in care and handling of equipment and materials. • Observe demonstrations of complex instruments. • Observe information in tables and graphs. YEAR 7 & 8 ADMINISTRATIVE & COURSE HANDBOOK CONTENTS