Science

Science — MYP 1

International Baccalaureate · Ages 11-12

MYP Sciences in Year 1 is taught as integrated science covering biology, chemistry and physics concepts rather than as separate subjects, organised around key and related concepts.

Students study cells and living systems, the particle nature of matter, forces and energy, and Earth and space. Assessment uses four criteria — knowing and understanding, inquiring and designing, processing and evaluating, and reflecting on the impacts of science.

The inquiring and designing criterion requires students to write their own research question, hypothesis and method. That is a genuine skill and it is where most MYP science marks are won or lost.

Key topics covered

• Cells & Living Systems — Cell structure, organisation, and the characteristics of living things.
• Particle Nature of Matter — States of matter, changes of state, mixtures and separation.
• Forces & Energy — Types of force, motion, energy stores and energy transfer.
• Earth & Space — The solar system, Earth's structure, weather and natural cycles.
• Inquiring & Designing — Writing a research question, hypothesis, variables and method.
• Processing & Evaluating — Tables, graphs, conclusions and evaluating the reliability of a method.