Year 8 Science

ESSA Study guide

Cherine Spirou

BODY SYSTEMS
Cells To Organ Systems
Cells are the smallest unit of living things.

Tissues are made of the same types of cells. Muscle tissue is made of muscle cells.
Organs are made of different types of tissues. The stomach is an organ made of glandular
tissue that produces chemicals to digest the food, muscle tissue to churn the food and
connective tissue to hold the other tissues together.
Organ systems are made of different types of organs. The digestive system is made of
several organs including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach and intestine.
Multicellular organisms contain many cells that are specialised for particular roles. They are
organised together in organs and systems which all work together to keep the organism
alive.
Digestive System
The digestive system digests food for the body. It is made of several parts.
Mouth chews, moistens and swallows the food.
Oesophagus transfers the food from the mouth to the stomach
Stomach digestion of the food continues here
Small Intestine digestion of the food finishes and then the digested food is absorbed
into the bloodstream to be taken to al parts of the body
Large Intestine excess water is reabsorbed into bloodstream and undigested food is
formed into faeces
Rectum the faeces are stored here until they are removed through the anus.

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Circulatory System
The circulatory system transports blood around the body. It is made of several parts.
Heart pumps blood out into the blood vessels. It has four chambers the left atrium,
left ventricle, right atrium and right ventricle. The diagram below shows the four
chambers and the direction of blood flow through them.
Blood vessels carry blood to all parts of the body and then back to the heart. Arteries
carry blood away from the heart. They have thick, muscular walls because blood flows
through them under pressure.
Veins carry blood back to the heart. They have thinner walls than arteries because the
blood is flowing through them without pressure but they have valves to stop the blood
flowing backwards.
Capillaries connect arteries to veins. They deliver food and oxygen to cells and take
away carbon dioxide and other wastes. Their walls are one cell thick so that materials
can pass between them and the cells. Blood travels to the lungs to drop off carbon
dioxide and pick up oxygen. It then travels to all parts of the body to deliver the oxygen
and collect carbon dioxide.
Blood is made of red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight
infection and platelets that help blood to clot.
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The Respiratory System

The respiratory system delivers oxygen to the blood and collects carbon dioxide from it. It is
made of several parts.
Trachea also called the windpipe, takes in air from the mouth and nose.
Bronchi the trachea branches into two tubes called the bronchi that enter the lungs.
There they branch into smaller and smaller tubes.
Alveoli also called the air sacs, are at the end of the small tubes. They are surrounded
by capillaries. Oxygen passes from the alveoli into the blood in the capillaries and
carbon dioxide passes from the blood in the capillaries into the alveoli.

The Excretory System

The excretory system removes wastes from the body. Excretion is carried out by the
Lungs which remove carbon dioxide and water vapour when we breathe out
Skin which removes salts and water in sweat
Kidney system which removes urine; It is made of several parts.
Kidneys filter urea and excess salts from the blood and mix them with water to form
urine.
Ureters are two tubes take the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder stores urine until it is removed.
Urethra is a tube that removes urine from the bladder

C. Spirou (LMC)

The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is composed of 206 bones. It has several roles in the body.
It allows the body to stand upright and support its weight
It protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs
It allows movement
It makes red and white blood cells
The skeletal system also contains
Ligaments which join bones together
Cartilage which prevents bones from grinding against each other
Tendons which join muscles to bones
Muscles which move the bones

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Glossary
specialised cell, tissue, organ, digestive, oesophagus, intestine, circulatory, artery, vein,
capillary, respiratory, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, excretory, urea, kidney, ureter, bladder,
urethra, skeleton
Study Questions
1.
Explain why multicellular organisms require specialised organs and systems.
2.
Describe the role of these organs in the digestive system:
i)
Mouth
ii)
Oesophagus
iii)
Stomach
iv)
Small intestine
v)
Large intestine
vi)
Rectum
vii)
Anus
3.
Draw a simple labelled diagram of the heart showing the four chambers, the valves,
arteries and veins and use arrows to show the direction that blood flows through it.
4.
Describe the structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries
5.
What is blood made of? What does each part do?
6.
Describe the role of these parts of the respiratory system:
i)
trachea
ii)
bronchi
iii)
the alveoli in the lungs
7.
Which gas does the blood
a) pick up at the lungs ?
b) take back to the lungs?
8.
Name the excretory organs of the body.
9.
Describe the role of these parts of the excretory system:
i)
Kidneys
ii)
Ureters
iii)
Bladder
iv)
Urethra
10.
Draw a labelled diagram showing the arrangement of the kidneys, ureters, bladder
and urethra.
11.
Describe the roles of the skeleton, ligaments, cartilage, tendon and muscles.

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Elements and Compounds

Elements
All matter is composed of elements. There are more than 110 known different types of
elements and their names are shown in the Periodic Table. Elements cannot be broken
down into simpler substances.

