Open Awards
Entry Level
QN: 610/1328/6
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Science (Entry 3) (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 632 hours.
Qualification Level
Entry Level
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
22 Units
Guided Hours
632 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Animal and Plant Adaptations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the impact of the Sun’s radiation on living organisms 1.1 State how plants use light to produce glucose 1.2 Identify the word equation for photosynthesis
- Know that plants and animals adapt to live in their natural habitat 2.1 Give examples of natural adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive in their natural environment
- Know how competition for resources may produce adaptations in animals and plants 3.1 Give examples of how plants and animals compete for resources such as food, mates and territory 3.2 Give examples of adaptations that may provide benefits to plants and animals when competing for resources
- Know how environmental changes may affect animals and plants 4.1 Identify living and non-living factors that may affect plants and animals 4.2 Give examples of plant and animal adaptations related to environmental changes
- Know about the effects of pollution on plants and animals 5.1 State how pollution may occur in: Water Air On land 5.2 State the contribution of pollution to environmental change 5.3 State the impact of human population growth on natural resources and waste 5.4 State how human actions may contribute to environmental change 5.5 Give examples of how plants and animals adapt to cope with climate change
2
Animals including Humans
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know different ways of grouping and sorting living things 1.1 Identify ways in which living things can be grouped 1.2 Explain how classification keys can be used to group and sort living things
- Know how to use classification keys to identify living things in the local and wider environment 2.1 Explain how classification keys can be used to identify and name living things in the local and wider environment
- Know about the types of environments suitable for different animals and plants 3.1 Identify a range of animals and plants found in different environments 3.2 Outline key characteristics of a range of different types of environments 3.3 Explain why the characteristics of different environments make them suitable habitats for plants and animals 3.4 Identify potential threats to the natural environment from: Human activity Pollution Environmental change 3.5 Identify changes to environments that may pose dangers to living things
- Know about the nutrition needs of animals, including humans, for survival and growth 4.1 Outline the nutritional requirements of different kinds of animals, including humans 4.2 State how animals including humans obtain the nutrients required for survival and growth from their environment 4.3 State the impacts of poor nutrition and lack of available food in the local environment on animals including humans
- Know about the anatomical structure of a range of animals including humans 5.1 State the role of the skeleton in animals including humans 5.2 State the role of muscles and muscle groups in animals including humans
3
Atoms and Elements
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about atoms and elements 1.1 State what atoms are 1.2 State how atoms form molecules 1.3 Identify elements are formed from molecules 1.4 Identify elements on a periodic table
- Know the structure and function of the periodic table 2.1 State what the periodic table is used for 2.2 State how elements are arranged on the periodic table
- Know about the chemical properties of atoms and elements 3.1 Identify elements in the same group of the period table 3.2 Outline the chemical properties of elements in the same group of the periodic table
- Know how elements react to form compounds 4.1 State how atoms in elements react to form compounds 4.2 State how to recognise the elements in a compound from the name of the compound
- Know that chemical reactions can be represented by word equations 5.1 Write word equations for: reactions of metals and non-metals reactions of non-metals to produce oxides other chemical reactions
4
Chemicals and Chemical Reactions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about acids 1.1 State how acids react with metals 1.2 State the end products from reactions involving: Hydrochloric acid Sulphuric acid 1.3 Investigate hydrogen release from acid reactions with a range of metals 1.4 Complete word equations for chemical reactions involving named reactants
- Know about alkalis 2.1 State how alkalis react with other substances 2.2 Give examples of end products obtained when using alkalis to neutralising acids 2.3 Investigate how acids react with a range of different carbonates 2.4 Complete word equations for alkali reactions using named reactants
- Know about the process of salt crystallisation 3.1 Describe how salt solutions can be used to produce crystals
- Be able to demonstrate acid and alkali reactions under controlled conditions 4.1 Demonstrate acid reactions with metals in safe and controlled conditions 4.2 Demonstrate alkali reactions in safe and controlled conditions 4.3 Record results from reactions of acids and alkalis with other substances
- Be able to test the acid and alkali levels (pH) of substances and compounds 5.1 Describe the litmus paper test 5.2 State how the litmus paper test is used 5.3 Explain what pH level refers to 5.4 Test pH levels of given chemicals
