A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
This fully-resourced lesson describes the ultrastructure of an eukaryotic cell and describes the relationship between the structure and function of the organelles. The detailed and engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 2.1 (v) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification
As cells are the building blocks of living organisms, it makes sense that they would be heavily involved in all of the 10 topics in the Edexcel A-level B course and intricate planning has ensured that links are made to topic 1 and details are provided to link to the upcoming topics. A wide range of activities, that include exam-style questions, class discussion points and quick quiz competitions, will maintain motivation and engagement whilst covering the finer details of the following structures and organelles:
nucleus
nucleolus
ribosomes
rough endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
lysosomes
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
mitochondria
cell surface membrane
centrioles
vacuole (+ tonoplast)
chloroplasts
cell wall
As mentioned above, all of the worksheets have been differentiated to support students of differing abilities whilst maintaining challenge
Due to the detail that is included in this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 3 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the work
This lesson describes the relationship between the structure and function of the xylem and phloem in transport. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 4.7 (i) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification.
The lessons begins by challenging the students to identify the substances that a plant needs for the cellular reactions, where they are absorbed and where these reactions occur in a plant. The aim of this task is to get the students to recognise that water and mineral ions are absorbed in the roots and needed in the leaves whilst the products of photosynthesis are in the leaves and need to be used all over the plant. Students will be reminded that the xylem and phloem are part of the vascular system responsible for transporting these substances and then the rest of the lesson focuses on linking structure to function. A range of tasks which include discussion points, exam-style questions and quick quiz rounds are used to describe how lignification results in the xylem as a hollow tube of xylem cells to allow water to move as a complete column. They will also learn that the narrow diameter of this vessel allows capillary action to move water molecules up the sides of the vessel. The same process is used to enable students to understand how the structures of the companion cells allows assimilates to be loaded before being moved to the sieve tube elements through the plasmodesmata.
This clear and detailed lesson describes the process of oxidative phosphorylation, including the roles of the electron carriers, oxygen and the mitochondrial cristae and explains the role of chemiosmosis. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover points 5.2.2 (g) and (h) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and includes details of the electron transport chain, proton gradients and ATP synthase.
The lesson begins with a discussion about the starting point of the reaction. In the previous stages, the starting molecule was the final product of the last stage but in this stage, it is the reduced coenzymes which release their hydrogen atoms. Moving forwards, the process of oxidative phosphorylation is covered in 7 detailed steps and at each point, key facts are discussed and explored in further detail to enable a deep understanding to be developed. Students will see how the proton gradient across the inner membrane is created and that the flow of protons down the channel associated with ATP synthase results in a conformational change and the addition of phosphate groups to ADP by oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding checks are included throughout the lesson to enable the students to assess their progress and prior knowledge checks allow them to recognise the clear links to other topics and modules.
This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on glycolysis, the Link reaction and Krebs cycle and anaerobic respiration
This detailed lesson looks at the structure of the mitochondrion and explains how the specific features allow the stages of aerobic respiration to take place in this organelle. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover point 5.2.2 (b) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification which states that students should be able to demonstrate and apply an understanding of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, cristae, matrix and mitochondrial DNA.
The lesson begins with a version of “GUESS WHO” where students have to use a series of structural clues to whittle the 6 organelles down to just 1 - the mitochondrion. Moving forwards, the key components of the organelle are identified on a diagram. Students are introduced to the stages of respiration so that they can make a link to the parts of the cell and the mitochondria where each stage occurs. Students will learn that the presence of decarboxylase and dehydrogenase enzymes in the matrix along with coenzymes and oxaloacetate allows the Link reaction and the Krebs cycle to run. Finally, time is taken to introduce the electron transport chain and the enzyme, ATP synthase, so that students can begin to understand how the flow of protons across the inner membrane results in the production of ATP.
This lesson has been designed to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on the stages of respiration.
A detailed and engaging lesson presentation (74 slides) which consists of a series of exam questions, quick tasks and competitions to enable the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within Module 2. All of the exam questions have displayed mark schemes with explanations so that students can recognise errors and misconceptions and address them. Students will thoroughly enjoy the numerous competitions which include "Name the 007 bonds" and "Biology catchphrase".
An engaging lesson presentation (30 slides) that looks at the different methods that are used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The lesson begins by looking at the surgical procedure of heart bypass before exploring the use of stents to widen a partially blocked artery. Links are made back to previous knowledge when discussing valves and students are challenged to explain why a faulty valve must be replaced. The rest of the lesson focusses on treating CVD with medicines such as statins and antiplatelets and students will learn the side-effects associated with these drugs.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students but is suitable for all ages
An engaging lesson presentation (58 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 B1 of the AQA GCSE Biology specification.
