This lesson supports students to develop the ‘writing scientific conclusions’ component of working scientifically for GCSE. It is based on current research being conducted by Exeter University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
In this lesson, students return to their experiments and observe the gut contents of the brine shrimp, applying model conclusions to what they can see.
Students develop their ability to write scientific conclusions using the secondary data from the research team. The lesson ends with students considering the implications of microplastics being consumed by zooplankton on a wide scale.
This full lesson includes:
Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance
Slideshow 6 Do Zooplankton eat microplastics? (Conclusions)
Student Sheet 5a Do zooplankton eat microplastics? (Practical)
Student Sheet 6a Model conclusions
Student Sheet 6b Do zooplankton eat microplastics? (conclusions)
Activity Overview/Technician Notes 5 Do zooplankton eat microplastics
Answer Sheet for Student Sheet 6b
This is Lesson 6 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
An in-depth introduction to the themes of extreme environments and how science is conducted in remote regions, for schools internationally.
The booklet includes lesson plans and activities about current research on snow and ice extent, ocean currents, ocean acidification and marine biology. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and include booklets with structured lesson plans, activity and experiment sheets, an interactive Media Player with videos and images from the expeditions, along with posters and other related resources.
This is the second lesson in a full unit (Biodiversity Science GCSE Coral Reefs) that uses the coral reef as a new context for applying concepts of biodiversity, human impacts and conservation.
The ‘How can humans directly threaten coral reefs?’ lesson develops students’ knowledge and understanding of how humans present direct threats to biodiversity, focusing on the threats and effects on food webs on the reef. Students will focus on how the villagers of Com could be harming coral reefs by using them.
Multimedia content and other information can be found at: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-14-16
The science team explain how laboratory work can complement field sampling. Learn how these experiments allow for controlling variables (ie experimental constants) and how the scientists design their experiments using the idea of a fair test.
This full lesson includes:
Student Sheet Video 3
Student Sheet Video reflection
This video lesson can be used as part of Lesson 5 of the Plankton, Plastics & Poo unit. There are also opportunities to use a flipped approach to learning, setting the video lesson as pre-work before the topic is taught or as home learning to provide reinforcement of factual knowledge or to encourage further reflection.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Ocean Plastics Science is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource combining both biology and chemistry. Students are taken on the journey of plastic. Exploring how plastics are manufactured, used, and disposed into the ocean. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life.
Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to conduct authentic research, emulating research conducted by The University of Plymouth. Students will test the properties of plastics, investigate compostable alternatives, and analyse case studies to discover how plastics can physically and chemically harm marine life. https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-science-11-14
If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.
In this biology Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson, students will learn about plastics and bioaccumulation. This lesson is focused on how chemical pollutants cause harm to marine organisms. Included are teacher resources to model bioaccumulation and an orca case study.
This is a single lesson in the Ocean Plastic Science Unit. Ocean Plastics Science is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource combining both biology and chemistry. Students are taken on the journey of plastic. Exploring how plastics are manufactured, used, and disposed into the ocean. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life.
Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to conduct authentic research, emulating research conducted by The University of Plymouth. Students will test the properties of plastics, investigate compostable alternatives, and analyse case studies to discover how plastics can physically and chemically harm marine life.
If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.
This lesson helps students identify the different habitat zones on the coral reef and describe the differences in the environmental conditions.
During their second dive students develop their identification skills through surveying the reef and identifying different coral types. Students draw conclusions about the reasons for the variety and abundance of coral species across the reef.
This is a single lesson from the Coral Oceans Science KS3 unit. The lesson plans and accompanying activities are designed to introduce classes to what it is like to be an ocean explorer.
Each lesson is designed around a ‘dive’ to investigate a particular science topic. These include identification, classification, food webs and symbiosis, adaptation and human impacts on the environment.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and enable students to explore marine life on the reef and the threats facing it.
Access the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-11-14
Ocean for beginners X-Curric 14-16 is a Key Stage 4 (KS4) resource.This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence Ocean Plastics 14-16. The lessons build on prior knowledge of oceans and the species and habitats it encompasses. Students explore ecosystem goods and services and answer GCSE style questions reflecting on how we use the oceans. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on to consider careers in this field by evaluating the work of an ‘Ocean hero’. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 4 unit - Ocean Plastics 14-16.
https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-14-16
In this lesson students will explore the interdependence of life on the reef and where different animals, plants and other organisms get their energy from through feeding and symbiosis.
Students will learn about the different nature of primary production on the reef compared to terrestrial environments.
This is a single lesson from the Coral Oceans Science KS3 unit. The lesson plans and accompanying activities are designed to introduce classes to what it is like to be an ocean explorer.
Each lesson is designed around a ‘dive’ to investigate a particular science topic. These include identification, classification, food webs and symbiosis, adaptation and human impacts on the environment.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and enable students to explore marine life on the reef and the threats facing it.
Access the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-11-14
In this biology Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson, students learn how plastics affect the marine environment. This lesson is focuses on the physical harm caused by plastics to marine organisms. Included are teacher resources that promote students to become advocates for reducing plastic waste to protect our oceans.