Metals And Non-Metals

There are two main groups of elements metals and non-metals and they have specific
properties.
Metals
have a shiny, metallic lustre
have high melting point and boiling point
are solids at room temperature, except mercury which is a liquid
conduct heat and electricity
are malleable, which means that they can be easily bent and formed into thin sheets
Examples of metals

(Gold)

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(Mercury)

(Copper)

Non-metals
have a dull lustre
have either low melting point and boiling point or very high melting point and boiling
point
do not conduct heat and electricity, except for carbon
are brittle, which means that they break easily
Examples of non metals

(Carbon)

(Neon)

(Sulfur)

Compounds
A compound is made of two or more different elements joined together Compounds have
properties that are different to the elements that they are made of. The names of the
elements come from the elements that are in them. For example, the elements called
sodium and chlorine make the compound called sodium chloride.
There many different compounds on Earth with many different uses.

sodium chloride is table salt

water is essential for the survival of all living things
methane is found in natural gas and is used for cooking
sucrose, also called sugar, is used in cooking
octane is found in petrol and is used as a fuel in cars

C. Spirou (LMC)

Compounds And Mixtures

A compound contains elements joined together. The amount of each element in the
compound is always the same. For example, water is always H2O and carbon dioxide is
always CO2.
A mixture contains elements and/or compounds mixed together but not joined together.
The amounts of each substance in the mixture are not always the same. Air is a mixture of
gases and sea water is a mixture of water and dissolved salts.

Chemical Reactions
A chemical reaction occurs when elements and/or compounds join together to form
different elements and/or compounds. There are several observable signs that a chemical
reaction has occurred.

the temperature of the mixture increases or decreases

a gas is produced
a colour change occurs
a solid is formed

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Glossary
element, melting point, boiling point, density, compound, chemical reaction, temperature
Study Questions
1.
What is an element?
2.
Complete this table for the properties of metals and non-metals.
Property
Lustre

Metals

Non-metals

Heat conduction
Electricity conduction
Malleability

3.

4.
5.

6.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

What are the chemical symbols for

a) hydrogen
c) oxygen
b) magnesium
d) zinc
What is a compound?
Name the compounds formed from these elements.
a) silver + chlorine
c) lead + oxygen
b) tin + sulphur
d) magnesium + iodine
Name the elements contained in these compounds.
a) magnesium oxide
c) zinc chloride
b) aluminium sulphide
d) nickel iodide
Name two common compounds and describe one use for each one.
Identify three changes that commonly take place during a chemical reaction.
What is an ore?
Explain how froth flotation is used to separate ores from rocks.
Identify two ways that metals are separated from ores and give an example for each
one.

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Energy
Types Of Energy
There are several types of energy found around us.
Potential energy is stored energy to be used later. It is found in a stretched elastic
band, a wound up spring and an object raised above the ground.
Kinetic energy is found in moving objects.
Light energy is produced by the sun, artificial lights, burning chemicals and very hot
objects.
Heat energy is found in hot objects such as room heaters.
Sound energy is produced by vibrating objects such as musical instruments.
Electrical energy is changed by electrical appliances into other types of energy.

(Light energy)

(Kinetic and Potential energy)

ENERGY CHANGES
Energy can change from one type to another. Electrical appliances change electrical energy
into different types of energy. For example,
a toaster changes electrical energy into heat energy to toast the bread
an iPod changes electrical energy into sound energy so that you can listen to music
a fan changes electrical energy into kinetic energy so that you can keep cool

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Law Of Conservation Of Energy

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can
only be changed from one type to another.
Fossil Fuels
Coal and petroleum are called fossil fuels because they are formed from the remains of
ancient living things. They take millions of years to form and are non-renewable, which
means that once they are used they cannot be replaced. They are used as fuel in vehicles.
They are also used as fuels in power stations to generate electricity.

Solar Energy
Solar energy comes form the sun. It is renewable which means that as it is used it can be
replaced because it is continually being supplied to Earth by the sun. It is used in solar cells
to produce electricity and in solar water heaters to heat water.

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Conduction Of Heat
Heat travels through solids by conduction. At the point where the object is heated, its
particles gain energy and vibrate faster, which causes them to collide with the particles next
to them and pass on their energy. When the neighbouring particles receive the energy, it
makes them also vibrate faster and pass the energy on to more particles. In this way, heat
travels through the solid.
Metals are conductors of heat. This means that heat energy can travel though them from
one place to another. For example, saucepans are made with a metal base to conduct heat
from the stove into the food.
Plastics are insulators of heat. This means that heat energy cannot travel through them. For
example, the handle of a saucepan is made of plastic because it will not conduct heat and so
you can pick up the saucepan without burning your hand.

Convection Of Heat
When liquids and gases are heated, the heat travels in a circular motion called a convection
current. The diagram below shows how convection currents warm a room.

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Radiation Of Heat
Radiation is the transfer of heat energy by waves called infrared radiation. It does not need
a medium to travel through and so can travel through a vacuum. Heat travels by radiation
from the sun to earth and it travels the same way outwards from a fire.
Light coloured surfaces reflect more heat while dark coloured surfaces absorb more heat.
This is why light coloured clothes and cars are cooler in summer than dark coloured ones.
The absorbing panels of solar water heaters are painted black so that the copper water
pipes inside them absorb heat from the sun to heat the water.

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Glossary
kinetic, potential, fossil fuels, solar energy, renewable, electric current, conduction,
convection, radiation
Study Questions
1.
Define these types of energy and identify objects or situations in which these types
of energy exist:
a) potential energy
b) kinetic energy
c) light energy
d) heat energy
e) sound energy
f) electrical energy
2.
Energy can change from one type into another. What energy changes occur in these
electrical appliances:
a) heater
b) CD player
c) stove
d) light globe
e) battery operated toy car
f) TV
3.
What does the Law of Conservation of Energy state?
4.
Coal and petroleum are non-renewable fossil fuels.
a)
What does non-renewable mean?
b)
What does fossil fuels mean?
5.
What are coal and petroleum used for?
6.
Solar energy is renewable. What does renewable mean?
9.
What is solar energy used for?
8.
Describe some situations in which heat is transferred by conduction.
9.
Metals are heat conductors. What does this mean?
10.
Plastics are heat insulators. What does this mean?
11.
Describe some situations in which heat is transferred by convection.
12.
Describe some situations in which heat is transferred by radiation.