5
Electrical Circuits
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about electrical circuits 1.1 Describe the structure and function of an electrical circuit 1.2 State the requirements for a working electrical circuit to power small devices
- Know how electricity can be generated from everyday objects, including batteries 2.1 Say how a circuit should be constructed to power a device with batteries 2.2 Explain how small devices can be powered using fruit and vegetables in place of batteries 2.3 State the materials required for powering small devices with fruit and vegetables
- Be able to wire a functioning electrical circuit to power small devices 3.1 Wire a circuit to power small electrical devices 3.2 Investigate the energy transfer delay of different circuit layouts
- Be able to make a functioning clock powered by fruit and vegetables 4.1 Design a circuit for a functioning clock powered by fruit and vegetables 4.2 Make a functioning clock powered by fruit and vegetables 4.3 Investigate the most effective fruit and vegetables for powering small devices
6
Electricity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how electricity is generated from stored energy 1.1 State how renewable and non-renewable sources of energy are used to generate electricity 1.2 Identify different technologies used to convert energy to electricity
- Know how energy is delivered to general supply 2.1 Explain how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses 2.2 State how electricity from the mains supply is delivered to devices requiring power
- Know about battery power and battery-operated devices 3.1 State how batteries work to power devices 3.2 State how the electricity from batteries powers devices 3.3 Identify the benefits and drawbacks of using batteries to power devices
7
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Learning Outcome (The Learner will): Assessment Criterion (The Learner can)
- Know about atoms and elements 1.1 Give examples of atoms 1.2 State how atoms form substances 1.3 Identify a range of different elements 1.4 Identify elements on a periodic table
- Know the structure and function of the periodic table 2.1 State what the periodic table is used for 2.2 Explain how elements are arranged on the periodic table
- Know about the chemical properties of atoms and elements 3.1 Identify elements in the same group of the period table 3.2 Outline the chemical properties of elements in the same group of the periodic table
- Know how elements react to form compounds 4.1 State how atoms in elements react to form compounds 4.2 State how to recognise the elements in a compound from the name of the compound
- Know that chemical reactions can be represented by word equations 5.1 Write word equations for: reactions of metals and non-metals reactions of non-metals to produce oxides other chemical reactions
- Know how the structure of compounds affects their properties 6.1 Give the names for the three states of matter 6.2 State how matter can change states 6.3 State how heating and freezing affect the state of matter 6.4 Demonstrate the three states of matter in diagram format 6.5 State how the structure of a compound impacts on the compound’s properties
- Know about mixtures 7.1 Give an explanation of a scientific mixture 7.2 Give examples of methods to separate scientific mixtures 7.3 Outline how paper chromatography works 7.4 State the role of paper chromatography can be used to: Separate mixtures Give information to identify substances
8
Energy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the main energy resources available in the environment 1.1 Identify a range of renewable and non-renewable types and sources of energy in the environment
- Know how energy is captured and stored 2.1 State how energy is captured from: Renewable sources Non-renewable sources Nuclear sources 2.2 State how energy from a range of sources is stored for later use 2.3 State how stored energy is introduced into the power supply
- Know the changes involved in the way energy is stored when a system changes 3.1 Describe what changes occur in the way energy is stored when: objects are projected upwards objects collide a moving object slows down a liquid is heated to boiling point 3.2 Explain how energy waste occurs when a system changes
- Know about the concept of “energy efficiency” 4.1 Define “energy efficiency” 4.2 State how energy can be transferred 4.3 State how energy may be wasted during transfer 4.4 Give examples of ways to prevent unwanted energy transfer
- Know the environmental impact of energy capture, storage, transfer and use 5.1 State the environmental impacts of renewable and non-renewable energy capture and production 5.2 State the environmental impacts of energy use and wastage 5.3 State how energy use and waste can be reduced
9
Feeding and Recycling Relationships in the Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about feeding relationships in the natural environment 1.1 Identify feeding relationships in an ecosystem 1.2 Show feeding relationships in local ecosystems as a food chain 1.3 Identify predator/prey relationships in food chains 1.4 Identify producers in food chains
- Know how materials in the natural world are recycled and reused 2.1 Give examples of natural recycling of materials in the environment 2.2 Outline the link between plant and animal decay and photosynthesis 2.3 State how plant and animal decay benefits the natural environment 2.4 Outline risks from natural decay in the environment
10
Forces
