Term+Summaries

__**TERM 1**__
Basically, this term was focused on chemistry.There were several topics covered, including the properties of acids and alkali's, the periodic table, the structure of the atom as well as chemical reactions.

For acids and alkalis, we learnt the effects on indicators, as well as the unique taste of acids and the feel of alkalis. We also used electrical conductivity as well as pH values to determine the strength of acids and alkali's.

For the periodic table, we learnt how to use the different groups and periods to determine the properties of various elements, for example noble gases or alkali metals.

For the structure of the atom, we learnt how to recognise atomic numbers and atomic mass, as well as the arrangement of protons, electrons and neutrons in an atom. Also, we learnt about the different types of bonding, such as covalent and ionic.

For chemical reactions, we learnt how certain types of chemicals react to produce the same substances, for example an acid with a metal oxide.

**__TERM 2__**
Term 2 focused mainly on physics, and there were only a few topics covered: Reflection of light, refraction of light and optics.

For reflection, basically we learnt the law of reflection, that the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal. We proved this law through a simple experiment with a mirror. We then learnt how to draw a ray diagram, and the difference between virtual and real images.

Refraction was a lot more complicated to understand, but eventually I managed to grasp it. We learnt about total internal reflection, why light bends when it enters mediums of different optical density (its speed changes) and several different formulas to determine a medium's refractive index and critical angle.

For optics we concentrated on converging lens, and how light behaves when it passes through the lens at different distances and points. For example, parallel rays of light always converge at the focal point of the lens.

**__TERM 3__**
Term 3 focused on biology, and covered 2 topics, ecology and sexual reproduction.

For ecology, we learnt about food chains, food webs, the relationship between animals, different types of pyramids eg. biomass, the transfer of energy and the carbon cycle.

Currently we are still learning about sexual reproduction in humans, but so far we have covered the sexual organs and the different parts to them, as well as different types of birth control, such as vasectomy and spermicide.