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What a 9-year-old learns

324 topics open up at age 9, across 14 subjects. They are listed in the order they build on each other, not by importance: each one needs the ones above it.

age 8age 10
What should a 9-year-old be learning?

At age 9, 324 topics open up across Science, Mathematics, English, History, Personal & Social Development, Life Skills, Computing, Languages, Civics & Economics, Geography, Learning to Learn, Arts & Music, Chess, Design & Technology. Each one has prerequisites that come first, so the order matters more than the list: Insect anatomy in depth is a typical starting point.

How do I know what a 9-year-old already knows?

LightMySky starts by assuming everything below the learner’s level is already known, then checks the assumption as they practise. What holds up stays lit; what does not comes back for review.

Science

  1. Insect anatomy in depthInsects & Minibeasts
  2. Insect communication and behaviourInsects & Minibeasts
  3. Types of MetamorphosisInsects & Minibeasts
  4. Insect AdaptationsInsects & Minibeasts
  5. The AtmosphereWeather & Climate
  6. Nutrient Cycling in Thin SoilRainforests
  7. Senses, Brain & ResponsesOrganisms & Life Processes
  8. Animal IntelligenceAnimals of the World
  9. Dinosaur Hip GroupsDinosaurs & Paleontology
  10. The K-Pg Extinction EventDinosaurs & Paleontology
  11. Rainforest BiodiversityRainforests
  12. Reading Weather MapsWeather & Climate
  13. Types of rocksEarth's Systems
  14. Sun-Driven Weather SystemsWeather & Climate
  15. Climate ZonesWeather & Climate
  16. Temperate RainforestsRainforests
  17. Circuit vocabularyEnergy
  18. Reading and drawing circuit diagramsEnergy
  19. How energy travels aroundEnergy
  20. Building an energy-converting deviceEnergy
  21. Wave Behaviour VocabularyWaves, Light & Sound
  22. Waves & how they moveWaves, Light & Sound
  23. Patterns & Codes for InformationWaves, Light & Sound
  24. Speed and energyEnergy
  25. What happens when things collideEnergy
  26. Force & Motion VocabularyForces & Motion
  27. Gravity & Falling ObjectsForces & Motion
  28. Air Resistance & FrictionForces & Motion
  29. Levers, Pulleys & GearsForces & Motion
  30. Changing Ideas About SpaceSpace Exploration
  31. Seasonal ConstellationsSpace Exploration
  32. Space Exploration MilestonesSpace Exploration
  33. The Vast Scale of SpaceSpace Exploration
  34. Scale of the Solar SystemSpace Exploration
  35. Why the Sun Looks BrightestSpace Exploration
  36. Life Cycle of StarsSpace Exploration
  37. The solar systemSpace Systems & Earth's History
  38. Gravity Pulls Things DownSpace Exploration
  39. Earth's rotation and day/nightSpace Systems & Earth's History
  40. Measuring Earthquake StrengthVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  41. How we see objectsWaves, Light & Sound
  42. How Palaeontologists WorkDinosaurs & Paleontology
  43. Erosion and weatheringEarth's Systems
  44. Finding patterns in dataEarth's Systems
  45. Rock layers as evidence of changeSpace Systems & Earth's History
  46. Rock Layers & Relative DatingDinosaurs & Paleontology
  47. How Rocks Change Over TimeVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  48. Natural Disaster SolutionsVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  49. Tectonic PlatesVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  50. Plate BoundariesVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  51. Earthquake-Resistant DesignVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  52. Eruption Types & Volcano ShapeVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  53. Famous Eruptions & PangaeaVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  54. Monitoring VolcanoesVolcanoes & Earthquakes
  55. Extreme Weather EventsWeather & Climate
  56. Weather-Resistant EngineeringWeather & Climate
  57. Material Properties VocabularyMatter & Materials
  58. Advanced Material PropertiesMatter & Materials
  59. Dissolving & SolutionsMatter & Materials
  60. Reversible ChangesMatter & Materials
  61. Irreversible ChangesMatter & Materials
  62. Separating MixturesMatter & Materials
  63. Deep-Sea CreaturesOcean Life
  64. Exploring the OceanOcean Life
  65. Natural resourcesWeather & Climate
  66. Deforestation Causes & ScaleRainforests
  67. Rainforest ConservationRainforests
  68. Rainforest Products in Daily LifeRainforests
  69. Birds Evolved from DinosaursDinosaurs & Paleontology
  70. Palaeoart & SpeculationDinosaurs & Paleontology
  71. Insects in ecosystemsInsects & Minibeasts
  72. The most successful animals on EarthInsects & Minibeasts
  73. Threats to insects and conservationInsects & Minibeasts
  74. Animal Life CyclesEcosystems & Habitats
  75. Plant & Animal ReproductionEcosystems & Habitats
  76. Ocean EcosystemsOcean Life
  77. Ocean Pollution & HarmOcean Life
  78. Oceans & ClimateOcean Life
  79. Climate Change BasicsWeather & Climate
  80. Rainforests & Global ClimateRainforests
  81. Rainforest Futures & Trade-OffsRainforests
  82. Protecting the OceanOcean Life
  83. Three Kinds of AdaptationsAnimals of the World
  84. SymbiosisAnimals of the World
  85. BiodiversityAnimals of the World
  86. Endangered & Extinct SpeciesAnimals of the World
  87. Invasive SpeciesAnimals of the World
  88. Protecting Endangered AnimalsAnimals of the World
  89. Ocean animal migrationsOcean Life
  90. Antarctic Treaty & ResearchPolar Regions
  91. Glaciers & Ice SheetsPolar Regions
  92. Polar Climate ZonePolar Regions
  93. Polar ecosystems comparedPolar Regions
  94. Polar Exploration Then & NowPolar Regions
  95. Polar Oceans and World ClimatePolar Regions
  96. Climate Change at the PolesPolar Regions
  97. Earth's Frozen WaterPolar Regions
  98. Polar Conservation & FuturePolar Regions
  99. Reading CladogramsDinosaurs & Paleontology
  100. Accurate MeasurementScientific Inquiry
  101. Controlling variablesScientific Inquiry
  102. Fair testing (age 9+)Scientific Inquiry
  103. Recording data with diagrams and graphsScientific Inquiry
  104. Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)Scientific Inquiry
  105. Science Can Be RevisedScientific Inquiry
  106. Evidence Supporting IdeasScientific Inquiry
  107. Changing Scientific KnowledgeDinosaurs & Paleontology
  108. Organ Systems VocabularyOrganisms & Life Processes
  109. Human Life StagesOrganisms & Life Processes
  110. Structures for SurvivalOrganisms & Life Processes
  111. Growing Up & PubertyThe Human Body
  112. Heart & Blood CirculationThe Human Body
  113. How the Lungs WorkThe Human Body
  114. Circulation & Breathing TogetherThe Human Body
  115. The Immune SystemThe Human Body
  116. Healthy Lifestyle ChoicesThe Human Body
  117. The Nervous SystemThe Human Body

