United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 9 Science
A comprehensive exploration of the fundamental laws governing biological systems, chemical reactions, and physical forces. Students transition from foundational concepts to complex applications in preparation for Key Stage 4 science.
Genetics and the Blueprint of Life
Investigating how information is passed between generations and how variation drives the evolution of species.
Understanding the structure of DNA and how genes determine the characteristics of living organisms.
Exploring the mechanisms of change over time and the evidence for common ancestry.
Examining the modern techniques used to modify the genetic makeup of organisms for human benefit.
Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends
Delving into the subatomic world to explain why elements behave the way they do and how the periodic table is organized.
Tracing the history of atomic models from solid spheres to the nuclear model.
Analyzing how the arrangement of electrons dictates the chemical properties of different groups.
Investigating how atoms join together to form the compounds that make up our world.
Energy and Global Systems
Analyzing energy transfers on a global scale and the impact of human activity on the Earth's climate.
Examining the role of atmospheric gases in maintaining Earth's temperature and the causes of global warming.
Evaluating the efficiency and environmental impact of renewable versus non-renewable energy sources.
Mapping the movement of carbon through the biosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere.
Forces, Motion, and Space
Using mathematical models to describe movement and exploring the gravitational forces that govern the universe.
Applying Newton's three laws of motion to explain the behavior of objects in everyday life.
Exploring how gravity keeps planets in orbit and the life cycle of stars.
Defining the relationship between force, distance, and energy transfer.
Chemical Reactions and Rates
Investigating how energy changes during reactions and what factors influence the speed of chemical processes.
Measuring temperature changes to determine if energy is being released or absorbed.
Exploring how concentration, temperature, and surface area change the frequency of molecular collisions.
Using neutralization reactions to determine the concentration of unknown substances.
Bioenergetics and Human Health
Examining the metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis and their link to human health and disease.
Comparing aerobic and anaerobic respiration and how cells harvest energy from glucose.
Investigating how plants convert light energy into chemical energy and the factors that limit this process.
Understanding how the body defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.