Year 8

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The Year 8 Course

In chemistry this year we will cover…

Unit 8E. Atoms and elements

  • Everything is made up of Atoms which are the smallest particle which cannot be further chemically divided.
  • There are currently 118 different known elements
  • All elements fit onto the periodic table
  • Elements are made up of only one type of atom

By the end of this topic you will be able to…

  • Explain what matter is made up of
  • Understand what an element is
  • Know about several elements and use the periodic table to explain some properties
  • Explain how the periodic table was designed
The Periodic Table of Elements contains every element and carries a large amount of information that chemists can use

The Periodic Table of Elements contains every element and carries a large amount of information that chemists can use

Unit 8F. Compounds and mixtures

  • A compound is formed of two different elements chemically bonded together.
  • The atoms in a compound cannot be separated without breaking bonds in the molecule
  • Mixtures contain two or more substances not chemically bonded together.

By the end of this topic you will be able to…

  • Explain the difference between an atom and a molecule, an element and a compound
  • Know several important chemical formula
  • Name many compounds by using a systematic method that scientists all over the world understand.
  • Understand how reactions proceed.

Unit 8G. Rocks and weathering

The_Earth_seen_from_Apollo_17

  • The earth is made up of several layers which have distinct properties
  • The outer layer of the earth (the crust) is constantly moving and this gives rise to several natural phenomena

By the end of this topic you will be able to…

  • Describe how the earth is currently made up
  • Have an understanding of theories around how the earth was formed.
  • Form opinions & theories about how the earth was formed.
  • Use your scientific knowledge to explain a variety of geological events.

Unit 8H. The rock cycle

  • There are three distinct types of rocks – Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary
  • Rocks change type over a very long period of time when broken down, subjected to pressure or heat.

By the end of this topic you will be able to…

  • Describe how rocks transform from one type to another.
  • Further understand how the earth was formed

Unit 8I. Heating and cooling

HeatTransfer

  • Heat – can be transferred in three different ways.
  • Convection currents transfer heat in Liquids and Gases
  • In solids heat travels by conduction (particles vibrate next door to each other passing energy through the substance)
  • Energy can be transferred through a vacuum by radiation

By the end of this topic you will be able to…

  • Describe how heat travels in any substance.
  • Use observations to explain further the particle model
  • Carry out investigations to explain concepts learnt in the classroom.

TV Programmes to look out for!

BBC: Bang goes the theory,
(highly recommended!)

Sky 1: Brainiac – Science Abuse
(worth watching)

Good Websites to look at for more help

BBC Bitesize