Science at key stage 3    (Year 9)

• to relate fitness to the systems of the human body
• that 'fitness' is different for different individuals

• that the utilisation of energy by the body depends on several body systems
• to represent the process of respiration by a word equation

• that the lungs, diaphragm, rib cage and associated muscles of the rib cage are essential for breathing
• that reducing the chest volume expels air from the lungs

• to make notes during a demonstration and to use these in another task
• that smoking is implicated in a range of illnesses
• that carbon particles, carbon monoxide, heat, nicotine and tar cause specific damage
• that ciliated epithelial cells in the airways are specialised for moving fluid
• how evidence about the effects of smoking has gradually been collected

• that a balanced diet requires nutrients, including vitamins, in the correct quantities
• that deficiencies in specific nutrients lead to specific diseases
• how evidence about specific nutrient deficiencies is used

• to make notes during a demonstration and to use them in another task
• to estimate how precise measurements need to be
• to identify trends in quantitative data

• that alcohol alters behaviour
• that excessive use of alcohol can damage the liver and developing foetus
• how to locate information within a text and to identify key points

• how diet, smoking, alcohol and exercise can affect fitness and health

• how simple joints function
• that inappropriate exercise or too much exercise can be harmful to muscles and weak or damaged joints
• that scientists work together to develop and apply ideas

• that a drug is any substance that changes the way the body or mind works

• that drugs alter the way the body works physically or mentally
• to recognise the need for informed consent in experiments involving people
• how to deal with factors that cannot be controlled
• how to work collaboratively to obtain sufficient valid data to draw conclusions

• to ask different sorts of questions to extend thinking and refine ideas
• to identify what information is needed, then use different sources
• to evaluate conflicting evidence to arrive at a considered viewpoint

• to relate fitness and health to scientific knowledge and understanding