Science at key stage 3    (Year 9)

• that gravity is an attractive force which acts on the Earth towards the centre of the planet
• that gravity is an attractive force between objects with mass
• about how the idea of gravity was related to empirical observations

• that where the gravitational force is lower than on the Earth, the mass of an object remains the same, but its weight is less
• to use quantitative relationships

• that gravitational attraction between bodies decreases as the distance between them increases
• about some examples of space exploration

• that the weight of an object can vary whilst the mass remains the same

• that our ideas about the solar system have changed over time
• to consider and evaluate conflicting evidence to arrive at a view
• to use more formal language appropriate to objectivity and impartiality

• that the Sun is massive and exerts a very large gravitational force, which keeps planets in orbit
• to relate the model of circular motion to data on the orbits of planets and satellites

• that the Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth, whose orbit is maintained by the Earth's gravitational pull

• about some uses of artificial satellites
• about information that can be gained through the use of satellites
• how scientists work together to collect information and make predictions

• to review their knowledge and understanding of planetary and satellite motion