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Schemes of Work
QCA

Science at key stage 3    (Year 7)

Unit 7D: Variation and classification

QCA
About this unit

In this unit pupils:

  • explore variation within and between species
  • consider why classification is important and are introduced to scientific classification of animals
  • investigate patterns of variation in living things and ways of representing and explaining the occurrence of variations

In scientific enquiry pupils:

  • frame questions to be answered using first-hand or secondary data
  • make qualitative observations and record these in a variety of ways
  • draw conclusions from observations and explain these using scientific knowledge
  • investigate variation between individuals of the same species using an appropriate sample size

Much of this work involves the interpretation and analysis of visual information gathered from a variety of sources. The use of enlarged images and other methods of gathering information may support learning for pupils with visual impairment.

Teachers will be aware of the need for sensitivity to the circumstances of pupils and their families throughout this unit.

This unit is expected to take approximately 7.5 hours.


Sections in this unit

This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. a. How do individuals of the same species differ from each other?
2. b. How do individuals of the same species differ from each other?
3. a. What are the causes of variation?
4. b. What are the causes of variation?
5. Checking progress
6. a. How can we describe living things?
7. b. How can we describe living things?
8. a. How can we sort things into groups?
9. b. How can we sort things into groups?
10. a. How do scientists classify living things?
11. b. How do scientists classify living things?
12. Reviewing work