KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Light and how it travels, where they explored the basic properties of light, including how it moves in straight lines and forms shadows. It extends this knowledge by examining the nature of sound and light waves, their interactions, and how they are perceived by the human senses. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Making images, where they will apply their understanding of wave properties to explore how light is used to create images, further enhancing their grasp of the role of waves in communication and perception.

1. Sound vibrations
2. Travelling vibrations
3. Travelling sound
4. Reflecting and absorbing sound
5. Shadows
6. Reflecting light from mirrors
7. How we see things
8. Reflections in mirrors

• Sounds are made by something that is vibrating.
• Vibrations from sounds are heard because they move through the air to the ear.
• Bigger vibrations make louder sounds.
• Shorter or tighter strings vibrate to make sounds with a higher pitch.
• Sounds get fainter as distance from the sound increases.
• Light travels in straight lines.
• Objects are seen because they shine light or reflect light into the eye.
• Light forms shadows in the shape of objects that block it.