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Force and Electricity

Forces
A force is something that changes motion. This means that a force can get something to
stop
go faster
go slower
change direction
change shape
A force can be a push, a pull or a twist.
Contact forces touch the object they are acting on. Some contact forces are friction, air
resistance and buoyancy.
Non-contact forces do not touch the object. Some non-contact forces are gravity, magnetic
forces and electric forces.
Force is measured on a spring balance in units called Newtons (N).

FRICTION
Friction is a force between two rolling or sliding objects. It is caused by the roughness of
surfaces and it acts to slow the objects down. Friction always acts in the opposite direction
to the objects movement. Rough surfaces have more friction than smooth surfaces.
Friction causes surfaces to wear away. Rubber wheels on skateboards and bikes become
thinner as they rub against the road.
Friction also produces heat. A car engine becomes hot as the pistons move up and down in
the cylinders.

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Electrostatic Forces
Electrostatic forces occur on objects that have become electrically charged after being
rubbed. Some objects become positively charged and others become negatively charged.
When electrostatically charged objects are brought near to each other
two positively charged objects will repel each other
two negatively charged objects will repel each other
a positively charged object and a negatively charged object will attract each other

Electrostatic forces can be useful. They are used

to produce images in photocopiers
in paint spray guns to make paint stick to surfaces
to remove solid particles from smoke in chimneys
Electrostatic forces can be a nuisance. They
cause lightning
cause electric shocks when we touch door handles and cars
cause sparks that lead to explosions
An electric field is the area around an electric charge.

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Magnetic Forces
Magnetic forces are produced by magnets. These forces attract metals containing iron,
steel, nickel and cobalt.
The ends of a magnet are called poles the north pole and the south pole.
When two unlike (different) poles north and south are brought together, they attract
each other.
When two like (same) poles north and north or south and south are brought together,
they repel each other.

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet

Magnets are used

to keep refrigerator doors closed
to hold notes on the refrigerator door
in speakers

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Electric Current
An electric current is the movement of electric charges through a metal wire. The charges
carry electrical energy to appliances that then change the energy into other types of energy.
The diagram below shows a simple electric circuit containing a power supply, a lamp and
electrical wires.

Electromagnets
An electromagnet contains an iron core surrounded by electric wires. It is a temporary
magnet because the iron core is magnetic only when electricity runs through the wires.
Electromagnets are used
in scrap-yard cranes to lift cars
in hospitals to remove a piece of steel from a patients eye
in the mouthpiece of a telephone
in metal detectors at airports

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Glossary
force, spring balance, Newton, friction, electrostatic, field, magnetic, pole, electromagnet
Study Questions
1.
Describe one example of a force that is changing
a) shape
b) direction
c) speed
2.
Which instrument is used to measure force in Newtons?
3.
What is friction?
4.
Describe two examples of friction occurring in everyday situations.
5.
What must you do to an object to give it an electrostatic charge?
6.
What happens when the following types of electrostatic charges are brought
together?
a) two positive charges
b) two negative charges
c) one positive charge and one negative charge
7.
Identify two everyday situations in which electrostatic forces are
a) useful
b) a nuisance
8.
What is the meaning of the term magnetic substance?
9.
Name two magnetic substances.
10.
What happens when the following types of magnetic poles are brought together
a) two north poles
b) two south poles
c) one north pole and one south pole
11.
Identify two everyday situations in which magnets are used.
12.
What do electric charges do in an electric circuit?
13.
Identify some common electrical appliances and the energy changes that occur in
them.
14.
Identify two everyday situations in which electromagnets are used

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Investigating Scientifically
Laboratory Equipment

Equipment
Beaker

Measuring Cylinder

Conical Flask

Test Tube

Tripod and wire gauze

Bunsen Burner

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2D diagram

Retort stand with

clamp
x

Filter funnel

Test tube rack with test

tubes

Test tube holder

Evaporating dish

Crucible with lid

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Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner has two flames.

Yellow flame is the safety flame because it is easily seen when the Bunsen burner is not
being used.
Blue flame is the heating flame because it is hotter than the yellow flame and it does not
leave black soot on the glassware.

Hypothesis
A hypothesis (pl. hypotheses) is an intelligent guess or probable answer to a question. It is
based on previous experience, information gained from other sources and the results of
other experiments. A scientist plans and conducts an experiment to test a hypothesis. For
this reason, a hypothesis is written as a statement that can be proved or disproved by
experiment. Some hypotheses are:
Watering plants with soapy water stunts their growth
Tall students jump higher in high jump competitions than short students.

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Planning And Conducting A Valid, Reliable Experiment

A variable is a factor in an experiment that can change, eg, temperature, light.
A valid experiment tests the independent variable and keeps all other variables constant
/the same.
In a valid experiment
one variable is changed during the experiment. It is called the independent variable.
one variable is measured or observed as it responds to the independent variable. It is
called the dependent variable.
all other variables are kept constant/the same.
The aim of the experiment is to investigate the effect of the independent variable on the
dependent variable.
A control is the part of an experiment that is designed to show that the independent
variable being tested is responsible for the results observed. It is used as a standard against
which the results from the experiment can be compared and judged. It ensures that that the
results are due to the independent variable and nothing else. The control has everything the
same except that the independent variable is not included. For example, when testing the
effect of a fertiliser on plant growth, the control will have the same type of plants growing
under exactly the same conditions but without fertiliser. Note that in some experiments a
control is not possible.
A reliable experiment repeats the method numerous times to minimise errors and
inaccuracies.
Planning A Method
When you are planning an experiment, ask yourself these questions:1. Which variable will I make different?
2. Which variables must I keep the same?
3. What will I measure or observe? What measuring instrument will I use?
4. What safety precautions must I take?
5. How will I record the results?
6. How many times will I repeat the experiment?
7. How will I analyse the results? Will I calculate averages? Will I draw a graph?

