Year 8/9 Science

Course description:
This is an immersive science coursed designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding in the diverse realms of biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences. Through hands-on experiments, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative projects, students will explore the wonders of the natural world, developing critical thinking skills and a foundation for advanced scientific studies.

Course objectives:

• Cultivate a scientific mindset through inquiry-based learning, fostering curiosity and independent investigation.
• Integrate knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences to appreciate the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines.
• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing scientific phenomena, interpreting data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Term 1: Chemistry

Term 2: Physics

Term 3: Biology

Term 4: Earth Sciences

Key topics

• Biogeochemical Cycles and Stratigraphy
• Fossilisation, the geological time scale and cretaceous tertiary
• Minerals and the Mohs Hardness scale
• Plutonic rock bodies and rock classifications
• Supercontinents and plate tectonics
• Earthquakes, seismographs, seismic waves
• Tsunamis earthquake safety and volcanoes
• Hotspots and rings of fire

For the latter part of the term, we will:

• Review Stage 4 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, focusing on key concepts to strengthen core knowledge.
• Enrichment-Level Science Competition Preparation, aimed at enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.