This detailed lesson explains how the process of transcription results in the production of messenger RNA (mRNA). Both the detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to specifically cover the first part of point 6.2 (d) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification. The lesson begins by challenging the students to recall that most of the nuclear DNA in eukaryotes does not code for polypeptides. This allows the promoter region and terminator region to be introduced, along with the structural gene. Through the use of an engaging quiz competition, students will learn that the strand of DNA involved in transcription is known as the template strand and the other strand is the coding strand. Links to previous lessons on DNA and RNA structure are made throughout and students are continuously challenged on their prior knowledge as well as they current understanding of the lesson topic. Moving forwards, the actual process of transcription is covered in a 7 step bullet point description where the students are asked to complete each passage using the information previously provided. An exam-style question is used to check on their understanding before the final task of the lesson looks at the journey of mRNA to the ribosome for the next stage of translation. This lesson has been written to challenge all abilities whilst ensuring that the most important details are fully explained.

This lesson focuses on the structure of RNA and specifically the similarities and differences between this nucleic acid and DNA. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover the second part of point 6.1 (b) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to describe the structure of this nucleic acid. Students were introduced to the detailed structure of a nucleotide and DNA in previous lessons, so this lesson is written to tie in with those and continuously challenge prior knowledge as well as the understanding of the current topic. The lesson begins with the introduction of RNA as a member of the family of nucleic acids and this enables students to recognise that this polynuclotide shares a number of structural features that were previously seen in DNA. A quiz round called “A FAMILY AFFAIR” is used to challenge their knowledge of DNA to recognise those features that are also found on RNA such as the chain of linked nucleotides, pentose sugars, nitrogenous bases and phosphodiester bonds. The next task pushes them to consider features that have not been mentioned and therefore are differences as they answer a structured exam-style question on how RNA differs from DNA. Students will learn that RNA is shorter than DNA and this leads into the final part of the lesson where mRNA and tRNA are introduced and again they are challenged to use the new information explain the difference in size. Brief details of transcription and then translation are provided so that students are prepared for the upcoming lessons on protein synthesis

This is a fully-resourced lesson which uses exam-style questions, quiz competitions, quick tasks and discussion points to challenge students on their understanding of topics C1 - C5, that will assessed on PAPER 3. It has been specifically designed for students on the AQA GCSE Combined Science course who will be taking the FOUNDATION TIER examinations but is also suitable for students taking the higher tier who need to ensure that the fundamentals are known and understood. The lesson has been written to cover as many sub-topics as possible, but the following have been given particular attention: The relative mass and charge of protons, electrons and neutrons Using the Periodic table to calculate numbers of the sub-atomic particles Writing elements and compounds in chemical symbol equations Covalent structures Drawing dot and cross diagrams for covalent and ionic compounds The transfer of electrons during the formation of an ionic bond Properties of metals and non-metals States of matter Conservation of mass and balancing symbol equations Calculating the relative formula mass Electrolysis of molten salts and aqueous solutions Extraction of metals In order to maintain challenge whilst ensuring that all abilities can access the questions, the majority of the tasks have been differentiated and students can ask for extra support when they are unable to begin a question. Step-by-step guides have also been written into the lesson to walk students through some of the more difficult concepts such as drawing dot and cross diagrams and writing chemical formulae. Due to the extensiveness of this revision lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 3/4 teaching hours to complete the tasks and therefore this can be used at different points throughout the course as well as acting as a final revision before the PAPER 3 exam.

This is a fully-resourced lesson which uses exam-style questions, engaging quiz competitions, quick tasks and discussion points to challenge students on their understanding of the content of topics P1 - P6, that will assessed on PAPER 5. It has been specifically designed for students on the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science course who will be taking the FOUNDATION TIER examinations but is also suitable for students taking the higher tier who need to ensure that the fundamentals are known and understood. The lesson has been written to cover as many specification points as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention: Factors affecting thinking and braking distance The 7 recall and apply equations tested in PAPER 5 The units associated with the physical factors challenged in PAPER 5 Recognising the motions represented by different motions on velocity-time graphs Using a velocity-time graph to calculate acceleration Resultant forces Sound waves as longitudinal waves The electromagnetic waves Using significant figures and standard form The relative charges and masses of the particles in an atom Recognising isotopes Using the half-life of radioactive isotopes The development of the atomic model In order to maintain challenge whilst ensuring that all abilities can access the questions, the majority of the tasks have been differentiated and students can ask for extra support when they are unable to begin a question. Step-by-step guides have also been incorporated into the lesson to walk through students through some of the more difficult concepts such as half-life calculations. Due to the extensiveness of this revision lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 3 teaching hours to complete the tasks and therefore this can be used at different points throughout the course as well as acting as a final revision before the PAPER 5 exam.

