I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
A double lesson/ series of lessons suitable for trilogy/ triple physics describing the structure of the atom, the role of scientists in the development of the atomic model and explaining what an isotope is. The lesson features:
A short recap quiz numbered 1-10 on naming parts of the atom, describing the charge/ mass of sub-atomic particles and their position in the atom (linking to Topic 1 - atomic structure in the Chemistry trilogy syllabus
An explanation for the definitions of mass and atomic number linking to students’ understanding of the relative masses of protons, neutrons and electrons
Practice questions on calculating P, N, E, describing the structure of atoms of particular elements from both images and chemical symbols and interpreting the mass/ atomic number for an atom from an image
An explanation for the meaning of the term ‘isotope’ linking to easter eggs and a scaffolded example of what an isotope is comparing element symbols for chlorine
Practice questions on describing the difference between isotopes from bot the chemical symbol and atomic structure diagrams
A description of the contributions/ experimental work from scientists in the development of the atomic model, paying particular focus to the plum pudding model and alpha particle scattering experiment
Discussion questions to help pupils visualise the abstract concept of the plum pudding model by comparing the plum pudding model to a bouncy ball
A suggested modelling activity (detailed in the slide notes) involving students acting out the alpha scattering experiment and suggestions for how to evaluate this with pupils
A worksheet containing a gap fill task and practice questions comparing the plum pudding model to the current nuclear model of the atom and explaining the findings of the alpha scattering experiment.
A timeline task for students to complete to show the role of scientists in the development of the model of the atom. The activity also has differentiated resources in the form of a cut and stick with model images and descriptions of scientists roles.
Lesson recapping the structure of an atom and explaining how objects become charged.
The lesson features:
Engaging video for students to recap/ learn about the structure of an atom
Video to explain what happens when hair becomes charged
Circus of experiments to explain the behaviour of charged objects
Explanations for static shocks and lightning
Review questions to assess understanding
A double-sided revision mat containing 36 questions with answers. Pupils roll a dice twice to determine the row and column number for the question they will answer. Works well for independent revision or for a group task where pupils roll the dice for each other. I have often used the grids for starters and plenaries in addition. Questions are based on:
Stores of energy
Power calculations
Energy sources
Heat transfer methods
Generating electricity.