A series of activities for students to complete in class or at home in preparation for the unit 4 examination. It is most useful to use before they attempt exam past papers Resources include: A tick sheet for revision A learning grid with focused questions to ensure students cover main topics in unit 4 (11 pages). This includes photosynthesis; global warming; evolution; GPP and NPP; microorganisms and how they reproduce; the immune response; immunity ; PCR; DNA profiling and forensics. Vocabulary reinforcer Exam command words reminder

A PDF worksheet of a dichotomous key to identify invertebrates. This can be used as an independent learning task where students can work through the clues in the key. Answer sheet included.

A power point to aid students understanding of breathing and the pressure/volume differences that occur during inhalation and exhalation. This links directly to the edexcel syllabus - 2.47 understand the role of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in ventilation. I have included a worksheet from edexcel AS biology to calculate the surface area of the lungs as a starter activity. Also included is the video on breathing by TedEd which gives a nice introduction to the process and also links into respiration. Plenary - edexcel exam questions

A level lesson which focuses on reasons for speciation to occur. The powerpoint is a complete lesson which contains individual student tasks to aid note taking and examination style questions.

Lesson 1 covers the CNS, receptors and responses. It also introduces neurones and their role. Lesson 2 covers synapses and their structure/role in the nervous system Lesson 3 looks at the 3 types of neurones found in the CNS which will link into reflex arc Lesson 4 looks at the Reflex arc There are activities and assessments in each of the power point. There are also questions to generate a class discussion and check points.

A power point lesson which guides students through data in the form of carbon dioxide levels; global temperature; rising sea levels and glacial melting. Students gain practice in data analysis which is vital in this module. There are also a series of exam questions with answers to support their understanding. This lesson links with Edexcel IAL Unit 4

Edexcel Spec link 6.7 (i) (ii) An introduction to how bacteria are able to spread from one person to another. We then look at how the body protects itself against pathogen entry. This is a circus activity where students gather information from around the room (cards provided). Finally we research how bacteria cause the disease with endotoxins and exotoxins.

Edexcel Specification 6.17 - 6.19 Two lessons which takes students through the process of how the polymerase chain reaction works and how gel electrophoresis can produces banding patterns. There are opportunities for class discussion and tasks for the students to complete. I have also included a video which discusses DNA fingerprinting.

2 lessons focusing on the process of fertilisation in mammals including the acrosome and cortical reaction. In plants, formation of the pollen tube and then double fertilisation. Activities include video, diagrams and exam style questions.

An A3 PDF worksheet which summarises each of the core practical methods to gain 5 marks in the first question on unit 3. It also supports the experimental design question in unit 1 and unit 2 I have also included the biotic and abiotic factors to control, where appropriate, and the effect of not controlling this on the experiment.

A practical investigation that enables students to determine whether light intensity affects the population of plants in 2 areas, one being shaded and the other with light. Students randomly generate coordinates for an area marked out. I have suggested using 2 tape measures at right angles. Quadrats are then placed at the sites and the plants are counted. Students then use the data to estimate the total plant population.

Practical activity - Investigating the changes in the population of a plant species along an environmental gradient. Transect samples are taken systematically in a linear pattern. In this investigation, you will use an interrupted belt transect to investigate the effect of the increase in height (altitude on a hill). Students record their results in the table and plot a scatter graph. A conclusion can then be drawn using their results.

2 worksheets focusing on the role of carbohydrates in biological organisms including how they are formed and the different structures they form. Monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Exam-style questions and answers included.

A pdf worksheet which focuses on the need for nitrate and magnesium ions by a plant. Students should know how both water and mineral ions pass into the plant (osmosis and active transport). The worksheet contains exam-style questions with an answer sheet. Suitable for in class activity; homework; research task.

A level Biology topic focusing on gene technology. This unit includes: the principles of genetic technology the tools and techniques available to the genetic engineer explaining the use of microarrays outline the use of bioinformatics in sequencing genomes describe examples of the uses of genetic technology in medicine and agriculture Pros and Cons of GMO In this unit includes powerpoint lessons, worksheets, videos and discussion/debate tasks. The unit contains 4 lessons but this can be increased if you would like more time on a particular aspect e.g. debate.

38 longer response exam questions. This document can be modified and the order of questions can be changed or removed. The total time for this document is 8 hours. Mark scheme is included. I have used this document as a timed revision exercise but the document can be used as a summative exam. Topics included: Alkanes and Alkenes Cycloalkanes Alkanes: homologous series, isomerism and reactions Alkanes: formulae, isomers and reactions Analyse the properties of ethane, polymers and biodegradation Comparing methods for making ethanol Compounds from oil and fractional distillation Demonstrate understanding of molecular formula Experiment for the cracking of hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons: formulae, reactions and isomers Producing ethanol and methanol The questions test both knowledge and application of knowledge.

This is an interactive lesson focusing on the different methods used by forensic scientists to determine the time of death. This includes: Algor mortis (body temperature) Rigor mortis (muscle contraction) Livor mortis (colour of skin after death) Entomology (study of insects) Decomposition Students click on each link to gain information about each method. The information is in the form of text, diagrams and videos. Students can summarise this information in their notes if the teacher wishes. The students are then given information about 5 deceased people and the state of the body when found. Working in pairs or groups, students use the information to predict and approximate the time of death (they are given a current time and work backwards).

A3 REVISION MATS FOR EDEXCEL BIOLOGY UNIT 5 SUITABLE FOR BOTH A LEVEL AND INTERNATIONAL A LEVEL. ANSWER SHEET INCLUDED. THESE RESOURCES HAVE HELPED MY STUDENTS LEARN THE TOPICS AND THEN APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE TO EXAM QUESTIONS. TOPICS INCLUDE: MUSCLE NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION TYPES OF FIBRE STRUCTURE OF A NEURONE CHANGES IN MEMBRANE POTENTIAL SYNAPSES AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS BRAIN STRUCTURE BRAIN SCANS BRAIN DISORDERS CONTROL OF HEART RATE CONTROL OF BREATHING RATE THERMOREGULATION

A PDF file with tasks that cover the key information studied regarding Biological Molecules including structure, names of bonds formed and types of reaction. Activities include basic exam questions focusing on structure and properties; crossword to consolidate learning of vocabulary; match name to structure activity. Answer sheet included