Year 8 Biology Curriculum Plan

Overview

During Year 8 all pupils follow the EXPLORING SCIENCE SCHEME (Topics B5 to B8 inclusive).

• B5 VARIATION AND ADAPTATION
• B6 HABITATS
• B7 FOOD AND NUTRITION
• B8 THE HUMAN BODY AND RESPIRATION

This scheme of work is supported by a textbook 'EXPLORING SCIENCE' Book 2.

Most lessons include experiments and practical investigations. Additionally, there are worksheets that are designed to consolidate and extend understanding of the key topics. Subject specific vocabulary is very important and correct spelling of these words is encouraged and reinforced. All lessons are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, with a high challenge, low threat atmosphere. Consideration is always given to the sensitive nature of some of the material.

At the end of each topic there is a test. Revision for all of these tests will be done in class and homework will be set before these tests to give pupils the opportunity to practice their revision skills.

Look here for details of the contents of the Exploring Science scheme.

The work is organised in topics. The time allocation for each topic is approximately seven weeks.

General links:

Brain Pop Homepage
KS3 Bitesize Revision Homepage
Discovery

B5 Variation and Adaptation

This unit considers variation and its causes. Also, adaptations of organisms to their environment.

5a. Species and variation within a species.

B5b. Environmental variation.

B5c. Genetic variation. Patterns and extension work on genetic crosses.

B5d. Animal adaptation. Extension work on selective breeding.

Link: Wildlife in Winter

B5e. Plant adaptations. Further details and interesting information about cloning and genetic modification.

Link: How Cloning Works

B6 Habitats

This unit introduces the concept of a habitat, feeding relationships, populations and human influences on the environment.

B6a. Describing a habitat.

B6b. Physical factors affecting a habitat. Daily and seasonal changes.

B6c. Populations and sampling methods. Extension work on the growth of the human population.

Link: Biomes

B6d. Feeding relationships as shown by food chains and food webs. Pyramids of numbers and biomass. Extension work on trophic levels.

Link:Naturegrid

B6e. Human impact on the environment: Sustainable development, pollution and extinction.

B7 food and Nutrition

This unit covers diet digestion and transport of nutrients around the body.

B7a. Revision of diet. Details of food groups and deficiency diseases. Extension work on recommended daily amounts.

Link :Kids Health

B7b. Balanced diet, healthy eating and food tests.

B7c. Digestion and the role of enzymes. Sc1 Investigation on Amylase enzyme.

B7d. Absorption and transport around the body. Extension work on diabetes.

B7e. Respiration. Uses of energy.

B8 The Body and Respiration

This unit covers the skeleton, joints, respiration (again!), circulation and drugs.

B8a. Skeleton and joints.

Link: Skeletal System - Anatomy and Physiology

B8b. Muscles and movement. Respiration in muscle cells. Extension work on the nervous system.

B8c. Breathing system. Extension work on assisted breathing.

Link: Asthma

B8d. The circulatory system. Extension work on blood groups and excretory system.

Links:
The National Blood Service
The Heart: An Online Exploration

B8e. Damage caused by smoking alcohol and drugs. Extension work on respiration without oxygen and injuries to bones and muscles.During Year 8 all pupils follow the EXPLORING SCIENCE SCHEME (Topics B5 to B8 inclusive).