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Eukaryotes and prokaryotes
Animal and plant cells
Microscopy
Chromosomes
Diffusion
Osmosis
Active transport
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like "A QUESTION of CELLS" and "Take the Hotseat" whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An engaging lesson presentation (36 slides) that looks at the three types of muscle that are found in the body and then focusses on the structure and features of the involuntary muscles, cardiac and smooth. The lesson begins by challenging the students to recall the names of the different types and then gets them to recognise that cardiac and smooth are able to contract without conscious thought. Moving forwards, time is taken to look at the details of these muscles and key terminology such as intercalated discs and gap junctions are introduced so that students can understand how they perform their different functions. There are regular progress checks throughout the lesson so that students can assess their understanding.
This lesson has been designed for A-level Biology lessons.
An engaging lesson presentation (33 slides) that looks at the key details of asexual reproduction, examines the process in bacteria and plants and also considers the advantages and disadvantages. The lesson begins by challenging the students to discuss whether reproduction always requires two (parents). Students will see how only one parent is involved in this type of reproduction and will focus on how it takes place in bacteria. Moving forwards, students will be introduced to the methods of runners, bulbs and tubers in plants. By making connections to natural selection, students will be challenged to think about the benefits of asexual reproduction. There are regular progress checks throughout the lesson so that students can assess their understanding.
This lesson is suitable for both KS3 and GCSE students
An engaging lesson presentation (74 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 the Biology unit B6 (Inheritance, variation and evolution) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification unit 4.6).
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Sexual and asexual reproduction
Meiosis
DNA and the genome
Genetic inheritance and disorders
Sex determination
Variation
Genetic engineering
Resistant bacteria
Classification of living organisms
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “From Numbers 2 LETTERS” and “This shouldn’t be too TAXing” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
This bundle of 7 lesson presentations and associated worksheets have been designed to motivate and engage students whilst they assess their knowledge of the 7 Biology topics that are covered in the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification.
The lessons use a range of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to cover the content in the following topics:
B1 Cell Biology
B2 Organisation
B3 Infection and response
B4 Bioenergetics
B5 Homeostasis and response
B6 Inheritance, variation and evolution
B7 Ecology
These revision lessons can be used at the end of the topic, in the lead up to the mock exams or in the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams
An engaging lesson presentation (61 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 B2 (Organisation) of the AQA GCSE Biology specification (specification point 4.2)
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Principles of organisation
The human digestive system
The heart and blood vessels
Blood
Coronary heart disease
The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases
Plant organ systems
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “SPOT the SUBSTANCE" and “Where’s LENNY” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An engaging lesson presentation (68 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 B4 (Bioenergetics) of the AQA GCSE Biology specification (specification unit B4.4).
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Photosynthesis reaction
Rate of photosynthesis
Uses of glucose from photosynthesis
Aerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration
Response to exercise
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Take a STEP back” and “Shine a LIGHT on the errors” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
This bundle of 4 lessons covers the majority of the content in the sub-topic B5.2 (Natural selection and evolution) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics and specification points covered within these lessons include:
Developments in biological classification systems
Explain how evolution occurs through natural selection
Describe the evidence for evolution
All of these lesson presentations and accompanying resources are detailed and engaging and contain regular progress checks to allow the students to constantly assess their understanding.
This bundle contains 7 fully-resourced and detailed lessons that have been designed to cover the content of topic 15.1 of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which concerns the control and coordination in mammals. The wide range of activities included in each lesson will engage the students whilst the detailed content is covered and the understanding and previous knowledge checks allow them to assess their progress on the current topic as well as challenging them to make links to other related topics. Most of the tasks are differentiated to allow differing abilities to access the work and be challenged.
The following sub-topics are covered in this bundle of lessons:
The structure of sensory neurones and motor neurones
The transmission of an action potential along a myelinated neurone
The importance of the myelin sheath
The structure of a cholinergic synapse
The roles of the synapse
The roles of the NMJ, transverse tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum in the stimulation of striated muscle
The ultrastructure of striated muscle
The sliding filament model of muscular contraction
If you want to see the quality of the lessons before purchasing then the lesson on the structure and role of the cholinergic synapse is a free resource to download
Each of the 10 revision lessons that are included in this bundle have been designed to motivate and engage the students whilst they are challenged on their knowledge of the content of the CIE International A-Level Biology specification. The detailed PowerPoints contain a wide range of activities which include exam questions with explained answers, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions and are supported by the accompanying worksheets.