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Writing A Method
To write a method for an experiment, number each step and use this format:VERB

NOUN

CONDITION (when, where, how, how long?)

A simple way to write a method is to

a) write the steps for ONE form of the independent variable
b) write the phrase Repeat steps 1-? for the other forms of the independent variable
For example
1. Put 500g of sandy soil into a pot.
2. Plant 20 seedlings in the pot.
3. Place the pot in constant light.
4. Add 100ml of water to the pot every day.
5. Measure the height of the seedlings with a ruler every day for 10 days.
6. Record results.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 four times.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 in 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
9. Repeat steps 1-7 in constant darkness.
Observations
Scientists collect information from experiments by making observations using their senses
and measuring instruments. There are two types of observations.
1) Qualitative observations are descriptions in words, eg, the colour of a chemical. We use
our senses to make these observations. However the senses are limited and can be
unreliable.
2) Quantitative observations are measurements involving numbers, eg, the temperature
of a liquid. We use measuring instruments to make these observations. Measuring
instruments increase our powers of observation. Where possible, scientists make
quantitative observations because they are more accurate.
a thermometer is used to measure temperature
a stopwatch is used to measure time
a balance is used to measure mass
a measuring cylinder is used to measure volume
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Tables
Data is presented in tables because this makes the data easy to understand, easy to see
relationships and easy to make comparisons.
Line Graphs
A line graph is used to show a relationship between two variables that are measured. To
draw a line graph:
1. draw the axes.
2. label each axis with the name of the variable and a unit of measurement eg, mass (g).
3. choose a suitable scale for each axis. Mark numbers at regular intervals along the axis.
4. plot each point with a cross.
5. join crosses with a ruled line or a freehand line.
Graphs can be used to extract information, make calculations, show trends, make
comparisons, recognise patterns, make conclusions and predictions.
Conclusions
Making a conclusion from an experiment involves comparing experimental results with
those predicted from the hypothesis. If the experimental results agree with the predicted
results then the conclusion is that the hypothesis is supported. If the experimental results
disagree with the predicted results then the conclusion is that the hypothesis is rejected.
Glossary
laboratory, Bunsen burner, test tube, beaker, tripod, gauze, measuring instrument,
thermometer, stopwatch, balance, measuring cylinder, hypothesis, valid experiment,
reliable experiment, independent variable, controlled variable, dependent variable,
qualitative observation, quantitative observation, procedure, table, graph, conclusion

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Study Questions
1.
What must you do to a Bunsen burner to get the
a) yellow flame?
b) blue flame?
2.
Why is the yellow flame called the safety flame?
3.
When do you use the safety flame?
4.
Why is the blue flame on the Bunsen burner used for heating?
5.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations?
6.
Which measuring instrument would you use to measure
a) time?
b) temperature?
c) volume of a liquid?
7.
Identify the three types of variables in a valid, reliable experiment.
8.
What is a control? Describe one example.
9.
What must be done to make an experiment
a) valid?
b) reliable?
10.
Explain how to write a procedure.
11.
Using examples, explain the difference between a qualitative and a quantitative
observation.
12.
Which type of observation is more accurate a qualitative observation and a
quantitative observation?
13.
State two reasons why data is presented in tables.
14.
What is a line graph used for?
15.
How are crosses joined on a line graph?
16.
State two reasons why data is presented in line graphs.
17.
Explain how to make a conclusion from an experiment.

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Living Things
Cells
All living things are made of cells. The parts of a cell are
nucleus controls everything that happens inside the cell
cell membrane protects the cell and gives it its shape. It has tiny holes that allow
materials to enter and leave the cell
cytoplasm a jelly-like substance that fills the cell. Most cell functions occur here.
cell wall in plant cells only. It is located on the outside of the cell membrane gives the
plant its shape and stiffness
chloroplasts in plant cells only. They contain chlorophyll for making food for the plant.

(Animal Cell)

(Plant Cell)

Unicellular And Multicellular Organisms

A unicellular organism is made of one cell only. Bacteria are unicellular organisms.
Unicellular organisms reproduce by cell division. This means that their cells divide in half to
produce two new cells.
Bacteria can be either helpful of harmful.
Helpful bacteria are used to
break down human faeces in sewage
treat industrial waste
decompose dead plants and animals
make yoghurt and cheese
produce drugs for treating diseases
Harmful bacteria cause diseases.

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(Bacteria)
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A multicellular organism is made of more than one cell. Most organisms are multicellular.
Classification Keys
Scientists use classification keys to identify unknown objects and organisms. The most
common type of key is the dichotomous key which has two choices at every point. It starts
at the top with one group and slowly subdivides until no more choices are possible.