This detailed lesson describes the different levels of protein structure and focuses on the bonds that hold these molecules in shape. Both the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover specification point 2.3 (b) of the CIE International A-level Biology course and makes continual links to previous lessons such as amino acids & peptide bonds as well as to upcoming lessons like enzymes and antibodies. The start of the lesson focuses on the formation of a peptide bond during a condensation reaction so that students can understand how a dipeptide is formed and therefore how a polypeptide forms when multiple reactions occur. The main part of the lesson describes the different levels of protein structure. A step by step guide is used to demonstrate how the sequences of bases in a gene acts as a template to form a sequence of codons on a mRNA strand and how this is translated into a particular sequence of amino acids known as the primary structure. The students are then challenged to apply their understanding of this process by using three more gene sequences to work out three primary structures and recognise how different genes lead to different sequences. Moving forwards, students will learn how the order of amino acids in the primary structure determines the shape of the protein molecule, through its secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure and time is taken to consider the details of each of these. There is a particular focus on the different bonds that hold the 3D shape firmly in place and a quick quiz round then introduces the importance of this shape as exemplified by enzymes, antibodies and hormones. Students will see the differences between globular and fibrous protein and again biological examples are used to increase relevance. The lesson concludes with one final quiz round called STRUC by NUMBERS where the students have to use their understanding of the protein structures to calculate a numerical answer.

This fully-resourced lesson describes the relationship between the structure of monosaccharides and their roles in living organisms. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the second part of points 1.2 & 1.4 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and describes alpha-glucose, galactose, fructose, deoxyribose and ribose. The lesson begins by reminding students that monosaccharides are the simplest sugars and that these monomers provide energy. Using the molecular formula of glucose as a guide, students will be given the general formula for the monosaccharides and will learn that deoxyribose is an exception to the rule that the number of carbon and oxygen atoms are equal. Moving forwards, students have to study the displayed formula of glucose for two minutes without being able to note anything down before they are challenged to recreate what they saw in a test of their observational skills. At this point of the lesson, the idea of numbering the carbons is introduced so that the different glycosidic bonds can be understood in an upcoming lesson as well as the recognition of the different isomers of glucose. The difference between alpha and beta-glucose is provided but students do not need to consider the beta form until topic 4. The remainder of the lesson focuses on the roles of the monosaccharides and the final task involves a series of application questions where the students are challenged to suggest why ribose could be considered important for active transport and muscle contraction

This fully-resourced lesson explores how the structure of capillaries, arteries and veins relate to their functions. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 1.7 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification. This lesson has been written to build on any prior knowledge from iGCSE or earlier in this topic to enable students to fully understand each type of blood vessel has its particular features. Students will be able to make the connection between the narrow lumen and elastic tissue in the walls of arteries and the need to maintain the high pressure of the blood. A quick version of GUESS WHO is used to introduce smooth muscle and collagen as the substances that are found in the tunica media and externa and again the reason for their presence is explored and explained. The next part of the lesson looks at the role of the capillaries in exchange and links are made to diffusion to ensure that students can explain how the red blood cells pressing against the endothelium results in a short diffusion distance. The remainder of the lesson considers the structure of the veins and students are challenged to explain how the differences to those observed in arteries is due to the lower blood pressure found in these vessels. Valves are introduced and important mechanisms like the skeletal muscle pump are discussed to ensure that students can understand how the return of blood to the right atrium of the heart is maintained.

An engaging lesson presentation (82 slides) and associated worksheets that uses a combination of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within unit C4 (Predicting and identifying reactions and products) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Chemistry specification. The topics that are tested within the lesson include: Group 1 - the alkali metals Group 7 - the halogens Halogen displacement reactions Group 0 - the noble gases The transition metals Reactivity of elements Detecting gases Detecting cations Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Crack the CODE” and “Blockbusters” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention

