Science at key stage 3    (Year 7)

• state that a new life starts when a sperm fertilises an egg
• suggest reasons why large numbers of eggs, eg of fish and frogs, are fertilised at one time
• note key points about the reproduction of a particular animal

• state that mammalian young are fertilised internally and develop in the uterus
• explain that an advantage of internal development over external is that there is a greater chance of developing eggs surviving to become independent young
• draw conclusions about mammalian reproduction, eg some mammals have large numbers of offspring with a relatively small investment in aftercare, others have fewer offspring with a high degree of aftercare

• name, locate and describe the functions of the reproductive structures, eg ovary, oviduct, uterus, vagina, penis, testis, sperm duct
• describe fertilisation in terms of the fusion of cells
• sequence changes in sperm and eggs during and after ovulation

• identify and describe how sperm cells are adapted to their functions, eg a tail that pushes it along; streamlining, by reduction in size through having less cytoplasm; a specially strengthened head that contains chemicals to penetrate and break down the outer layers of the egg
• identify and describe how egg cells are adapted to their functions, eg an enlarged cell with food reserves

• explain that sperm and egg each contain half the inherited information needed and relate this to the concept of identical and non-identical twins

• describe the changes of the menstrual cycle, eg egg maturation, ovulation, menstruation
• recognise egg production as a cyclic activity
• make calculations, eg ovulation date and menstruation date, for a regular cycle

• identify the structures in a pregnant uterus and explain the function of amniotic fluid, eg supporting the foetus, cushioning against shocks
• describe the general route taken by nutrients from the mother's digestive system to the foetus' brain
• state that oxygen, water and digested food pass from the mother's blood to the foetus' blood and that carbon dioxide and other waste products pass in the opposite direction

• include in their poster or leaflet appropriate information about the effects of alcohol, smoking or drugs on a developing baby's growth
• recognise that pregnant women should avoid rubella

• explain the process of birth as cervix muscles relaxing, uterus muscles contracting, and the foetus being pushed out, usually head first, with the placenta expelled afterwards
• describe how a newborn baby obtains the nutrients it needs for growth
• recognise that breast milk contains antibodies that protect against common micro-organisms

• produce an account identifying key points and linking them in an appropriate sequence, using links of time and cause

• recognise that rapid growth occurs at different times in the human life cycle and identify when this happens on a growth graph
• recognise that there is a wide variation in the development of children
• present data about height in an appropriate chart or graph

• explain that measurable changes in growth result from cell division and increased size
• suggest reasons for differences between class and national data and explain in terms of sample size

• recognise that reproductive organs mature during puberty as a consequence of growth and circulating hormones
• describe the observable changes of puberty in males and females, eg breasts, more body hair, different body shape
• provide examples of how physical and emotional development proceed at different rates
• share information and discuss ideas

• produce summaries which are appropriately sequenced to show key ideas
• distinguish between aspects of reproduction, eg fertilisation and gestation