Science.year9

Course descriptor and Curriculum (below)


 * Course descriptor, Year 9 science course, Terms 1 to 4, 2010 **

Term 1 ‘understanding atoms’ develops an understanding of the chemical world in terms of atoms, elements, isotopes, sub-atomic particles, chemical reactions and different bonding between atoms to form metals, salts and molecules. The periodic table is introduced and major trends discussed. The first 20 elements are specifically covered, also their symbols, properties and common ions. Scientific evidence and experiments to support atomic theories and models are examined. The science talent search is introduced and students assessed on their project as part of the course into term 2.
 * Year 9 science: **

Term 2 ‘Light effects and communication’ develops awareness of the physics of light, reflection, lenses, focusing images, the eye, colour, sources of light such as light globes and fluoro tubes. Modern fibre optic communication is included, as also an introduction to the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that includes light, heat, UV-light, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays. Forms of communication such as TV and AM/FM radio are discussed, as also digital technologies.

Term 3 ‘Environmental systems’ and ‘Under control’ develops awareness of biology through exploration of photosynthesis and respiration, greenhouse gasses global warming and how we can care for the environment better; energy flow through eco-systems. Students then think about individual organisms, nerves and reflex actions, senses, the brain, chemical messengers in plants and animals.

Term 4 ‘Forensic files’ and ‘thinking scientifically’ looks at how science can be used to solve crimes by making observations, recording results, ethics, case studies, using a microscope, thinking analytically, prints and casts, DNA and blood, using chromatography. Students may also undertake a project to construct a model working vehicle over a period of weeks.

Assessment tasks: AT1 Quality and quantity of experimental reports AT2 Performance in end of semester summative exam AT3 Quality and quantity of written reports AT4 Intra-semester tests and mini-tests AT5 Maintenance of complete, organised and informative workbook AT6 Completion of worksheets, homework, revision AL1 Behaviour AL2 Classwork AL3 Homework

Course Curriculum

**Lesson** || **Content** **Topics and Subtopics** || **Activities/Tasks** **(including Literacy Strategies)** || **Homework/** **Assessment Tasks** || **Resources** || **(double)**
 * **Timeline and Weekly Content** ||
 * **Week/**
 * **1/1**

**1 /2**

**1/3** || **Evidence for the Electrical Atom** **Static Electricity**

**Rutherford’s Experiment**

**Atomic Structure** || **Sticking balloons to the wall.** **Evidence for the Electrical Atom Prac (p.21) – use torn up pieces of paper if no polystyrene balls available.**

**Simplified version of Researching like Rutherford Prac (p.22) – use heatproof mats and marbles. See Maggie for a demo.**

**So what’s in an atom (p.27)** || **Lab Report (p.21)**

**Rutherford Experiment worksheet**

**Atomic Structure worksheet** || **Balloons, polythene rods, woollen cloths, retort stand and clamp, aluminium foil polystyrene ball, sink**

**Heatproof mats, marbles, blu-tac, PPt presentation**

**Worksheets, Diagrams of atomic structure (PPt or printed out)** || **(double)**
 * **2/1**

**2/2**

**2/3** || **Conservation of Mass in Chemical Reactions**

**Electron Shells**

**Isotopes and Radioisotopes** || **Don’t Break the Law Prac (p.25)**

**Electron Shell diagrams (p.29)**

**Isotopes (p.27)** **Radioisotopes (p.30-31)** || **Lab Report (p.26)**

**Electron Shell worksheets**

**Complete questions (p.31)** || **Beakers/plastic cups, electronic balance, sodium hydroxide solution, copper sulphate, ammonia, sodium carbonate**

**PPt diagrams and worksheets** || **(double)**
 * **3/1**

**3/1**

**3/3** || **The Periodic Table of Elements** **p.32 - 37** || **Research information about each element using** [|**www.chemicalelements.com**] **and page 36 to complete the cut out cards.** **Use the cards to sort the elements in different ways, e.g. year of discovery, colour, boiling point. Students decide which is the best way to sort them.**

**Colour code the periodic table according to group and classification**

**Learning the elements and the symbols – bingo, dominoes, snap, etc.** || **This research task can be set as homework.**

**Name That Element (p.33)**

**Questions 2.3 (p.37)** || **The First 20 Elements Cut-Outs, internet access**

**A copy of the periodic table of elements** || **(double)**
 * **4/1**

**4/2**

**4/3** || **Physical Properties of elements in the periodic table**

**Fireworks** **(can be skipped if short on time)**

**Patterns in the Periodic Table** **- Drawing Graphs** || **Flame Colours Prac (p.40)**

**Complete the investigation task on p.44** **Some students will need a lot of guidance with drawing graphs!** || **Lab Report (p.41)**

**Comprehension questions (p.43)** || **Bunsen burners, heatproof mats, wire loops, small beakers, dilute hydrochloric acid, solutions of: copper carbonate, barium carbonate, potassium carbonate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate**

**Graph paper, rulers, pencils, sharpeners** || **(double)**
 * **5/1**

**5/2**

**5/3** || **Properties of Metals**

**Revision** || **Properties of Metals Prac (p.45)**

**Key Ideas and Review Questions (p.48**

**End of Unit Test** || **Lab Report (p.45)**

**TEST** || **Sandpaper or steel wool, nail, dilute hydrochloric acid, test tubes and racks, zinc sulfate solution, copper sulphate solution, samples of: aluminium, iron, magnesium, silver, copper, lead, tin, zinc** ||