This is a fully-resourced lesson that covers the content of specification point 15.1 (k) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to explain the sliding filament model of muscular contraction. The wide range of activities included in the lesson will engage and motivate the students whilst the understanding and previous knowledge checks will not only allow them to assess their progress but also challenge them to make links to other Biology topics. The start of the lesson is designed to encourage the students to consider how a sarcomere can narrow but the lengths of the myofilaments can remain the same. In doing so, they will be introduced to the idea of the sliding filament model and the main task of the lesson involves the formation of a bullet point description of this model where one event is the trigger for the next. Time is taken during this section to focus on the involvement of the calcium ions but also ATP and the idea of the sources of this molecule, including creatine phosphate, are discussed in more detail later in the lesson. The final part of the lesson involves students having to apply their knowledge by describing the effect on muscle contraction when a part of a structure is unable to function correctly. This lesson has been designed for students studying the CIE International A-level Biology course and ties in well with the other uploaded lessons on this topic, particularly the lesson which covers the ultrastructure of striated muscle

This is a highly detailed and engaging lesson that covers the detail of specification point 15.1 (e) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to describe and explain the transmission of an action potential in a myelinated neurone. This topic is commonly assessed in the terminal exams so a lot of time has been taken to design this resource to include a wide range of activities that motivate the students whilst ensuring that the content is covered in the depth of detail that will allow them to have a real understanding. Interspersed within the activities are understanding checks and prior knowledge checks to enable the students to not only assess their progress against the current topic but also to challenge themselves on the links to earlier topics such as methods of movements across cell membranes. There are also a number of quiz competitions which are used to introduce key terms and values in a fun and memorable way and discussion points to encourage the students to consider why a particular process or mechanism occurs. Over the course of the lesson, the students will learn and discover how the movement of ions across the membrane causes the membrane potential to change. They will see how the resting potential is maintained through the use of the sodium/potassium pump and potassium ion leakage. There is a real focus on depolarisation to allow students to understand how generator potentials can combine and if the resulting depolarisation then exceeds the threshold potential, a full depolarisation will occur. At this point in the lesson students will discover how the all or nothing response explains that action potentials have the same magnitude and that instead a stronger stimulus is linked to an increase in the frequency of the transmission. The rest of the lesson challenges the students to apply their knowledge to explain how repolarisation and hyperpolarisation result and to suggest advantages of the refractory period for nerve cells. This lesson has been designed for students studying the CIE International A-level Biology course and ties in nicely with other uploaded lessons which cover the content of topic 15.1 (Control and coordination in mammals)

This fully-resourced lesson describes how allopatric or sympatric speciation may result from geographical, ecological or behavioural separation. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 17.3 [c] of the ICE A-level Biology specification and uses actual biological examples to increase the relevance and likelihood of understanding The lesson begins by using the example of a hinny, which is the hybrid offspring of a horse and a donkey, to challenge students to recall the biological classification of a species. Moving forwards, students are introduced to the idea of speciation and the key components of this process, such as isolation and selection pressures, are covered and discussed in detail. Understanding and prior knowledge checks are included throughout the lesson to allow the students to not only assess their progress against the current topic but also to make links to earlier topics in the specification. Time is taken to look at the details of allopatric speciation and how the different mutations that arise in the isolated populations and genetic drift will lead to genetic changes. The example of allopatric speciation in wrasse fish because of the isthmus of Panama is used to allow the students to visualise this process. The final part of the lesson considers sympatric speciation and again a wide variety of tasks are used to enable a deep understanding to be developed.

This lesson describes self and non-self antigens and how a failure to distinguish between the two is the mechanism of autoimmune diseases. The PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been primarily designed to cover points 11.1 (d & f) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and describe examples of these diseases including myasthenia gravis, but this lesson can also be used to revise the content of the earlier topics as well as the previous lessons in topic 10 & 11 through the range of activities that are included The first part of the lesson focuses on the antigens and explains how the failure of the immune system cells to recognise these molecules on the outside of a cell or organism elicits an immune response. Moving forwards, the students are challenged to recognise diseases from descriptions and then to use the first letters of their names to form the term, autoimmune. In doing so, the students will discover that rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, type I diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis are all examples of autoimmune diseases. The next part of the lesson focuses on the mechanism of these diseases where the immune system cells do not recognise the antigens (self-antigens) on the outside of the healthy cells, and therefore treats them as foreign antigens, resulting in the production of autoantibodies against proteins on these healthy cells and tissues. Key details of the autoimmune diseases stated above and lupus are described and links to previously covered topics as well as to future topics such as the pancreas and nervous system are made. The students will be challenged by the numerous exam-style questions, all of which have mark schemes embedded into the PowerPoint to allow for immediate assessment of progress.

