Science programmes of study: key stage 3

1 Science programmes of study: key stage 3 National curriculum in England September 2013 Science key stage 3 2 Purpose of study 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, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science . Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.

2 They should be encouraged to understand how Science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. Aims 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 understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of Science enquiries 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.

3 Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding The programmes of study describe a sequence of knowledge and concepts. While it is important that pupils make progress, it is also vitally important that they develop secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts in order to progress to the next stage . Insecure, superficial understanding will not allow genuine progression: pupils may struggle at key points of transition (such as between primary and secondary school), build up serious misconceptions, and/or have significant difficulties in understanding higher-order content. Pupils should be able to describe associated processes and key characteristics in common language, but they should also be familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely.

4 They should build up an extended specialist vocabulary. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of Science , including collecting, presenting and analysing data. The social and economic implications of Science are important but, generally, they are taught most appropriately within the wider school curriculum: teachers will wish to use different contexts to maximise their pupils engagement with and motivation to study Science . The principal focus of Science teaching in key stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

5 Pupils should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and Science key stage 3 3 become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. Examples of these big ideas are the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions. They should be encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.

6 Pupils should understand that Science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and ideas and subjecting results to peer review. Pupils should decide on the appropriate type of scientific enquiry to undertake to answer their own questions and develop a deeper understanding of factors to be taken into account when collecting, recording and processing data. They should evaluate their results and identify further questions arising from them. Working scientifically is described separately at the beginning of the programme of study, but must always be taught through and clearly related to substantive Science content in the programme of study.

7 Teachers should feel free to choose examples that serve a variety of purposes, from showing how scientific ideas have developed historically to reflecting modern developments in Science . Pupils should develop their use of scientific vocabulary, including the use of scientific nomenclature and units and mathematical representations. Spoken language The national curriculum for Science reflects the importance of spoken language in pupils development across the whole curriculum cognitively, socially and linguistically. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are key factors in developing their scientific vocabulary and articulating scientific concepts clearly and precisely.

8 They must be assisted in making their thinking clear, both to themselves and others, and teachers should ensure that pupils build secure foundations by using discussion to probe and remedy their misconceptions. Attainment targets By the end of key stage 3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Science key stage 3 4 Key stage 3 Working scientifically Through the content across all three disciplines, pupils should be taught to: Scientific attitudes pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review evaluate risks.

9 Experimental skills and investigations ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables, where appropriate use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements apply sampling techniques.

10 Analysis and evaluation apply mathematical concepts and calculate results present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions present reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error identify further questions arising from their results. Science key stage 3 5 Measurement understand and use SI units and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical nomenclature use and derive simple equations and carry out appropriate calculations undertake basic data analysis including simple statistical techniques.