Years 7–9 Science

Design a fair test by identifying the independent, dependent, and control variables.

Select measuring instruments with suitable ranges, precision, and units for an investigation.

Write a risk assessment that links each significant hazard to an appropriate control measure.

Record observations in a clear results table and calculate means, ranges, and anomalous results.

Choose and plot an appropriate graph to display a set of scientific data.

Evaluate whether evidence supports a conclusion and suggest specific improvements to a method.

Compare the structures of animal, plant, and bacterial cells.

Relate the structures of specialised cells to their functions.

Calculate image size, actual size, or magnification using microscope information.

Explain diffusion in cells using the particle model.

Describe the organisation of multicellular organisms from cells to organ systems.

Explain how bones, joints, and antagonistic muscles produce movement.

Use nutritional information to assess whether a diet is balanced for a person's needs.

Trace food through the digestive system and state the function of each major organ.

Explain how enzymes digest large food molecules and how temperature and pH affect enzyme activity.

Relate the structure of the lungs and alveoli to efficient gas exchange.

Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration using word equations and energy release.

Explain how exercise, smoking, alcohol, and other drugs can affect body systems.

Relate the structures of the human male and female reproductive systems to their functions.

Sequence the stages from the menstrual cycle and fertilisation through implantation, gestation, and birth.

Explain sexual reproduction in flowering plants from pollination to seed and fruit formation.

Distinguish inherited variation from environmental variation using examples.

Explain the relationship among DNA, genes, chromosomes, and inherited characteristics.

Explain how natural selection can produce adaptation, evolution, or extinction over generations.

Use the word and symbol equations for photosynthesis to explain how plants make biomass.

Relate leaf and root structures to photosynthesis, gas exchange, water uptake, and mineral uptake.

Predict how changing light intensity, carbon dioxide, or temperature affects photosynthesis.

Interpret food chains and food webs to identify feeding relationships and changes in populations.

Use quadrat or transect data to estimate distribution or abundance in a habitat.

Explain how carbon cycling and human activity affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate.

Use the particle model to compare solids, liquids, and gases.

Explain melting, freezing, boiling, evaporation, condensation, and sublimation using particle energy.

Explain diffusion and changes in gas pressure using particle motion and collisions.

Calculate density, mass, or volume using the density equation.

Classify particle diagrams as elements, compounds, or mixtures.

Select and explain a suitable method for separating a mixture, including filtration, crystallisation, distillation, or chromatography.

Describe an atom using protons, neutrons, electrons, charges, and locations.

Interpret chemical symbols and formulae to count the atoms of each element present.

Use the periodic table to identify elements, atomic numbers, groups, periods, metals, and non-metals.

Predict properties and reactivity from patterns in Groups 1, 7, and 0.

Select metals, ceramics, polymers, or composites for a use based on their properties.

Explain the formation and sustainable use of rocks, ores, fuels, and other finite Earth resources.

Use observable evidence to distinguish chemical reactions from physical changes.

Write word equations and balance simple symbol equations for chemical reactions.

Apply conservation of mass to explain or calculate changes measured during reactions.

Classify and predict combustion, oxidation, thermal decomposition, and displacement reactions.

Use indicators and the pH scale to classify acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions.

Predict the products of neutralisation reactions involving acids, alkalis, and carbonates.

Distinguish exothermic from endothermic reactions using temperature data and energy-transfer diagrams.

Explain how changes in atmospheric composition and the carbon cycle are linked to climate change.

Calculate speed, distance, or time using appropriate units.

Interpret distance–time graphs to describe and compare motion.

Draw force diagrams and calculate the resultant force in one dimension.

Distinguish mass from weight and calculate weight from mass and gravitational field strength.

Interpret force–extension data and apply Hooke's law within the elastic limit.

Calculate turning moments and predict whether a lever is balanced.

Calculate pressure in solids and explain pressure differences in liquids and gases.

Calculate work done and explain how simple machines trade force for distance.

Identify energy stores and describe transfer pathways in physical processes.

Apply conservation of energy to track useful and dissipated energy.

Calculate work, energy, or power using the relevant equations and units.

Calculate efficiency from useful and total energy transfers.

Explain conduction, convection, and thermal radiation using particle and wave models.

Compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources using reliability and environmental impact.

Describe waves using amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and wave speed.

Explain how sound is produced, transmitted, detected, and related to pitch and loudness.

Use ray diagrams and the law of reflection to predict the paths of reflected light.

Use ray diagrams to explain refraction, lenses, image formation, and vision correction.

Explain colour using absorption, reflection, transmission, and the visible spectrum.

Use gravity and relative motion to explain orbits, day and night, seasons, and the development of stars.

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams using standard component symbols.

Explain electric current as charge flow and use ammeters correctly.

Explain potential difference as energy transferred per unit charge and use voltmeters correctly.

Use the relationship between potential difference, current, and resistance in calculations.

Predict current and potential-difference patterns in series and parallel circuits.

Explain static electricity through electron transfer, attraction, repulsion, and discharge.

Map and predict magnetic fields around permanent magnets and current-carrying wires.

Explain how electromagnets, motors, and generators use interactions between electricity and magnetism.