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Vertebrate Groups
Vertebrates are animals with backbones. There are five groups of vertebrates.
1) Mammals
are endothermic (warm-blooded)
have hair or fur over their skin
have lungs for breathing
feed their young with milk from mammary glands

2) Birds
are endothermic (warm-blooded)
have feathers over their skin
have lungs for breathing
lay eggs

3) Reptiles
are ectothermic (cold-blooded)
have dry scaly skin
have lungs for breathing
lay eggs

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4) Amphibians
are ectodermic (cold-blooded)
have smooth, moist skin
have lungs for breathing
lay eggs

5) Fish
are ectodermic (cold-blooded)
have moist, scaly skin
have gills for breathing
lay eggs

Adaptations In Vertebrates
Many vertebrates have special features in their appearance or behaviour to help them live
in their environment. These features are called adaptations. For example,
desert foxes are the same colour as the desert sand and they have very large ears that
lose heat to keep the body cool. It rests in its cool underground den during the day and
comes out at night to hunt for food.
polar bears have layers of fat under the skin and thuick white fur on top to keep them
warm. The white fur also helps them to blend in with their surroundings. They have fur
covering the soles of their feet to protect them from the snow and long curved claws to
help them grip the ice and their prey.
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Plant Groups
There are four main groups of plants.
1) Mosses
have simple leaves and very simple roots but no stem
reproduce by spores

2) Ferns
have leaves, roots and stem
the leaves are called fronds
reproduce by spores

3) Conifers
have leaves, roots and stems
reproduce by seeds in cones

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4) Flowering Plants
have leaves, roots and stems
reproduce by seeds produced in flowers

Adaptations In Plants
Many plants have special features to help them live in their environment. These features are
called adaptations. For example,
desert plants have a variety of adaptations in their leaves to reduce water loss. Some
leaves are rolled into spikes, some leaves are covered in shiny hairs or have a shiny
surface to reflect the Suns heat, some leaves hang vertically so that the Sun does not hit
their surface.
mangrove plants grow in muddy, salty water. They have a dense mass of rots that help
to stabilise the mud. Also, the roots are adapted so that they do not take in too much
salt with the water and the leaves remove salt from the plant.
Glossary
cell, nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, unicellular, multicellular, microorganism, bacteria,
classification, classify, characteristics, features, vertebrate, mammal, reptile, amphibian

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Study Questions
1.
Draw a labelled diagram of a plant cell showing the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell
membrane and cell wall.
2.
Describe the function of the following cell structures
a) nucleus
b) cytoplasm
c) cell membrane
d) cell wall
3.
What is the difference between a plant and an animal cell?
4.
What is a unicellular organism? Give an example.
5.
What is a multicellular organism? Give an example.
6.
How do unicellular organisms reproduce?
7.
Identify one way that bacteria can be harmful.
8.
Identify one way that bacteria can be helpful.
9.
Name the five vertebrate groups.
10.
Describe the features of the five vertebrate groups.
11.
Describe some adaptations of vertebrates to their environment.
12.
Describe the features of these plant groups mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering
plants.
13.
Describe some adaptations of plants to their environment.

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Matter
Matter, Mass, Volume And Density
Matter is all of the substances that make up objects in the universe.
Mass is the amount of matter in a substance or object. Mass is measured on a balance and
is given in grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
Volume is the amount of space that a substance or object takes up. The volume of a liquid is
measured with a measuring cylinder and is given in millitres (mL) and litres (L).
Density is the mass of 1cubic centimetre (cm3) of a substance or object. Density is measured
in grams per cubic centimetre (g/ cm3).
States Of Matter
All matter is made of tiny particles that are too small to be seen. The three states of matter
are solids, liquid and gases.
In solids, the particles are packed closely together and they are held tightly together.
They cannot move around but can only vibrate from side to side. This is why solids have a
definite volume and a definite shape and they cannot be compressed into a smaller
volume. An example of a solid is steel.
In liquids, the particles are close together and they are held loosely together. They can
roll over each other. This is why liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their
container. They cannot be compressed into a smaller volume. An example of a liquid is
water.
In gases, the particles are a long way apart and are free to move anywhere in the
container. This is why gases have no definite volume and no definite shape and they can
be compressed into a smaller volume. An example of a gas is oxygen.

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Expansion And Contraction

Expansion occurs as follows. When a substance is heated, its particles gain energy and so
they move faster. This causes the particles to collide more often and push each other
apart so that they take up more space. As a result, the substance expands. Railway tracks
are laid with gaps between them. When they are heated, they expand and fill the gaps.
Without the gaps, they would buckle.
Contraction occurs as follows. When a substance is cooled, its particles lose energy and
so they move slower. This causes the particles to collide less often and come closer
together so that they take up less space. As a result, the substance contracts. Overhead
electricity cables hang loosely between the poles. When they are cold, they contract and
become shorter. If they did not hang loosely, they would snap.
Change Of State
When substances are heated and cooled they often change state. There are five changes of
state.
melting a substance is heated and changes from solid to liquid
evaporation a substance is heated and changes from liquid to gas
sublimation a substance is heated and changes from solid to gas
condensation a substance is cooled and changes from gas to liquid
freezing a substance is cooled and changes from liquid to solid

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Melting Point And Boiling Point

Water
melts at 0OC
freezes at 0OC
evaporates at 100OC
condenses at 100OC
0OC is the melting point of water
100OC is the boiling point of water
The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from solid to liquid
or liquid to solid.
The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from liquid to gas or
gas to liquid.
C. Spirou (LMC)