The topics covered in this bundle are:
TOPIC 1: Cell structure
TOPIC 2: Biological molecules
TOPIC 3: Enzymes
TOPIC 4: Cell membranes and transport
TOPIC 6: Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
TOPIC 8: Transport in mammals
TOPIC 12: Energy and respiration
TOPIC 13: Photosynthesis
TOPIC 16: Inherited change
TOPIC 18: Biodiversity, classification and conservation
Helpful hints are provided throughout the lessons to help the students with exam technique and in structuring their answers. These lessons are suitable for use throughout the course and can be used for revision purposes at the end of a module or in the lead up to mocks or the actual A LEVEL exams
If you want to see the quality of these lessons, download the topic 2, 6 and 18 revision lessons as these are free
Normally the first topic to be taught in the second year of the AQA A-level Biology course, topic 5 contains some very important biological processes which include photosynthesis, respiration and energy transfer between organisms. All 15 lessons included in this bundle are highly detailed and have been planned at length to ensure that students remain motivated and engaged whilst being constantly challenged on their current understanding. Links to previously-covered topics are also made throughout the lessons.
The following specification points are covered in these lessons:
TOPIC 5.1
The light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis
The use of reduced NADP and ATP from the light-dependent reaction in the light-independent reaction
The light-independent reaction of photosynthesis
Environmental factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis
TOPIC 5.2
Respiration produces ATP
Glycolysis as the first stage of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
The conversion of pyruvate to lactate or ethanol in the anaerobic pathways
The link reaction and the Krebs cycle
Synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation
Other respiratory substrates
TOPIC 5.3
Gross primary production and net primary production
The net production of consumers
Farming practices designed to increase the efficiency of energy transfer
TOPIC 5.4
The role of microorganisms in the nitrogen cycle
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the chloroplast structure, anaerobic respiration, oxidative phosphorylation and GPP lessons as these have been uploaded for free
This lesson describes how respiration produces ATP by substrate-level and oxidative phosphorylation. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources are part of the 1st lesson in a series of 7 lessons which have been designed to cover the detailed content of point 5.2 (RESPIRATION) of the AQA A-level Biology specification.
As the first lesson in this sub-topic, it has been specifically planned to act as an introduction to this cellular reaction and provides important details about glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation that will support the students to make significant progress when these stages are covered during individual lessons. Students met phosphorylation in topic 5.1 when considering the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and their knowledge of the production of ATP in this plant cell reaction is called on a lot in this lesson to show the similarities. The students are also tested on their recall of the structure and function of ATP, as covered in topic 1.6, through a spot the errors task. By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to name and describe the different types of phosphorylation and will know that ATP is produced by substrate-level phosphorylation in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle and by oxidative phosphorylation in the final stage of aerobic respiration with the same name.
This lesson describes and explains how production is affected by a range of farming practices designed to increase the efficiency of energy transfer. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources are part of the third lesson in a series of 3 which have been designed to cover the detail included in specification point 5.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification.
Over the course of the lesson, a range of tasks which include exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes, guided discussion periods and quick quiz competitions will introduce and consider the following farming practices:
raising herbivores to reduce the number of trophic levels in a food chain
intensely rearing animals to reduce respiratory losses in human food chains
the use of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides
the addition of artificial fertilisers
The ethical issues raised by these practices are also considered and alternative methods discussed such as the addition of natural predators and the use of organic fertilisers like manure
As this is the last lesson in topic 5.3, it has been specifically planned to challenge the students on their knowledge of the previous two lessons and this includes a series of questions linking farming practice to the formula to calculate net production
This lesson describes the relationship between gross and net primary productivity and plant respiration and explains how to calculate NPP. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 5.10 (i) and (ii) of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification.
Due to the fact that the productivity of plants is dependent on photosynthesis, a series of exam-style questions have been written into the lesson which challenge the students to explain how the structure of the leaf as well as the light-dependent and light-independent reactions are linked to GPP. All of the exam questions have displayed mark schemes which are included in the PowerPoint to allow students to immediately assess their understanding. A number of quick quiz competitions as well as guided discussion points are used to introduce the formulae to calculate NPP and N and to recognise the meaning of the components. Once again, this is immediately followed by the opportunity to apply their understanding to selected questions.
As well as linking to photosynthesis from earlier in topic 5, this lesson has been specifically planned to challenge students on their understanding of ecosystem terminology from the start of the topic as well as preparing them for the next lesson on the efficiency of biomass and energy transfer