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about contact and non-contact forces 1.1 Give examples of contact forces 1.2 Give examples of non-contact forces 1.3 State the effects of different contact forces on objects 1.4 State the effects of different non-contact forces on objects
- Know how force affects objects 2.1 Explain how contact and non-contact forces affect the structure and function of objects
- Know how force can be used to ca
- use a rise in the temperature of objects 3.1 State the force that can ca
- use a rise in the temperature of objects
11
Human Health and Disease
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how the human body fights disease and infection 1.1 State the ca
- use of infectious diseases 1.2 State how infectious diseases affect the human body 1.3 State the impact of viruses on the human body 1.4 State the role of white blood cells in fighting infection and disease in the human body 1.5 State how vaccinations work in the human body 1.6 State the function of vaccination in fighting disease and infection in humans
- Know about medical drugs used in human health 2.1 State the purpose of medical drugs in human health 2.2 Outline the benefits and drawbacks of using medical drugs for human health 2.3 State the role and function of antibiotics used for human health
- Know about automatic control systems in the human body 3.1 Identify automated control systems in the human body 3.2 Identify a range of simple reflex actions in the human body
- Know the role of hormones in the human body 4.1 State the role of hormones in the human body 4.2 Identify hormones involved in the human female reproductive cycle 4.3 State the role of hormones in controlling human fertility 4.4 State the benefits and drawbacks of using hormones to control human fertility
12
Light
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about light and the light spectrum 1.1 Identify a range of natural and man-made light sources 1.2 State what darkness is 1.3 Identify the benefits and drawbacks of the Sun and its light 1.4 Identify the colours in the light spectrum 1.5 State what “white light” is 1.6 Name the seven colours that make up white light
- Know how light travels 2.1 State how light travels away from its source 2.2 Identify ways the path of travelling light can be altered
- Know how shadows are created 3.1 State how shadows are made
- Be able to operate a light source 4.1 Create light from a powered light source 4.2 Extinguish light safely
13
Light and Shadow
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to make shadows 1.1 State how shadows are made 1.2 Identify how the shape and size of shadows can be altered
- Understand how light rays may be manipulated 2.1 Identify materials that
- Reflect Absorb light 2.2 Identify materials that: Block Allow the passage of light 2.3 Explain why even and uneven surfaces reflect light in different ways 2.4 Explain how light makes objects visible
- Understand the effects of light on objects 3.1 Recognise how objects are seen as light is reflected from their surfaces 3.2 Explain the terms: Luminous Non-luminous in terms of the effects of light
- Be able to manipulate light and shadow 4.1 Create at least two shadows from a light source 4.2 Operate shadow puppets 4.3 Experiment with light sources and objects to produce shadows of different shapes and sizes 4.4 Carry out experiments to find reflective materials and surfaces 4.5 Investigate how mirrors interact with light 4.6 Use mirrors to change the path of light
14
Magnets
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know what magnets are 1.1 State what magnets are 1.2 State types of natural magnets 1.3 Recognise that magnets can be made
- Know about the properties of magnets 2.1 State how magnets attract and repel metallic objects 2.2 Identify why magnets attract and repel other magnets 2.3 Identify metals that are: Attracted Repelled by magnets 2.4 Identify the importance of the poles of magnets
- Know about the force of magnets 3.1 State the name given to the force from magnets 3.2 State the properties of magnetic force
- Know how magnets and magnetic force may be used 4.1 Identify a range of uses for magnets and magnetic force 4.2 Identify what electro-magnetism is 4.3 State how electro-magnetism can be used
15
Metals and Alloys
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how unreactive metals are formed 1.1 Identify unreactive metals 1.2 Explain how unreactive metals are formed 1.3 Give examples of chemical reactions used in metal extraction 1.4 Describe how less reactive metals can be produced
- Know how metals and alloys are mined, extracted and processed 2.1 State how metals are alloys are: Mined Extracted 2.2 State how metals and alloys are processed for use following mining and extraction
- Know the impacts and benefits of mining metals and ores 3.1 State separately one Social Environmental Economic impact of mining metal ores 3.2 Identify the: Social Environmental Economic benefits of mining and extracting metals and ores 3.3 State the environmental impacts and benefits of recycling metals and metal ores
- Know how the properties of metals affects their use 4.1 Outline how the structure of metals dictate their melting points 4.2 State how the properties of metals affects their usefulness
- Know the properties of alloys 5.1 State the properties of alloys in metals used to make objects for everyday use 5.2 Outline the process by which iron is converted into steel