This lesson outlines how penicillin acts on bacteria and why antibiotics do not affect viruses. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 10.2 (a) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and also introduces the concept of bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics, as illustrated by penicillin and tetracycline. The lesson begins with an engaging task, where the students have to identify the surnames of famous scientists from their descriptions to reveal the surname Fleming. This introduces Sir Alexander Fleming as the microbiologist who discovered penicillin in 1928. Time is taken to describe penicillin as a group of antibiotics that contain a beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure. Using this information and their knowledge of bacterial cell structure from topic 1, the students have to complete a passage describing how penicillin inhibits the formation of cross links in cell wall synthesis. A series of exam-style questions are then used to make links to the upcoming topic of antibiotic resistance. The next part of the lesson focuses on the differences between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics and the students will learn that penicillin is bactericidal as the weakening of the cell wall leads to lysis and death. Tetracycline is used as the example of a bacteriostatic antibiotic and students will discover that it is the prevention of the binding of tRNA that inhibits protein synthesis and that this reduction and prevention of growth and reproduction is synonymous with these antimicrobial agents. Students are challenged on their knowledge of translation and will also be given time for a class discussion to understand that these antibiotics work in tandem the body’s immune system to overcome the pathogen The final part of the lesson explains why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

An engaging, practical-based lesson presentation (22 slides), accompanied by a practical worksheet and application questions which together explore how the extension of a spring is related to force according to Hooke’s Law. The lesson begins by introducing the name of the law and looking at the equation which connects the force, extension and spring constant. As spring constant is likely to be a new term to students, time is taken to look at the definition of this key term. Students are given hints throughout the lesson about potential issues to look out for, including the unit of spring constant being N/m when the majority of springs are small enough that their extension will be measured in cm or mm. Moving forwards, students will follow the provided experimental method to carry out the investigation and produce a set of results which can be used to plot the line. The two distinct sections of the line are discussed and the actual words of Hooke’s Law are given and again discussed and considered. The final part of the lesson involves the students being challenged to apply their knowledge of the law to a range of application questions and assessing against the displayed mark scheme. This lesson has been written for GCSE students but can be used with KS3 students who are studying the extension of a spring

This engaging lesson looks at the role of haemoglobin in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide and compares the dissociation curves for foetal and adult haemoglobin. The detailed PowerPoint has been designed to cover points 3.1.2 (i & j) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and includes references to the role of carbonic anhydrase and the formation of haemoglobinic acid and carbaminohaemoglobin. The lesson begins with a version of the quiz show Pointless to introduce haemotology as the study of the blood conditions. Students are told that haemoglobin has a quaternary structure and are challenged to use their prior knowledge of biological molecules to determine what this means for the protein. They will learn that each of the 4 polypeptide chains contains a haem group with an iron ion attached and that it is this group which has a high affinity for oxygen. Time is taken to discuss how this protein must be able to load (and unload) oxygen as well as transport the molecules to the respiring tissues. Students will plot the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and the S-shaped curve is used to encourage discussions about the ease with which haemoglobin loads each molecule. At this point, foetal haemoglobin and its differing affinity of oxygen is introduced and students are challenged to predict whether this affinity will be higher or lower than adult haemoglobin and to represent this on their dissociation curve. The remainder of the lesson looks at the different ways that carbon dioxide is transported around the body that involve haemoglobin. Time is taken to look at the dissociation of carbonic acid into hydrogen ions so that students can understand how this will affect the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in an upcoming lesson on the Bohr effect. It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of A-level teaching time to cover the detail of these two specification points as covered in this lesson

This fully-resourced lesson describes how DNA is replicated during interphase of the cell cycle and explains why it is known as semi-conservative replication. Both the detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the details of point 2.1.3 (e) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and the occurrence of spontaneous mutations is also discussed in the latter part of the lesson. As detailed in the specification, the focus of this lesson is the role of the enzymes DNA helicase and polymerase and students are also introduced to DNA ligase to enable them to understand how this enzyme functions to join the nucleic acid fragments. Time is taken to explain key details such as the assembly of strands in the 5’-to-3’ direction so that the continuous manner in which the leading strand is synthesised can be compared against that of the lagging strand. The students are constantly challenged to make links to previous topics such as DNA structure, phosphorylated nucleotides and hydrolysis reactions through a range of exam questions and answers are displayed so any misconceptions are quickly addressed. The final part of the lesson focuses on the occurrence of mistakes by DNA polymerase and also on the quantity of DNA in the cell following replication so that future links can be made to the cell cycle (as covered in module 2.1.6)

