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 how a triglyceride is synthesised and describes the differences between saturated and unsaturated lipids. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover specification points 1.5 (i) & (ii) as detailed in the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and links are also made to related future topics such as the use of lipids as a substrate for respiration and the importance of the myelin sheath for the conduction of an electrical impulse.
The lesson begins with a focus on the basic structure and roles of lipids, including the elements that are found in this biological molecule and some of the places in living organisms where they are found. Moving forwards, the students are challenged to recall the structure of the carbohydrates from earlier in topic 1 so that the structure of a triglyceride can be introduced. Students will learn that this macromolecule is formed from one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids and have to use their understanding of condensation reactions to draw the final structure. Time is taken to look at the difference in structure and properties of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and students will be able to identify one from the other when presented with a molecular formula. The final part of the lesson explores how the various properties of lipids mean that these molecules have numerous roles in organisms including that of an energy store and source and as an insulator of heat and electricity.
This fully-resourced lesson describes how magnification and resolution can be achieved using light and electron microscopy. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the content of points 3.7 (i) & (ii) of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and also considers how specimens are stained.
To promote engagement and focus throughout this lesson, the PowerPoint contains a quiz competition with 7 rounds. The quiz rounds found in this lesson will introduce the objective lens powers, the names of the parts of a light microscope and emphasise some of the other key terms such as resolution. The final round checks on their understanding of the different numbers that were mentioned in the lesson, namely the differing maximum magnifications and resolutions. Time is taken to explain the meaning of both of these microscopic terms so that students can recognise their importance when considering the organelles that were met earlier in topic 3. By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to explain how a light microscope uses light to form an image and will understand how electrons transmitted through a specimen or across the surface will form an image with a TEM or a SEM respectively.
This fully-resourced lesson describes the role of mitosis and the cell cycle in producing genetically identical daughter cells. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 3.14 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and explains the importance of these cells for growth and asexual reproduction.
In an earlier lesson covering meiosis (3.10), students were introduced to the different phases and structures involved in the cycle so this lesson builds on that by providing greater detail of the key events in each phase. Beginning with a focus on interphase, the importance of DNA replication is explained so that students can initially recognise that there are pairs of identical sister chromatids and then can understand how they are separated later in the cycle. A quiz competition has been written into the lesson and this runs throughout, challenging the students to identify the quantity of DNA in the cell (in terms of n) at different points of the cycle. The main part of the lesson focuses on prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase and describes how the chromosomes behave in these stages. Students will understand how the cytoplasmic division that occurs in cytokinesis results in the production of genetically identical daughter cells. This leads into a series of understanding and application questions where students have to identify the various roles of mitosis in living organisms as well as tackling a Maths in a Biology context question. The lesson concludes with a final round of MITOSIS SNAP where they only shout out this word when a match is seen between the name of a phase, an event and a picture.
This fully-resourced lesson describes how post-transcriptional changes to mRNA enable 1 gene to give rise to multiple proteins. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 3.19 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification.
The lesson begins with a knowledge recall as the students have to recognise the definition of a gene as a sequence of bases on a DNA molecule that codes for a sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. This description was introduced in topic 2 and the aim of the start of the lesson is to introduce the fact that despite this definition, most of the nuclear DNA in eukaryotes doesn’t actually code for proteins. A quick quiz competition is then used to introduce exons as the coding regions within a gene before students are challenged to predict the name of the non-coding regions and then to suggest a function for these introns. Moving forwards, pre-mRNA as a primary transcript is introduced and students will learn that this isn’t the mature strand that moves off to the ribosome for translation. Instead, a process called splicing takes place where the introns are removed and the remaining exons are joined together. Another quick quiz round leads to an answer of 20000 and students will learn that this is the number of protein-coding genes in the human genome. Importantly, the students are then told that the number of proteins that are synthesised is much higher than this value and a class discussion period encourages them to come up with biological suggestions for this discrepancy between the two numbers. The lesson concludes with a series of understanding and application questions where students will learn that alternative splicing enables a gene to produce more than a single protein and that this natural phenomenon greatly increases biodiversity.
This REVISION resource has been designed to motivate and engage students whilst they are challenged on their knowledge of the content in topics C6-C10 of the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification which can be assessed on PAPER 4. This is fully-resourced and contains a detailed PowerPoint (118 slides) and accompanying worksheets, some of which have been differentiated.