- Be able to carry out hardness tests on metals and alloys 6.1 Investigate the hardness of different alloys and metals, including steel 6.2 Carry out appropriate hardness tests on a range of metals and alloys
16
Plastics and Polymers
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how plastics and polymers are made 1.1 Give examples of plastics and polymers 1.2 Identify elements and compounds commonly used for making plastics and polymers 1.2 State the processes involved in making plastics and polymers 1.3 State how the properties of plastics and polymers make them suitable for a range of uses
- Know about products and items made from plastics and polymers 2.1 Outline the uses of plastics and polymers for everyday objects 2.2 State the production processes for making objects and items from plastics and polymers 2.3 Recognise how the properties of plastics and polymers make them suitable for making everyday products and items
- Understand the environmental impacts of making and using plastics and polymers 3.1 Identify the environmental impacts of the processing and use of plastics and polymers 3.2 Investigate ways in which plastics and polymers can be recycled and reused 3.3 Identify plastics and polymers that can be easily recycled and reused 3.4 Identify the environmental impacts of using non-recyclable plastics and polymers 3.5 State the environmental and economic impacts from plastic and polymer waste 3.6 Suggest ways in which plastic and polymer waste in the environment can be reduced
17
Reproduction and Genetics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about reproduction in the natural world 1.1 State how animals, including humans, re
- produce 1.2 State how asexual reproduction happens
- Know about the role of genetic material in reproduction 2.1 State the role of the nucleus and cytoplasm in cells 2.2 Outline the role of cytoplasm in plant and animal cells 2.3 Outline the role of chromosomes in determining the characteristics of plants and animals
- Know about natural and selective breeding 3.1 Give examples of natural and selective breeding in the animal kingdom 3.2 Give examples of the benefits and drawbacks of selective breeding
- Know about genetic engineering 4.1 Define the term “genetic engineering” 4.2 Outline the basic process for genetic engineering 4.3 State the potential benefits and drawbacks of genetic engineering 4.4 State how genetic engineering may be used in selective breeding programmes for animals
18
Rocks, Fossils, Minerals and Soil
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to sort and categorise rocks based on their appearance and simple physical characteristics 1.1 Identify the physical characteristics of a range of different rocks and rock samples 1.2 Categorise rocks and rock samples according to their appearance and physical characteristics 1.3 Sort rocks and rock samples according to their composition and appearance
- Know the major components of soil 2.1 Identify the main components of soil and soil samples 2.2 State how the main components of soil are used in a range of human activities including: Agriculture and horticulture Animal and human food production Construction Pottery and clay working 2.3 Identify ways to improve the quality of soil to suit a range of human activities 2.4 State how human activities impact on the quality of soil 2.5 State how environmental and climate events impact on soil quality
- Know what fossils are and how they are formed 3.1 State what fossils are 3.2 Identify what fossils are made of 3.3 Outline the conditions required for fossils to form 3.4 Identify why fossils are found in rocks 3.5 State how fossils are found and extracted
- Know how minerals are found, extracted and used 4.1 State what minerals are and how they are formed 4.2 Identify a range of minerals found in rocks and soil 4.3 Identify ways that minerals are extracted from rocks and soil 4.4 State how minerals are used in human activities including: Agriculture and horticulture Animal and human food production Construction Pottery and clay working Energy production
- Know about soil erosion 5.1 State what soil erosion is 5.2 Identify common causes of soil erosion 5.3 State how soil erosion can be minimised 5.4 Identify the impact of soil erosion on: Humans Animals The wider environment
19
Science Investigation Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to plan a science investigation 1.1 Outline the problem to be investigated 1.2 Identify the investigation methods to be used
- Be able to plan a science investigation 2.1 Identify the equipment and resources required for planned investigation 2.2 Identify potential risks and hazards of given investigation 2.3 Outline the safety procedures to be followed for given scientific investigation
- Be able to carry out a science investigation 3.1 Gather equipment and materials required for given investigation 3.2 Apply correct safety procedures when carrying out science investigations 3.3 Select safety equipment suitable for the investigation and method 3.4 Carry out given investigations safely 3.5 Maintain health and safety when carrying out science investigations
- Be able to review a science investigation 4.1 Identify how the results of given science investigations relate to their purpose 4.2 Present the outcomes from given science investigations in appropriate ways 4.3 Identify what went well during science investigations 4.4 State how future investigations could be improved 4.5 Present findings from science investigations in appropriate written format
20
Sex and Relationships
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about a range of relationships and family lifestyles.