Mathematics

  1. 3-D shapes (age 9+)Geometry
  2. Factors, multiples, and primesMultiplication & Division
  3. Multiplicative Comparison as an EquationMultiplication & Division
  4. Square and cube numbersMultiplication & Division
  5. Factors, multiples, squares and cubes (age 9+)Multiplication & Division
  6. Rounding decimals (age 9+)Fractions
  7. Understanding fractions (age 9+)Fractions
  8. Fraction addition conceptsFractions
  9. Mixed numbers and improper fractionsFractions
  10. Adding and subtracting mixed numbersFractions
  11. Multiplying fractionsFractions
  12. Fractions of a whole (age 9+)Fractions
  13. Word problems adding and subtracting fractionsFractions
  14. Lines, Rays & AnglesGeometry
  15. Classifying shapes by line propertiesGeometry
  16. Transformations on a gridGeometry
  17. Reflection and Translation on a GridGeometry
  18. What Is an Angle?Geometry
  19. Degrees and turnsGeometry
  20. Estimating AnglesGeometry
  21. Geometric diagram conventionsGeometry
  22. Angle Sum RulesGeometry
  23. Measuring anglesGeometry
  24. Regular and irregular polygonsGeometry
  25. Generating a pattern from a ruleMultiplication & Division
  26. Multiplicative Comparison Word ProblemsMultiplication & Division
  27. Scaling by fractions and simple ratesMultiplication & Division
  28. Short divisionMultiplication & Division
  29. Equivalent fractions (age 9+)Fractions
  30. Adding fractions (different denominators)Fractions
  31. Comparing fractions (age 9+)Fractions
  32. Converting tenths to hundredthsFractions
  33. Decimals for Tenths & HundredthsFractions
  34. Understanding PercentagesFractions
  35. Percentage and decimal equivalentsFractions
  36. Area and perimeter of rectanglesMeasurement
  37. Properties of rectanglesGeometry
  38. Converting time unitsMeasurement
  39. Estimating volumeMeasurement
  40. Perimeter of Compound ShapesMeasurement
  41. Prime numbersMultiplication & Division
  42. Long multiplicationMultiplication & Division
  43. Multi-step word problems with remaindersMultiplication & Division
  44. Fluent addition and subtraction (age 9+)Addition & Subtraction
  45. Mental multiplication and division (age 9+)Multiplication & Division
  46. Angles that add up on a diagramGeometry
  47. Place Value × 10 PatternNumber Representation & Place Value
  48. Mental addition and subtraction (age 9+)Addition & Subtraction
  49. Adding and subtracting (age 9+)Addition & Subtraction
  50. Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000Multiplication & Division
  51. Converting measurement units (age 9+)Measurement
  52. Measure word problems with fractions and decimalsMeasurement
  53. Metric & Imperial ConversionMeasurement
  54. Counting forwards and backwards (age 9+)Number Representation & Place Value
  55. Negative numbers in contextNumber Representation & Place Value
  56. Reading and writing numbers (age 9+)Number Representation & Place Value
  57. Roman numerals to 1000Number Representation & Place Value
  58. Rounding Large NumbersNumber Representation & Place Value
  59. Checking Answers by RoundingAddition & Subtraction
  60. Working with Large NumbersNumber Representation & Place Value
  61. Reading and comparing bar and line graphsData & Statistics
  62. Reading tablesData & Statistics
  63. Statistical analysis vocabularyData & Statistics
  64. Thousandths (age 9+)Fractions
  65. Comparing DecimalsFractions
  66. Decimals to three placesFractions
  67. Choosing representations strategicallyMathematical Thinking
  68. Fractions, Decimals & PercentagesMathematical Thinking
  69. Moving between bar models, number lines and equationsMathematical Thinking
  70. Precise Maths VocabularyMathematical Thinking
  71. Reasoning with EquivalencesMathematical Thinking
  72. Ratio and proportion vocabularyRatio & Proportion
  73. Likelihood LanguageProbability
  74. Ordering LikelihoodsProbability
  75. Equally Likely OutcomesProbability
  76. Simple Chance ExperimentsProbability
  77. Probability as a FractionProbability
  78. Measurement Line PlotsMeasurement
  79. Real-World Maths ModellingMathematical Thinking
  80. Bar Models for RatiosRatio & Proportion
  81. Building and critiquing a mathematical argumentMathematical Thinking
  82. Complex Multi-Step ProblemsMathematical Thinking

