Year 9 Biology Curriculum Plan
Overview
During Year 9 all pupils follow the EXPLORING SCIENCE SCHEME (Topics B9 and B10) in the autumn term. We will start the AQA GCSE course in spring term with Module 1a.
Autumn Term :
• B09 Microbes and disease
• B10 Plants and photosynthesis
This scheme of work is supported by a textbook 'EXPLORING SCIENCE' Book 3. Each pupil has their own copy which also contains Physics and Chemistry.
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. Students are assessed through a formal test at the end of each topic.
General links:
Brain Pop Homepage
KS3 Bitesize Revision Homepage
Discovery
General SATS Revision:
Little Health School
KS3 Revision Aids
B9 Microbes and Disease
Microbes; how the body defends itself against them; man-made medicines and treatments for disease; how to look after the body.
Links:
BBC Revision
Stalking the Mysterious Microbe
Microbe Zoo
Microbes.Info
Eyam & the plague
Drama (Eyam & plague, Vaccines)
National Centre for Infectious Diseases Website
Yakult Homepage
Actimel Homepage
Intro to Bacteria
MMR The Facts (NHS)
Medinfo - MMR
MMR Facts
B10 PhotosynthesisPlants as producers; photosynthesis; transport systems.
Links:
Chlorophyll
What is fertiliser and why do plants need it?
How Composting Works
Organic Food
BBC Revision
Spring and Summer Terms :
The Modular GCSE course is started with Module 1a.
The course features many of the major theories of science in a way that encourages students to appreciate their importance to everyday life. It also explores how scientific information is obtained, how reliable it is, what its limitations are, and how this information helps society to make important decisions. Students are prepared to deal with issues involving science which they may meet.
It will enable students to progress to A levels in science subjects. This course explores scientific concepts in more depth, and develops students' understanding of how scientists work.
It will extend students knowledge and understanding of each subject.
Assessment is a 30 minute objective (multiple choice) test
Useful links:
S-cool Homepage
GCSE Biology Bitesize Revision
Biotopic Homepage
Virtual Body Homepage
Biozone Internet link
B1a assessed in June of Year 9
How do human bodies respond to changes inside them and to their environment?
Links:
Nervous System Tutorial
Synapse Animation
Explore the Nervous System
Hormones and their Effects
Love and Sex
What can we do to keep our bodies healthy?
Link:
How do we use/abuse medical and recreational drugs?
Link:
Ash
Mind, Body and Soul
What causes infectious disease and how can our bodies defend themselves against them?
Links:
Lymphocyte Animation
Phagocyte Animation
The Immune System