Glossary
balance, measuring cylinder, matter, mass, volume, solid, liquid, gas, particle,
compressibility, expansion, contraction, evaporation, condensation, melting, freezing,
Study Questions
1.
What is matter?
2.
What is the meaning of the word mass?
3.
Which piece of equipment is used to measure the mass of an object?
4.
What is the meaning of the word volume?
5.
Which piece of equipment is used to measure the volume of an object?
6.
Name the three states of matter.
7.
Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases.
8.
Using the particle model, describe and give reasons for the volume, shape and
compressibility of
a) solids
b) liquids
c) gases
9.
Using the particle model of matter, explain why a metal expands when it is heated
and contracts when it is cooled.
10.
Describe an example of a situation in which a substance
a) expands
b) contracts
11.
Which change of state occurs when a substance freezes?
12.
Which change of state occurs when a substance melts?
13.
Which change of state occurs when a substance evaporates?
14.
Which change of state occurs when a substance condenses?
15.
What is the melting point of water?
16.
What is the boiling point of water?
17.
Complete this table of changes of state to show whether particles gain or lose
energy and move faster or slower.
Change of State

Energy
Gain

melting
evaporation
condensation
freezing
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Move
Lose

Faster

Slower

Mixtures
Pure Substances And Mixtures
The materials around us can be grouped into pure substances and mixtures.
Pure substances contain only one substance. They always have the same properties no
matter where they come from. Examples are sugar, gold, pure water and helium gas.

Mixtures are substances that have several different pure substances mixed together. Examples
are lipstick, concrete, soft drink and air.

Solute, Solvent And Solution

A soluble substance is a substance that dissolves. An insoluble substance is a substance that
does not dissolve.
When a solute dissolves in a solvent, it forms a solution. In a sugar solution, the sugar is the
solute and the water is the solvent.

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Some solutions are coloured and some are colourless but all solutions are transparent.
A dilute solution contains a small amount of solute in the solvent.
A concentrated solution contains a large amount of solute in the solvent.
A saturated solution is a solution that cannot dissolve any more solute
The Importance Of Water As A Solvent
Water is a very important solvent because it dissolves many substances in a wide variety of
situations. For example,
many drinks, such as fruit juice and soft drink, are water solutions
almost all chemical reactions in the human body occur between substances dissolved in
water in the cells and the blood
water dissolves minerals in the soil and carries them into plants through the roots
many industrial chemicals, such as acids, are made by dissolving chemicals in water.
Filtration And Sieving
Filtration is a method of separation that uses a filter to separate an insoluble substance
from a mixture. A filter contains tiny holes that trap the insoluble substance but let the rest
of the mixture pass through. Filters are used to separate
dirt from water in swimming pools
dirt from petrol and oil in cars
dust from air in vacuum cleaners
coffee grounds from coffee in a coffee machine
solid particles from air in a mask
A sieve is also a filter but with larger holes. Sieves are used to separate
spaghetti from water in a colander
tea leaves from tea in a tea strainer

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Evaporation And Crystallisation

Evaporation and crystallisation are used to separate soluble substances from solutions. In
this process, the solvent evaporates and the solute crystallises. Evaporation and
crystallisation are used to obtain salt from seawater.
Distillation
Distillation is used to separate pure water from solutions. In this process, the solution is
boiled, the steam is collected and then cooled and turned back into liquid water. This water
is pure and is called distilled water. Distillation is used to obtain pure water from sea water
and is called desalination.

Magnetic Attraction
Magnets attract substances made of iron. Magnetic attraction is used to separate iron and
steel from mixtures. For example, it is used in can recycling centres to separate iron cans
from aluminium cans.

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Chromatography
Chromatography is used to separate small amounts of chemicals from a solvent. In this
process, the chemicals are dissolved in a solvent and then the solvent is allowed to soak
through a material such as filter paper. Some chemicals are carried through the filter paper
faster than others. This means that they travel different distances along the filter paper and
so they are separated. If the chemicals are different colours, they can be clearly seen on the
filter paper. Chromatography is used to detect
colours in ink
harmful pesticides in food
drugs in urine samples

Glossary
pure substance, mixture, dissolve, soluble, insoluble, solute, solvent, solution, dilute,
concentrated, filtration, sieving, evaporation, crystallisation, magnetic attraction,
chromatography

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Study Questions
1.
Sugar is soluble in water. What does soluble mean?
2.
In a saltwater solution, what is the
a) solute?
b) solvent?
3.
What is the difference between a dilute solution and a concentrated solution?
4.
How would you separate these mixtures in a lab:
a) salt from saltwater?
b) iron nails from sawdust?
c) powder from water?
d) colours in ink?
5.
Describe one use of
a) filtration or sieving
b) evaporation and crystallisation
c) distillation
d) magnetic attraction
e) chromatography

C. Spirou (LMC)

Planet Earth
Structure Of The Earth
The Earth is a huge ball of rock. It is made of four layers.
crust made of solid rock
mantle mostly made of solid rock with some molten rock in a layer called the
asthenosphere
outer core made of molten iron and nickel
inner core made of solid iron and nickel

The lithosphere is the name given to the layer of solid rock in the crust and upper mantle.
Minerals
A mineral is a chemical compound that is found in the Earths crust, either on its own or
with other minerals in rock. Therefore every rock is made of two or more minerals.
Types Of Rocks
There are three types of rocks.
1) igneous rocks are formed when magma and lava cool
2) sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments are compacted or cemented together
3) metamorphic rocks are formed when igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks are put
under intense heat or pressure

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Weathering And Erosion

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into small fragments called sediments. Two types
of weathering are
physical weathering rocks are broken down into small fragments by physical factors in
the environment such as extreme temperature changes

chemical weathering rocks are changed into new substances by chemical factors in
the environment such as acid rain.