The resource was written with the aim of covering as many C6-C10 sub-topics as possible, but the following ones have received particular focus:
Pure substances in Science
Chromatography
Detecting gases
Reversible reactions
Changing conditions and the position of the equilibrium
Factors affecting the rate of a chemical reaction
The structure of the alkanes
Complete combustion of the alkanes
Cracking and the alkenes
Fractional distillation of crude oil
This resource can be used in combination with the PAPER 3 revision resource which covers the content in Chemistry topics C1 - C5 as well as the other AQA GCSE Combined Science REVISION lessons which I’ve uploaded
This bundle contains 6 detailed revision lessons which will engage and motivate the students whilst they are challenged on their knowledge of the content found in topics 1 - 5 of the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification. These are the topics which can be assessed on PAPER 1.
Each of the lessons has been written to contain a wide range of activities, including exam questions and quiz competitions, which will enable the students to recognise those areas which require their further attention.
The following topics are covered in this bundle:
Topic 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table
Topic 2: Bonding, structures and properties of matter
Topic 3: Quantitative chemistry
Topic 4: Chemical changes
Topic 5: Energy changes
The bundle also contains a PAPER 1 revision lesson which covers all of the topics within 1 lesson and shows students how questions can make links between the different topics.
This bundle of 8 engaging and motivating lesson presentations and associated worksheets have been designed to encourage students to assess their knowledge of the content of the Biology topics within the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification.
The lessons use a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to cover the content in the following topics:
B1 Key concepts in Biology
B2 Cells and control
B3 Genetics
B4 Natural selection and genetic modification
B5 Health, disease and development of medicines
B7 Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
B8 Exchange and transport in animals
B9 Ecosystems
This REVISION resource has been written with the aim of motivating the students whilst they are challenged on their knowledge of the content in Chemistry TOPIC 2 (States of matter and mixtures) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (65 slides) and accompanying worksheets, most of which are differentiated to allow a range of abilities to access the work.
The wide range of activities, which include exam questions and quiz competitions, have been designed to cover as much of topic 2 as possible but the following sub-topics have been given a particular focus:
Pure substances in Science
Using melting and boiling points to distinguish between pure and impure
Separating mixtures using simple and fractional distillation
Determining a state of matter using data
Physical changes
Crystallisation
The mobile and stationary phases of paper chromatography
Calculating the retention factor
The treatment of water to make potable water
This resource is suitable for use at the end of topic 2, in the lead up to mocks or in the preparation for the final GCSE exams.
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 1.2 (Respiration and the respiratory system in humans) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
The need and purpose of the respiratory system
The function of the mucus and cilia in the trachea and the effect of smoking on these structures
The structure of the alveolus and its blood supply
The mechanisms of inspiration and expiration
The process of aerobic respiration and the release of energy in the form of ATP
Anaerobic respiration and the production of lactic acid
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 10 (Diseases and immunity) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (37 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to help and challenge differing abilities.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Pathogens as disease causing microorganisms that cause transmissible diseases when they are spread
Pathogens can be spread through direct or indirect contact
Vaccinations as a form of active immunity that leads to the production of memory cells
Examples of passive immunity
The human body’s defence systems to include the white blood cells
Diabetes type I as an example of an autoimmune disease
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 5 (Enzymes) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (25 slides) and associated worksheet.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Define enzymes as proteins that function as biological catalysts
Explain enzyme action with reference to active site, substrate and enzyme-substrate complex
Explain the specificity of enzymes
Explain the effect of changes of temperature on enzyme activity
Explain the effect of changes of pH on enzyme activity
Describe what happens to an enzyme when it is denatured
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been written to motivate and engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 4 (Biological molecules) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (36 slides) and associated worksheets.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
List the chemical elements that make up carbohydrates
State how starch, glycogen, cellulose, proteins and fats and oils are made from their specific smaller molecules
Describe the use of the iodine and Benedicts solution test
Explain how the specific sequence of the amino acids in a protein controls the shape and the effect this has on an enzyme and antibodies
Describe the structure of DNA
Recognise that water is an important solvent which is involved in a large number of roles in the human body
In addition, links have been made to other topics such as hormones and organelles so that students can see the importance of making links between Biological topics
The range of exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions that have been written into this revision lesson will help to motivate and engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 1.3 (Digestion and the digestive system in humans) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification. The resource includes a detailed and engaging Powerpoint (51 slides) and an associated worksheet, which has been differentiated to help differing abilities to access the work.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
The movement of food by peristalsis
The role of carbohydrase, protease and lipase enzymes in digestion
The tests for the presence of starch and glucose
The roles of the stomach and small intestine in digestion
The function of bile in the break down of fats
The need for a balanced diet and implication for health of excess sugar and salt in foods
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 3 (Movement in and out of cells) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains a detailed and engaging PowerPoint (42 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to help and challenge differing abilities.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Active transport as the movement of particles against their concentration gradient using energy from respiration
The importance of active transport as demonstrated by the absorption of mineral ions by the root hair cells
The movement of water across cell membranes by osmosis
The importance of osmosis and water potential in the uptake of water by plants
The effects on plant cells of immersion into solutions of different concentrations
The importance of turgor pressure for a plant
Diffusion as the net movement of particles with the concentration gradient
Recognising the factors that influence the rate of diffusion
In addition, topics from other modules such as specialised plant cells are covered so that students can see the importance of being able to make connections and links between Biological topics.
