Science at key stage 3    (Year 9)

• recognise that energy is routinely converted from one form to another in order to be useful
• categorise devices on the basis of type of energy input or output
• explain why electricity is used widely as a source of energy
• describe energy transfers in everyday changes

• describe the energy transfers and/or transformations in several toys or devices
• recognise that electricity is a useful means of transforming energy
• give examples of ways in which energy can be stored

• describe current as not being used up in a circuit and as dividing along the different branches in a parallel circuit
• identify that an ammeter measures flow of current

• use a voltmeter correctly
• draw from trends in numerical data conclusions about the way voltage varies around a circuit

• use a simple model to describe the link between voltage and energy in a circuit
• learn how to identify faults in equipment
• choose a suitable method for presenting results

• describe energy transformation from a cell/battery to a circuit
• identify and describe patterns in data
• draw conclusions from their data
• describe how to improve their work, eg by identifying strengths in the work of others

• give a reasoned report associating the use/hazard of high voltage with energy transfer

• give examples of some devices that use energy at a greater rate than others, eg heating appliances transfer more energy than others
• give an example of their own use of an electrical appliance that has to be paid for
• contribute to planning and carrying out a survey of energy use of household devices
• communicate data effectively through writing a coherent text

• relate use of electricity to energy supply in everyday situations/devices

• identify a range of energy resources used to generate electricity
• describe a simple electrical generator

• present a considered viewpoint based on information from secondary sources, eg identify the problems of pollution associated with electricity generation by fossil fuels and the environmental impact of renewable and nuclear energy sources

• distinguish between useful energy and wasted or dissipated energy
• make comparisons between appliances and devices concerning their efficient use of energy

• use flow diagrams as a simple means of energy accounting

• identify key points
• contribute to a summary sheet of key ideas