Erosion is the process of moving fragments of weathered rock to other places. This is done
by agents of erosion such as wind, rivers, waves and glaciers.
Water Cycle
The water cycle continually supplies Earth with fresh water. It is called a cycle because it has
no beginning and no end and so it never stops. The three stages of the water cycle are
evaporation water on Earths surface changes from liquid to vapour and rises into the
atmosphere
condensation water vapour in the atmosphere changes from vapour to liquid and
forms clouds
precipitation liquid water in the atmosphere falls to the Earths surface as rain, snow
or hail.

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The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a mixture of gases surrounding the Earth. It is made of several layers
the troposphere, stratosphere and ionosphere. About 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen
and 21% is oxygen. The remaining 1% is a mixture of numerous gases including carbon
dioxide, neon, helium, methane, hydrogen and ozone.
The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat from the sun to keep the Earth warm but if
the amount of carbon dioxide increases too much, the Earth will heat up. This called the
greenhouse effect.
The layer of ozone in the atmosphere blocks out more than 95% of the suns UV rays. If the
ozone layer is damaged so that it has holes in it, then too much UV light will reach the
Earths surface causing sunburn and skin cancer.
Glossary
core, mantle, crust, lithosphere, mineral, weathering, erosion, deposition, sedimentary,
igneous, metamorphic, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, atmosphere, ozone,
greenhouse

Study Questions
1. Draw a labelled diagram showing the core, mantle, crust and lithosphere.
2. What are minerals?
3. Explain how these rocks form:
a) igneous
b) sedimentary
c) metamorphic
4. Rocks are weathered by physical change and chemical change. Explain one example of
each.
5. Draw a labelled diagram of the water cycle showing where evaporation, condensation
and precipitation occur.
6. In the water cycle, what happens in
7. evaporation
8. condensation
9. precipitation?
10. Which two gases make up most of the atmosphere? What is the percentage of each one
in the air?
11. What is ozone needed for?
12. What is carbon dioxide needed for?
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Producers and Consumers

Water Transport In Plants
The roots of a plant take in water.
The stem of a plant transports water from the roots to the leaves through tubes called
xylem.
The leaves of a plant have tiny holes called stomata that release excess water into the air in
a process called transpiration.

Many Australian plants have adaptations that allow them to live in high temperature, low
water environments. These include
Leaves rolled into spikes to reduce the number of stomata
Leaves that hang vertically to keep the leaf cool by reducing the amount of sunlight
striking the surface of the leaf
Leaves that have a shiny, waxy covering that keeps the leaf cool by reflecting sunlight
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants make their own food. They combine water and
carbon dioxide in a series of chemical reactions driven by energy absorbed from sunlight by
the chlorophyll in the leaves. The products of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen. The
glucose is used as food for the plant and the oxygen is released into air to be used by plants
and animals.

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Respiration
Respiration is the process in plants and animals that uses glucose and oxygen to produce
energy. The energy is used for growth, repair and reproduction.
Respiration is closely linked to photosynthesis because photosynthesis in plants provides the
glucose to be used in respiration in plants and animals.

Producers, Consumers And Decomposers

Plants make their own food in photosynthesis. Animals obtain their food by eating plants
and/or other animals.
Plants are called producers because they make their own food.
Animals are called consumers because they obtain their food by eating plants and other
animals. There are three types of consumers.
Herbivores eat plants only
Carnivores east animals only
Omnivores eat both plants and animals
Some organisms, such as bacteria, are decomposers. They feed on the wastes and dead
remains of plants and animals. They break down the wastes and remains into carbon
dioxide, water and minerals which then go back into the air and soil to be reused by plants.

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Food Chains And Food Webs

A food chain shows how energy is passed on from one organism to another. Each organism
in the chain obtains food by eating the organism before it. The first organism is a producer,
such as a plant, because it makes its own food. The other organisms are consumers. The first
consumer is a herbivore and then the others following it are either carnivores or omnivores.
A food chain is shown below.

In any place there are numerous food chains. They can be combined into a food web to
show the complete picture of feeding relationships in that place. A food web is shown
below.

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Bushfires, Drought And Flood