This is a single lesson from the Ocean Plastics Science unit. Ocean Plastics Science is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource combining both biology and chemistry. Students are taken on the journey of plastic. Exploring how plastics are manufactured, used, and disposed into the ocean. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life.
Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to conduct authentic research, emulating research conducted by The University of Plymouth. Students will test the properties of plastics, investigate compostable alternatives, and analyse case studies to discover how plastics can physically and chemically harm marine life.
If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of human anatomy.
This lesson continues the study of the respiratory system with a focus on diseases that affect the lungs. Students combine fact cards, online research and the Google Expedition imagery to deepen their knowledge of lungs and health.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 4 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below.
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Lung Structure https://goo.gl/JY0DyB
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Gas exchange in the alveoli https://goo.gl/c5f0xR
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Ventilation https://goo.gl/6Rnenz
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Disease https://goo.gl/eDJXTf
This is the third in a six lesson unit, Submarine Science KS3. In this lesson, explore moments and levers through designing and building a model crane suitable for lifting and moving a weight. This activity replicates the science involved in launching and recovering a submersible using a surface vessel. This lesson is from the Submarine STEM Science 11-14 unit. You can access the unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teacher-resources/submarine-stem-science-ages-11-14
This unit is based on the real life submersible exploration of the XL Caitlin Deep Ocean Survey off Bermuda, the Sargasso Sea. It provides students the opportunity to apply science, engineering, and design princples. To experience the full impact of this scheme of work it can be taught in advance of our annual Submarine Live event. Live lessons can be booked for free here: https://encounteredu.com/live
Students develop their understanding of simple food chains or webs and scientific vocabulary through making an Arctic life mobile.
They will also be introduced to the work of marine scientist, Dr Ceri Lewis, who has worked in the Arctic investigating the impact of environmental change on this fragile ecosystem.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 1: What organisms live in the Arctic?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 1: Arctic mobiles
Student Sheet 1a: Researching Arctic organisms
Student Sheet 1b: Arctic organisms cards
Student Sheet 1c: Arctic life mobiles
It forms Lesson 1 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of human anatomy.
This lesson continues the study of the respiratory system with a in-depth look at the bronchioles and alveoli.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 2 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below.
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Lung Structure https://goo.gl/JY0DyB
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Gas exchange in the alveoli https://goo.gl/c5f0xR
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Ventilation https://goo.gl/6Rnenz
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Disease https://goo.gl/eDJXTf
This lesson looks at how ocean biodiversity can be protected, covering a range of methods, and includes an in-depth analysis of community conservation in Arran, Scotland.
The lesson looks at how seabed communities can recover after human impacts, and the importance of lesser-known seabed species in this process.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Biology
Biodiversity and its importance
Threats to biodiversity
Conservation and management strategies
Adaptation
Working scientifically
Using evidence to support conclusions
Communication and advocacy
Learning outcomes
Understand the methods used in protecting marine biodiversity
Explain the impact of human activities on seabed ecosystems
Identify adaptations of lesser-known species that help seabed restoration
Advocate for the process of seabed recovery and the role of MPAs
This lesson introduces ocean acidification, the other carbon problem. The ocean absorbs about 25% of human-produced carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate climate change but is not without its negative consequences for the ocean.
This is a practical lesson where students will develop their working scientifically skills and develop their literacy by writing a scientific conclusion using the ‘Point Evidence Explain’ technique from English.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Working scientifically
Using evidence to support conclusions
Analysing data and graphs
Investigation skills
Biology / Chemistry
Using the pH scale to describe change
Explaining the impact of human production of carbon dioxide on the environment
Learning outcomes
Describe patterns in results
Investigate how carbon emissions change ocean chemistry
Describe the process of ocean acidification
Write a scientific conclusion
This lesson introduces students to the idea of blue carbon habitats and their importance. Students will gain an overview of these coastal environments before analysing data to see how they play an important role in absorbing carbon and helping to tackle climate change.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Biology
Investigate the diversity and nature of coastal ecosystems
Chemistry
Apply knowledge of the carbon cycle to climate change mitigation
Working scientifically
Analyse and interpret data
Draw conclusions from data
Learning outcomes
Identify and describe the main types of blue carbon habitats
Understand how the ocean and blue carbon habitats help tackle climate change
Analyse the ability of different habitats to absorb and store carbon
Evaluate nature priorities based on data
This Key Stage 4 (KS4) science lesson supports students to develop the ‘sampling techniques’ component of working scientifically for GCSE. It is based on current research being conducted by Exeter University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
Students work scientifically to discover if zooplankton and microplastic occur together.
In this lesson students learn how to apply sampling techniques, using real field data collected by Dr Lewis’ team. The context of this lesson is the voyage the team took to the Gulf of Maine to investigate if zooplankton and microplastics co-occur.
This full lesson includes:
Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance
Slideshow 4 Do zooplankton and microplastics occur together?
Student Sheet 4a Do zooplankton and microplastics occur together?
Student Sheet 4b Do zooplankton and microplastics occur together? (higher)
Answer Sheet for Student Sheet 4a & 4b
This is Lesson 4 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.