Year 7 Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) Curriculum UK
Year 7 Science transitions students into laboratory science: Bunsen burner safety, risk assessments, plant and animal cells under light microscopes, the particle model of matter, acids and alkalis with pH universal indicator, and balanced vs unbalanced forces.
- Understand laboratory safety and use scientific equipment including Bunsen burners and light microscopes
- Describe the structure and functions of plant and animal cells, tissues, organs and organ systems
- Describe the particle model of solids, liquids and gases and changes of state
- Use the pH scale to determine acidity, alkalinity, and neutrality
Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents
Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 7 Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)
Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes
Autumn Term: Lab Safety, Cells & Particle Model
Laboratory Skills & Plant/Animal Cells (Biology)
Lighting Bunsen burners (safety flame vs roaring blue flame); preparing microscope slides; cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuole.
- Identify organelles in plant and animal cells
- Prepare onion skin cell slides for microscope examination
The Particle Model & Diffusion (Chemistry)
Explaining density and states of matter through kinetic particle theory; diffusion in liquids and gases.
- Explain diffusion as the movement of particles from high to low concentration
Spring Term: Acids, Alkalis & Human Reproduction
Acids, Alkalis & Neutralisation (Chemistry)
The 0-14 pH scale; universal indicator color changes; neutralisation reactions (Acid + Alkali → Salt + Water).
- Determine pH using indicators
- Write word equations for neutralisation reactions
Summer Term: Forces, Friction & Space Physics
Forces & Newton’s First Law (Physics)
Balanced vs unbalanced forces, resultant force, friction, air resistance, and speed calculations (Speed = Distance / Time).
- Calculate resultant force and predict motion
- Use equation: Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses
Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.