Bushfires have both negative and positive effects on the environment. They destroy large
areas of vegetation and many of the animals living in those areas. With the vegetation
removed, the soil is exposed to wind and water and so it is easily eroded. However, some
Australian plants need fire for their seeds to begin growing and so they regenerate quickly
after fires. Ashes from the fire provide nutrients for the soil that allow plants to recover and
seeds to grow quickly. Some Australian animals survive fires by either quickly moving away
from fires or sheltering in burrows or logs, allowing them to return to the area after the fire
and quickly repopulate it.
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Drought
Drought creeps up over a number of years when rainfall is low. The effects can be
devastating to wildlife as well as to farmers. Drought kills native plants and animals as well
as crops and livestock and the destruction of vegetation leads to soil erosion. Drought
depletes lakes and rivers, causing the death of many aquatic plants and animals. Finally,
drought increases the chance of bushfire, dust storms and toxic algal blooms in rivers.
Flood
Floods cover vast areas of land, submerging plants and animals and causing their
destruction. They also wash away soil, causing soil erosion. However, floods can also have
positive effects on ecosystems. They replenish ground water and soil water, they wash
excess salt from the soil and they provide water for fish and other animals in arid areas to
breed.
Glossary
xylem, stomata, transpiration, photosynthesis, respiration, ecosystem, producer, consumer,
decomposer
Study Questions
1.
Describe the role of roots in water absorption.
2.
Describe the role of the stem in water movement.
3.
What are xylem?
4.
Describe the role of the leaves in transpiration.
5.
What are stomata?
6.
In which part of the plant does photosynthesis occur?
7.
Which materials are needed by plants for photosynthesis?
8.
Which materials are produced by plants for photosynthesis?
9.
Which materials are needed by plants for respiration?
10.
Which materials are produced by plants for respiration?
11.
Why are photosynthesis and respiration important for all living things?
12.
Name one Australian ecosystem.
13.
Using an example of a food web, describe how the producers, consumers and
decomposers are related.
14.
Discuss some effects on Australian ecosystems of
a) bushfires
b) drought
c) flood
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Space
Models Of The Universe
Earth-centred model
In ancient times when there was no technology for looking at the universe, people could
only use their eyes to make observations. They saw the Sun rise in the East and set in the
West and concluded that the Sun was moving across the sky. Aristotle used his observations
of planets and stars in the night sky to propose an Earth-centred model of the universe. In
this model, the Earth was the centre with the planets and stars moving in circular orbits
around it.
Sun-centred model
Aristarchus was the first astronomer to suggest that the Sun was at the centre of the
universe. He used his observations and estimates of the relative sizes of the Sun, Earth and
Moon and their distances from each other to argue that it was more logical to place the
largest object, the Sun, at the centre rather than the smaller Earth. He claimed that the
apparent motion of the planets and stars was due to the Earth rotating on its axis once per
day.
With the invention of the telescope, more accurate observations could be made which
confirmed the Sun-centred model.

Earth centred model

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Sun centred model

Day And Night

Earth has day and night because of Earths rotation on its axis. As it spins, one side of the
Earth faces the sun and the other side does not. The side facing the sun receives sunlight
and so it has day. The other side does not receive sunlight and so it has night. One rotation
of the Earth takes 24 hours.

One Year
The earth revolves around the sun. One revolution of the Earth around the sun takes one
year.
Seasons
The Earth has seasons because Earth is tilted on its axis. When a hemisphere is tilted
towards the sun it has summer and when it is tilted away from the sun it has winter. In
between, it has autumn and spring.

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Gravity
Gravity is a force that attracts objects. All bodies in space have gravity that attracts other
objects in space towards them. For example, the Suns gravity attracts the planets and keeps
them in orbit around it. The Earths gravity keeps the Moon in orbit around it. It also keeps
objects on the surface of the Earth. For an object to leave Earth, it must exert a force
greater than the Earths gravitational force.
Tides
Tides are periodic rises and falls of large bodies of water. They are caused by the
gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth.

The gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth causes the oceans to bulge out in the
direction of the Moon. They bulge out on the other side because the Earth is being pulled
towards the Moon and the water in the oceans is left behind. The Sun has less effect on the
tides but when the Sun and the Moon line up (New Moon and Full Moon), very high tides,
called king tides or spring tides, occur.
Light And Sound
Light is a form of energy that does not need a medium (material) to travel through. It travels
at 300,000 km/s and it can travel through a vacuum. Light from the Sun travels 150 million
kilometres through the vacuum of space to Earth in 8 minutes.
Sound is a form of energy that does need a medium to travel through and so it cannot travel
through a vacuum. It travels through air at 340 m/s. Because there is no air on the Moon,
sound does not travel on the Moon as it does on Earth.

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Solar System
The solar system is one small part of the universe. The sun is at the centre and the planets
orbit it. The eight planets in order from the Sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

The Solar System also contains comets, asteroids, meteors and meteorites.
A comet is a small mass made of ice mixed with dust, frozen carbon dioxide and organic
matter. Comets orbit the Sun in a long, narrow orbit. As a comet approaches the Sun, some
of the mass evaporates and forms two tails that point away from the Sun.

Asteroids are small rocky objects left over from the formation of the solar system. They
orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt which is located between Mars and Jupiter.

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When a chunk of space rock enters the Earths atmosphere the friction between it and the
air causes it to burn up. This burning rock is called a meteor.

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Space rock that lands on the Earths surface without completely burning up is called a
meteorite.
Stars
Beyond the solar system are galaxies of stars.
A star is a sphere of gas, mainly hydrogen and helium, that produces its own heat and light
by nuclear reactions.

A galaxy is a group of millions or billions of stars held together by gravity.

A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space that eventually becomes a star.

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Light Year
A light year is equal to the distance travelled by light in one year. Large distances in space
are measured in light years rather than kilometres.
Glossary
axis, rotation, revolution, hydrosphere, solar system, star, galaxy, nebula, light year
Study Questions
1.
What is the difference between an Earth-centred model of the universe and a Suncentred model?
2.
Describe the observation/s that led Aristotle to propose an Earth-centred model of
the universe.
3.
Describe the observation/s that led Aristarchus to propose a Sun-centred model of
the universe.
4.
Which technology provided evidence for the Sun-centred model?
5.
Explain why Earth has day and night.
6.
What is the name given to the time taken for the earth to revolve once around the
sun?
7.
Explain why Earth has the seasons.
8.
Explain why Earth has tides.
9.
Explain why light energy travels on Earth and in space but sound energy only travels
on earth and not in space.
10.
Name the eight planets in our solar system in order from the sun.
11.
What is a
a) comet?
b) asteroid?
c) meteor?
d) meteorite?
12.
What is the role of gravity in our Solar System?
13.
What is a
a) galaxy?
b) star?
c) nebula?
14.
What is a light year?

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