Physics
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. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Year 8 Curriculum Content
|
Theme |
Content |
Assessment |
|
1 What is Physics? (1 week) |
U of how theories develop over time as new evidence emerges. |
None |
|
2 Electricity (6 weeks) |
· K of effect that charges have on one another. K & U of current in series and parallel. S: Interpreting and building circuits from circuit diagrams. S: Making careful measurements of current and potential difference and giving appropriate SI units. K & U: Using models while appreciating their limitations. S: Select and use equipment and techniques that are appropriate for the measurements being made. |
20-minute Common Assessment Assignment + 40-minute short-answer Topic Test |
|
3 Magnetism and Electromagnetism (5 weeks) |
K of magnetic field around a bar magnet and its affect on other magnets or magnetic materials. K & U of factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet. S: Plan and carry out an investigation, presenting data using standard conventions. S: Describing trends from data. S: Communicating in the manner of a scientist. |
Laboratory Report + Online quiz |
|
4 Energy (9 weeks) |
K & U of the conservations of energy. S: Calculations to quantify changes in energy stores and solving simple equations to find out what is possible and giving appropriate SI units. K & U of how energy can be wasted and ways to improve efficiency. |
20-minute Common Assessment Assignment + 40-minute short-answer Topic Test |
|
5 Sound and Light (10 weeks) |
K & U of sound as a vibration of particles and the evidence for this. S: Identify patterns (in the context of oscilloscope traces). S: Select and use equipment and techniques that are appropriate for the measurements being made (in the context of speed of sound). S: Interpret and draw appropriate scientific diagrams (ray diagrams). K & U of reflection and refraction of light. K of how colours of light interact with each other and coloured filters and surfaces. |
Practical Method + 40-minute short-answer Topic Test |
|
6 Making Careful Measurements (6 weeks)
|
· K & U of centre of mass. S: Make careful observations, record data appropriately, identify patterns and drawing conclusions from data (in the context of a pendulum). S: Show awareness of potential sources of systematic and random error. |
Practical competency (tick list) |