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed to motivate and engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 2 (Experimental techniques) of the CIE IGCSE Chemistry specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (50 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to help and challenge differing abilities.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Identify substances and assess purity from melting and boiling point data
Describe and explain the method of distillation
Understand how fractional distillation separates mixtures according to their boiling points
Describe and explain the method of crystallisation
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of paper chromatography
Interpret simple chromatograms, including the calculation of the Rf values
In addition, topics from other modules such as states of matter at different temperatures are covered so that students can see the importance of being able to make connections and links between Chemistry topics.
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 2 (Organisation of the organism) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (53 slides) and an associated worksheet.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
The function of the organelles found in animal and plant cells
The features of specialised cells which allow them to perform their function
The mitochondria and the production of energy for use in cell activities
Calculating size and magnification by converting between millimetres and micrometres
Tissues, organs and organ systems
This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (56 slides) and associated worksheets, one of which has been differentiated two ways to allow students of differing abilities to access the work. The range of activities cover the content of Topic C4 (Stoichiometry) of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification, for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The aim was to cover as much of the content as possible but the following topics have received particular attention:
Naming compounds containing 2 or 3+ elements
Constructing word equations for general chemical reactions
Monatomic or diatomic molecules
Writing formulae for ionic compounds using the charges on the ions
Balancing symbol equations
Writing fully balanced chemical symbol equations with state symbols
Students are given hints and guidance throughout the lesson so they can build confidence in the lead up to an end of topic test, mocks or the terminal exams.
This revision resource has been designed to cover the content in both topic 11 (Gas exchange) and topic 12 (Respiration) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The topics have been combined because of the huge crossover and the aim was to encourage students to see those connections and to make the Biological links. The resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (77 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to provide assistance for those students who need it.
Included in the resource are exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions which try to cover as much content as possible with the following areas receiving particular attention:
The internal and external structure of the trachea
The structure of the alveoli to allow efficient gas exchange
The role of the ribs, intercostal muscles and diaphragm in ventilation
The differences in composition between inspired and expired air
Aerobic respiration in seeds
The uses of energy in the body of humans
Anaerobic respiration and the oxygen debt
This resource contains a large emphasis on the mathematical element of the Biology course. Students are guided through key skills such as percentage change and then challenged to apply
This revision resource has been designed to include a range of activities that will engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content of topic C12 of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. Exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions such as “Are you on FORM” will challenge the students on their recall of the content as well as their ability to apply this knowledge.
The lesson was written to cover as much of the content as possible, but the following topics have received particular attention:
• The conditions needed for cracking
• Alkanes and alkenes as the products of cracking
• Alkanes as saturated hydrocarbons with single covalent bonds between their atoms
• Alkenes as unsaturated hydrocarbons with one double covalent bond
• Testing between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons using aqueous bromine solution
• The fractional distillation of crude oil
• The uses of the fractions
This resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (51 slides) and associated worksheets and is ideal for use at the end of this topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual terminal exams
This bundle contains 8 revision lessons which cover some of the major topics in the CIE IGCSE Biology specification, for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. All of the lessons are engaging and motivating and give the students the opportunity to assess their understanding of these topics so they can recognise those areas which need their further attention.
The topics included in this bundle are:
Topic 1: Characteristics and classification of living organisms
Topic 2: Organisation of the organism
Topic 3: Movement in and out of cells
Topic 4: Biological molecules
Topic 5: Enzymes
Topic 9: Transport in animals
Topic 10: Diseases and immunity
Topic 11 & 12: Gas exchange in humans & respiration