English

  1. Advanced spelling conventionsSpelling & Word Study
  2. Homophones (age 9+)Spelling & Word Study
  3. Silent Letters in WordsSpelling & Word Study
  4. Spelling -able & -ibleSpelling & Word Study
  5. Spelling Word Lists (age 9+)Spelling & Word Study
  6. Suffixes (age 9+)Spelling & Word Study
  7. Verb Prefixes and MeaningGrammar & Punctuation
  8. Firsthand and Secondhand AccountsReading Comprehension
  9. How authors support their pointsReading Comprehension
  10. Text & Media ConnectionsReading Comprehension
  11. Commas Before Joining WordsGrammar & Punctuation
  12. Commas to avoid ambiguityGrammar & Punctuation
  13. Fixing Fragments & Run-OnsGrammar & Punctuation
  14. Relative ClausesGrammar & Punctuation
  15. Themes Across Cultures and TraditionsReading Comprehension
  16. Adjective Order in SentencesGrammar & Punctuation
  17. Converting Words into VerbsGrammar & Punctuation
  18. Grammar Terms: Modal Verbs and ClausesGrammar & Punctuation
  19. Modal Verbs and PossibilityGrammar & Punctuation
  20. Prepositional PhrasesGrammar & Punctuation
  21. Progressive and Continuous TensesGrammar & Punctuation
  22. Cultural Allusions and Word MeaningReading Comprehension
  23. Antonyms & SynonymsVocabulary
  24. Domain Vocabulary Across Subject AreasVocabulary
  25. Greek and Latin Roots for Word MeaningVocabulary
  26. Idioms & ProverbsVocabulary
  27. Similes & MetaphorsVocabulary
  28. Combining information from textsReading Comprehension
  29. Explaining Events & IdeasReading Comprehension
  30. Structure of information textsReading Comprehension
  31. Interpreting visual information in textsReading Comprehension
  32. Finding Theme and SummarisingReading Comprehension
  33. Literary Evidence in WritingWriting Composition
  34. Brackets and dashes for parenthesisGrammar & Punctuation
  35. Poems, Drama & ProseReading Comprehension
  36. Identifying Reasons Behind a Speaker's PointsSpeaking & Listening
  37. Paraphrasing What You HearSpeaking & Listening
  38. Evidence-Based WritingWriting Composition
  39. In-depth character and setting analysisReading Comprehension
  40. Narrator's Point of ViewReading Comprehension
  41. Cohesion within paragraphsGrammar & Punctuation
  42. Linking paragraphs with adverbialsGrammar & Punctuation
  43. Choosing Form and Tone for Your AudienceWriting Composition
  44. Writing for an audienceWriting Composition
  45. Recommending BooksReading Comprehension