This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the sub-topics found within Topic C3 (Chemical change) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include: Acids, pH and the concentration of hydrogen ions The general reactions of the acids to produce salts Electrolysis of molten salts Electrolysis of aqueous solutions Writing half equations for the reactions at the electrodes Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual assessment

This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the sub-topics found within Topic C7 (Rates of reaction and energy changes) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include: Explain the effects on rates of reaction of changes in temperature, concentration and pressure Be able to define a catalyst and explain how this reduces the activation energy Describe an endothermic and exothermic reactions Calculate the energy change in a reaction Draw reaction profiles for endothermic and exothermic reactions, identifying activation energy Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams

This is an engaging REVISION lesson which is fully-resourced and uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 2 (Forces) of the OCR GCSE Physics A 9-1 specification. The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include: Recall and apply: distance travelled (m) = speed (m/s) x time (s) Recall and apply: acceleration (m/s2) = change in velocity (m/s) / time (s) Apply: (final velocity (m/s))2 - (initial velocity (m/s))2 = 2 x acceleration (m/s2) x distance (m) Recall and apply: kinetic energy (J) = 0.5 x mass (kg) x (speed (m/s))2 Describe how to measure distance and time and use these to calculate speed Explain the vector–scalar distinction as it applies to displacement and distance, velocity and speed Recall and apply: force (N) = mass (kg) x acceleration (m/s2) Recall and apply: momentum (kgm/s) = mass (kg) x velocity (m/s) Recall and apply: work done (J) = force (N) x distance (m) (along the line of action of the force) Recall and apply: power (W) = work done (J) / time (s) Represent such forces as vectors Define momentum and describe examples of momentum in collision Recall and apply Newton’s third law Recall and apply: force exerted by a spring (N) = extension (m) x spring constant (N/m) Recall and apply: gravity force (N) = mass (kg) x gravitational field strength, g (N/kg Recall and apply: (in a gravity field) potential energy (J) = mass (kg) x height (m) x gravitational field strength, g (N/kg) Recall and apply: pressure (Pa) = force normal to a surface (N) / area of that surface (m2) Recall and apply: moment of a force (Nm) = force (N) x distance (m) (normal to direction of the force Calculate a spring constant in linear case Describe that all matter has a gravitational field that causes attraction, and the field strength is much greater for massive objects Define weight, describe how it is measured and describe the relationship between the weight of an object and the gravitational field strength (g Define and calculate the moment of the force in such examples Use the relationship between the force, the pressure and the area in contact There is clearly a huge emphasis on the mathematical aspect of the subject in this topic and the various skills needed for success in the calculations are tested throughout this lesson. Students will enjoy the range of activities which includes quiz competitions such as “FILL THE VOID” where students compete to be the 1st to complete one of the 12 recall equations in this topic. This lesson is suitable to be used as a revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams

This lesson describes the reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity, which include those which are ecological, economic and aesthetic. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 18.3 (b) of the CIE A-level Biology specification. Many hours of research have gone into the planning of the lesson so that interesting examples are included to increase the relevance of the multitude of reasons to maintain biodiversity. These include the gray wolves and beavers of Yellowstone National Park and the Za boabab in the Madagascar rainforests as examples of keystone species. Students will learn that these species have a disproportionate effect on their environment relative to their abundance and exam-style questions and guided discussion periods are used to challenge them to explain their effect on other species in the habitat. The CIE exams have a heavy mathematical content and this is reflected in this lesson as students are challenged to complete a range of calculations to manipulate data to support their biological-based answers. All of the exam questions that are included throughout the lesson have mark schemes embedded into the PowerPoint to allow the students to assess their progress. Moving fowards, the economic ans aesthetic reasons to maintain biodiversity are considered, and there is a focus on the soil depletion that occurs when a continuous monoculture is used. The 1 Billion tree scheme that began in New Zealand in 2018 is introduced and the reasons that some groups of people are objecting to what they consider to be a pine monoculture are discussed. Students will recognise that the clear felling of the trees dramatically changes the landscape and that the increased runoff that results can have catastrophic affects for both aquatic life and for humans with floods. A number of quiz competitions are included in the lesson to introduce key terms in a fun and memorable way and some of the worksheets have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work