- Know about forming positive relationships.
- Know that individuals have rights and responsibilities within a relationship.
- Know about the law in relation to sex and sexuality.
- Know how the body works in relation to sexual activity.
- Know about the range and purpose of male and female contraception methods.
- Be able to identify the agencies able to give advice on sexual health.
- Be able to communicate about sex, sexuality and relationships
21
Sound
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how sound is made 1.1 Identify how sound is made 1.2 State the meaning of the word “pitch” in relation to sound 1.3 State how the volume of sound can moderated
- Know about sources of sound 2.1 Recognise objects as sound sources 2.2 Identify how at least three different musical instruments produce sounds
- Know how sound can be heard and measured 3.1 Identify the simple structure of the human ear 3.2 State how sound waves reach the human ear 3.3 Recognise how sound is conducted through the human ear 3.3 State what the decibel scale is used for 3.4 State the effect of loud noises on the human ear
- Know that sound can be absorbed and reflected 4.1 State how sound travels 4.2 Identify barriers to sound 4.3 Identify a range of materials that may impact on the way sound travels through materials 4.4 Identify how sound is absorbed by some materials 4.5 Explore how sound is reflected by some materials
- Know how vibrations from sound sources travel through different materials 5.1 Explore how sound vibrations travel through different materials 5.2 Recognise materials that are effective in preventing vibrations from sound sources reaching the air
22
The Human Body
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about cells in the human body 1.1 Identify: Cell nucleus Cell cytoplasm Cell membrane 1.2 State how the structure of human cells relates to their function
- Know about the human skeleton and muscle systems 2.1 Name major bones and joints in the human body 2.2 Name major muscles and muscle groups in the human body
- Know about human dentition 3.1 State the number of teeth usual in: Adults Children 3.2 Identify different types of human teeth and their functions 3.3 Identify the composition of human teeth
- Know about the structure of organs and organ systems in the human body 3.1 Identify the structure of organs in the human body 3.2 Identify the position of the major organs in the human body, including: Heart Brain Liver Lungs Kidneys Reproductive organs 3.3 Outline how organs work in organ systems
- Know about the human circulatory system 4.1 Name the organs in the human circulatory system 4.2 State the function of the main organs in the human circulatory system 4.3 State the role of blood and blood cells in the human circulatory system 4.4 Identify different types of blood cell in human blood
- Know about the human digestive system 5.1 Identify organs in the human digestive system, including: Salivary glands Stomach Liver Gall bladder Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine 5.2 State the role of enzymes in the human digestive system
- Know about the process of human respiration 6.1 State the role of respiration in the human body 6.2 Identify the word equation for respiration 6.3 State sources of glucose for human respiration 6.4 State how gases are exchanged through the lungs
- Know about human reproduction 7.1 Identify organs and organ systems in human reproduction 7.2 Outline the reproductive process in humans 7.3 Name the stages in the human reproductive cycle
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/1328/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2022