History

  1. The Pharaoh as Living GodAncient Egypt
  2. Greek and Roman ArchitectureAncient Greece & Rome
  3. Greek Philosophers and MedicineAncient Greece & Rome
  4. Alexander the Great's EmpireAncient Greece & Rome
  5. Roman Republic and EmpireAncient Greece & Rome
  6. Fall of the Western Roman EmpireAncient Greece & Rome
  7. Roman Law, Latin, and ChristianityAncient Greece & Rome
  8. Art & ArchitectureMedieval Times
  9. Crime & PunishmentMedieval Times
  10. Magna Carta and Limiting Royal PowerMedieval Times
  11. Towns & TradeMedieval Times
  12. Printing Press & RenaissanceMedieval Times
  13. Women in the Middle AgesMedieval Times
  14. Roman Britain and What It LeftBritain Through Time
  15. Egyptian Timelines and MapsAncient Egypt
  16. Egyptian Art and ArchitectureAncient Egypt
  17. Evidence for Greek and Roman LifeAncient Greece & Rome
  18. Egyptian Trade and EconomyAncient Egypt
  19. Cleopatra and the End of EgyptAncient Egypt
  20. Ancient Egypt's Lasting LegacyAncient Egypt
  21. Greek and Roman Legacy TodayAncient Greece & Rome
  22. Medieval Legacy in Modern LifeMedieval Times
  23. Medieval Worlds Beyond EuropeMedieval Times
  24. Judgement of the DeadAncient Egypt

Personal & Social Development

  1. Mixed and Conflicting EmotionsEmotional Literacy
  2. Questioning First ImpressionsSelf-Awareness
  3. Respecting Different CulturesEmpathy & Social Awareness
  4. Stereotypes and Individual DifferencesEmpathy & Social Awareness
  5. Culture and Experience Shape EmotionsEmotional Literacy
  6. Personal Goal-SettingSelf-Regulation & Resilience
  7. Time and Attention ManagementSelf-Regulation & Resilience
  8. Assertive CommunicationFriendship & Cooperation
  9. Giving and Receiving FeedbackFriendship & Cooperation
  10. Helping Others Resolve ConflictsFriendship & Cooperation
  11. Self-Reflection in RelationshipsFriendship & Cooperation
  12. Emotions and decision-makingEmotional Literacy
  13. Resilience and Bouncing BackSelf-Regulation & Resilience
  14. Prejudice and DiscriminationEmpathy & Social Awareness
  15. Questioning Your Own BiasesEmpathy & Social Awareness
  16. Community rights and responsibilitiesResponsible Decision-Making
  17. First Aid You Can Actually DoResponsible Decision-Making
  18. Peer Pressure and Resisting ItResponsible Decision-Making
  19. Personal Coping ToolkitSelf-Regulation & Resilience
  20. Emotional Patterns Over TimeEmotional Literacy
  21. Difficult Ethical ChoicesResponsible Decision-Making
  22. Ethics in Real-World IssuesResponsible Decision-Making

Life Skills

  1. Social EnterpriseEntrepreneurship
  2. Borrowing & DebtMoney & Finance
  3. Financial PlanningMoney & Finance
  4. How the Economy WorksMoney & Finance
  5. Global TradeMoney & Finance
  6. Scams & Online SafetyMoney & Finance
  7. Taxes & Public ServicesMoney & Finance
  8. Pitching an IdeaEntrepreneurship
  9. Real entrepreneursEntrepreneurship
  10. Scaling UpEntrepreneurship
  11. Supply chainsEntrepreneurship
  12. Ethics in BusinessEntrepreneurship

Computing

  1. Bias in AI SystemsArtificial Intelligence
  2. AI and Fairness in DecisionsArtificial Intelligence
  3. Deepfakes and AI-Generated ContentArtificial Intelligence
  4. Designing Fair AI RulesArtificial Intelligence
  5. Where a File Lives: Folders, Names and BackupsDigital Literacy
  6. AI and the Future of WorkArtificial Intelligence
  7. AI Data Collection and PrivacyArtificial Intelligence
  8. Passwords, Logins and Keeping an Account YoursDigital Literacy
  9. AI and the EnvironmentArtificial Intelligence
  10. The Future of AIArtificial Intelligence

Languages

  1. Building a Word Bank That SticksLanguage Learning
  2. Asking for what you needSounds & Conversation
  3. Word order and question formsGrammar Across Languages

Civics & Economics

  1. Productivity, Skills and ToolsEconomics
  2. How People Change SocietyCitizenship in Action

Geography

  1. Latitude, Longitude and Time ZonesMaps & Globes
  2. Migration and MovementPeople & Environments

Learning to Learn

  1. Choosing a strategyLearning to Learn
  2. Reflecting After LearningLearning to Learn

Arts & Music

  1. Building a Scene: Who Wants WhatPerforming Arts

Chess

  1. First opening ideaspack: Chess basics

Design & Technology

  1. Mechanisms That Make Things MoveDesigning & Making
What a 9-year-old learns · LightMySky