UAE Grade 9 Science Course Entries

This outlines the course content for Grade 9 Science, based on the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum as observed in available documents. It is structured by the three science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Biology

Term 1: Coordination and Control, and Transport Systems

• Coordination and Control: This topic explores how the nervous and endocrine systems work together to allow the body to respond to changes in the environment. Students will learn about the different types of sensory receptors, the structure and function of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), reflex actions, and the role of hormones in regulating body functions.
• Transport in Humans and Plants: This topic covers the transport systems in both plants and animals. Students will learn about the circulatory system in humans (heart, blood vessels, blood components), and the transport of water, mineral salts, and manufactured food in plants (xylem and phloem). The concept of osmosis is also introduced.

Term 2: Variation, Selection, and Genetics

• Variation and Selection: This topic explores the concepts of variation within species, natural selection, evolution, and selective breeding. Students will learn about chromosomes, genes, DNA, cell division, inheritance, and the mechanisms driving evolutionary change.
• Sensitivity and Coordination: This topic delves deeper into the nervous system, focusing on the different parts of the brain and their functions, voluntary and involuntary actions, and the importance of reflex actions. The endocrine system is also revisited, with a focus on specific glands, hormones, and their roles.

Term 3: Reproduction, Microorganisms, and Genetic Modification

• Reproduction in Plants and Humans: This topic covers the reproductive systems in plants and humans, including sexual reproduction, embryo development, birth control methods, and the importance of prenatal care.
• Microorganisms and Genetic Modification: This topic explores the use of microorganisms in various processes, as well as the applications and implications of genetic modification. Specific topics include the use of microorganisms in food production and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering.

Chemistry

Term 1: Introduction to Chemistry

• Working Like a Scientist: This introductory unit covers the scientific method, experimental design, measurement, data analysis, and significant figures. It is a foundational unit for all science subjects.
• Introduction to Chemistry: This topic introduces the field of chemistry, its branches (organic, inorganic, physical), and its importance in everyday life. Students will learn about basic laboratory apparatus and safety procedures.

Term 2: Chemical Bonding, Formulae, and Equations

• Chemical Bonding, Formulae, and Equations: This topic covers atomic structure, ionic bonding, chemical formulae, and chemical equations. Students will learn how to write and balance chemical equations, and about different types of chemical reactions (oxidation, combustion, synthesis, decomposition, displacement). The Law of Conservation of Mass is also introduced.

Term 3: Acids, Alkalis, and Salts

• Acids and Alkalis: This topic explores the properties of acids and alkalis, the pH scale, indicators, and neutralization reactions. Students will learn about the reactions of acids with bases, metals, and carbonates, and the applications of neutralization in everyday life.

Physics

Term 1: Measurement and Motion

• Working Like a Scientist: This introductory unit (same as in Chemistry and Biology) covers the scientific method, experimental design, measurement, data analysis, and significant figures.
• Measuring Length Derived Quantities: This topic focuses on measurement, specifically area and volume. Students will learn how to calculate the area and volume of regular and irregular shapes, and the displacement method for measuring volume.

Term 2: Electricity and Magnetism

• Electricity and Magnetism: This topic covers static electricity, current electricity, circuits (series and parallel), magnetism, electromagnetism, and electromagnetic induction. Students will learn about the properties of magnets, the relationship between voltage and current, and how to construct simple circuits.

Term 3: Radioactivity, Particles, and Astrophysics

• Radioactivity and Particles: This topic explores radioactivity, atomic structure, radiation, half-life, and the applications of radioactivity (e.g., in medicine and industry). Nuclear fission and fusion are also introduced.
• Astrophysics: This topic covers motion in the universe and stellar evolution. Students will learn about the movement of celestial bodies and the life cycle of stars.