In this unit pupils:
- learn that cells are the basic units of life and are organised into tissues from which organs are made
- explore cell structure and differences between plant and animal cells
- learn about some functions of cells
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- learn how observations made with a microscope helped ideas about the structure of living things to develop
- learn to use a microscope safely and effectively
- make observations using a microscope and record these in drawings
- compare and interpret information from microscopic observation
- draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge
- are introduced to the importance of sampling in biological investigations
- carry out an investigation into the growth of pollen tubes, controlling relevant variables and taking account of those which cannot be controlled.
In this unit pupils:
- extend their earlier ideas about human reproduction and consider how offspring are protected and nurtured
- consider and compare reproductive patterns in other animals with those in humans
- relate what they know of the way their bodies change during adolescence to knowledge about human reproduction, growth and the menstrual cycle
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- consider sample size in biological investigations
- present data in bar charts and graphs
- interpret data they have collected and data from secondary sources
In this unit pupils learn:
- how habitats vary
- how plants and animals are adapted to live in a particular habitat
- how plants and animals interact with their environment and with each other, including feeding relationships
- about adaptations for feeding
- how to link food chains to make webs
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- consider the importance of sample size
- make measurements of environmental changes and interpret these
- survey the variety of living things within a habitat
- investigate the activity of a small invertebrate, taking into account variables they cannot control
In this unit pupils:
- explore variation within and between species
- consider why classification is important and are introduced to scientific classification of animals
- investigate patterns of variation in living things and ways of representing and explaining the occurrence of variations
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- frame questions to be answered using first-hand or secondary data
- make qualitative observations and record these in a variety of ways
- draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge
- investigate variation between individuals of the same species using an appropriate sample size
In this unit pupils learn:
- about different foods and how they can be combined to produce a balanced diet
- how food is broken down by digestion so it can be used by the body, for energy, growth and repair
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- consider the extent to which evidence about diet can lead to firm conclusions
- use a model to explore digestion
- use chemical tests to identify food types
- present and interpret data from secondary sources
- draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge
- investigate a question about nutrition using secondary sources of information
In this unit pupils learn:
- how cells are supplied with the materials they need for respiration
- how cells in animals and plants release energy
- that the process of respiration is similar in all cells
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- consider earlier ideas about circulation including how and why these ideas have changed and developed
- make observations and present these in a suitable format
- consider how to deal with factors that cannot be controlled when working with living materials
In this unit pupils:
- learn that micro-organisms share the characteristics of other living things
- find out about growing micro-organisms to make products, and about the role of micro-organisms in infectious diseases
- learn about the body's defence systems and how immunisation can protect against microbial infections
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- consider how ideas about the transmission of infectious diseases have changed and are continuing to develop
- learn how scientists work together to investigate and reduce the transmission of infectious disease
- learn how to grow micro-organisms healthily and safely
- consider the number of measurements needed for reliable data
- identify and control relevant variables
- investigate the activity of yeast, evaluating proposed approaches
In this unit pupils:
- study a habitat in detail and learn how:
- organisms can be identified and sizes of populations compared
- feeding relationships can be modelled quantitatively
- living things within a community influence each other and are affected by the environment
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- model consequences of environmental changes within a habitat
- learn how to sample in biological investigations
- collect, present and interpret data and use this to make predictions
- undertake fieldwork to collect information about organisms within a habitat
In this unit pupils:
- learn about humans as part of a complex food web
- learn about factors affecting plant growth
- learn how management of food production has many implications for other animal and plant populations in the environment
- consider some of the issues involved in sustainable development of the countryside
In scientific enquiry pupils:
- present information in tables and graphs
- investigate the effects of fertiliser on plant growth
- survey weeds growing in a habitat, using an appropriate sampling technique