Heol Dyfed
Fishguard
Pembrokeshire
SA65 9DT
Your Science & Technology journey starts here...
In Science and Technology pupils will learn to work safely with their health and well-being in mind. They will develop an understanding of how to use equipment and be able to develop hypotheses while selecting appropriate materials and processes. They will work towards authentic outcomes so that they see Science and Technology as part of the real world they live in. They will develop a broader understanding of the role of science and technology in society; they can be both the problem and the solution to human difficulties and challenges. Within all of this will be a drive to incite curiosity, confidence and the capacity to solve complex problems.
The curriculum has been designed around three themes and key questions:
Theme 1: Rights and responsibilities.
Key question: How will climate change affect life on Earth?
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Science: The interdependence of species Adaptations Classification of organisms Conservation of species
Energy Resources Sustainability Energy efficiency
Practical skills to develop: Working safely Variables Predicting outcomes Measuring and recording data
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Technology Sources of edible oils like palm oils. Local versus imported foods Food miles and carbon footprints. Growing food. Impact of costs on sourcing sustainable materials and ingredients. Veganism and vegetarianism
Practical skills to develop: Weighing and measuring Peeling, slicing, dicing, chopping Methods of heat transfer
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Theme 2: Threats and disasters.
Key question: What are the biggest threats to humankind and how can we solve them?
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Science: Cells & life processes Human health
Properties of matter Changing states Separation techniques Water purification processes
Practical skills to develop: Working safely Variables Predicting outcomes Measuring and recording data |
Resistant Materials Sources of hard materials – wood/metal Sustainable sources of wood and metals (eg Canadian wood from sustainable sources). Local v imported materials Carbon footprint of a material Copper mines – copper love spoons (linking to Welsh culture and heritage). Cost of materials Impact on consumer choices
Practical skills to develop: Working safely Measuring, marking, cutting, tolerance. Handling of materials to make joints. Drilling, painting. |
Theme 3: Leaving what we know.
Key question: How could we adapt to live in a new environment?
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Science: Combustion and its effects Fuels & alternative energy sources Carbon footprint
Motion Forces Energy transformations
Practical skills to develop: Working safely Variables Predicting outcomes Measuring and recording data |
Computer Science Formulating algorithms Coding using Bricks, Python and JavaScript Iteration Conditionals Sequencing
‘Infection’ program to model the spread of a computer virus
Space robots through Lego Mindstorms or Micro:Bit Line follower |
By the end of year 7 all pupils would have completed all 3 themes and key questions.
Assessments will take place throughout the year and will be a mixture of practical, skills and knowledge based. Most will be formative assessments, but all will provide the student with details on the next step to take in improving their progress.