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.
As the first topic to be taught at the start at the second year of the Edexcel International A-level Biology course, topic 5 is very important and the content includes the key reaction of photosynthesis. All 9 of the lessons included in this bundle are highly detailed and have been filled with a wide variety of tasks which will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the following specification points:
The overall reaction of photosynthesis
The phosphorylation of ADP and the hydrolysis of ATP
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis
The products of the Calvin cycle
The structure of the chloroplasts and the role of this organelle in photosynthesis
Be able to calculate net primary productivity
Know the relationship between NPP, GPP and R
Understand the meaning of the terms ecosystem, community, population and habitat
The numbers and distribution of organisms in a habitat are controlled by biotic and abiotic factors
The concept of niche
The effect of temperature on the rate of enzyme activity and the calculation of the Q10
Isolation reduces gene flow and leads to allopatric and sympatric speciation
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the products of photosynthesis lesson as this has been uploaded for free
Meiosis, genetic inheritance and the control of gene expression are some of the harder topics on this A-level Biology course and all three are covered in topic 16 (Inherited change) of the CIE A-level Biology specification. The 10 lessons included in this bundle have been planned at length and contain a wide range of tasks that cover the detailed content whilst checking on understanding and key terms and values are introduced through engaging quiz competitions.
The following topic 16 specification points are covered by these lessons:
Topic 16.1
The meaning of a homologous pair of chromosomes
The behaviour of chromosomes in animal and plant cells during meiosis
Genetic variation is caused by crossing over, random assortment and the random fusion of gametes at fertilisation
Topic 16.2
The meaning of key genetic terms
Using genetic diagrams to solve problems involving mohohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including those involving autosomal linkage, sex linkage, codominance, multiple alleles and gene interactions
Use the chi-squared test to test the significance of differences between observed and expected results
Gene mutations occur by substitution, deletion and insertion and may affect the phenotype
Topic 16.3
The genetic control of protein production in a prokaryote as shown by the lac operon
The function of transcription factors in gene expression in eukaryotes
Gibberellins and DELLA protein repressors
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons included in this bundle, then download the autosomal linkage and chi-squared test lessons as these have been uploaded for free
This bundle of 11 lessons covers the key details about electrical circuits that students need to know for their GCSE studies. It could also be used with younger students at KS3 who are studying this topic.
All aspects of the topic are covered such as series and parallel circuits, electrical current, resistance and potential difference and the components found in these circuits. In addition, there are lessons on plugs, mains electricity and the National Grid so that students can make links between these topics.
All of the lessons are detailed and engaging and students will contain regular progress checks so that students can assess their understanding
This bundle of 10 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic B1 (Cell Biology) of the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Cells
Microscopy
Cell differentiation and specialisation
Chromosomes and mitosis
Stem cells
Diffusion
Osmosis
Active transport
Exchange surfaces
Exchanging substances
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.
As the first topic to be taught at the start at the second year of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) course, topic 5 is very important and the content includes the key reaction of photosynthesis. All 10 lessons included in this bundle are highly detailed and have been filled with a wide variety of tasks which will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the following specification points:
Understand the terms ecosystem, community, population and habitat
The numbers and distribution of organisms in a habitat are controlled by biotic and abiotic factors
The concept of niche
The stages of succession from colonisation to climax community
The overall reaction of photosynthesis
The phosphorylation of ADP and the hydrolysis of ATP
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis
The products of the Calvin cycle
The structure of the chloroplasts and the role of this organelle in photosynthesis
Be able to calculate net primary productivity
Know the relationship between NPP, GPP and R
The effect of temperature on the rate of enzyme activity
Isolation reduces gene flow and leads to allopatric and sympatric speciation
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the light-independent reactions and isolation and speciation lessons as these have been uploaded for free
This bundle of 10 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic C4 (Chemical changes) of the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Acids and bases
Reactions of acids
The reactivity series of metals
Extracting metals
Redox reactions
Electrolysis of molten salts and solutions
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 12 lesson PowerPoints and their accompanying resources, and all of them have been planned at length to cover the GCSE content of topic 5 of the AQA GCSE Biology specification, whilst engaging and motivating the students with a wide range of tasks. These tasks include exam-style questions with answers included in the PowerPoint, guided discussion points and quick quiz rounds which are used to introduce key terms and values in a fun and memorable way whilst instilling some competition
The following Homeostasis and response specification points are covered by the lessons in this bundle:
Homeostasis*
Structure and function of the human nervous system
The brain
The eye
Control of body temperature
Human endocrine system
Control of blood glucose concentration
Maintaining water and nitrogen balance in the body*
Hormones in human reproduction
Contraception*
The use of hormones to treat infertility
Negative feedback
If you would like to sample the quality of lessons in this bundle, then download the lessons indicated with an asterisk as they have been uploaded for free
This bundle of 10 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic C1e (Chemical formulae, equations and calculations) of the Edexcel iGCSE Chemistry specification. The topics and specification points covered within these lessons include:
Writing word equations
Writing balanced symbol equations (with state symbols)
Calculate relative formula masses
Know that the mole is the unit for the amount of a substance
Understand how to carry out calculations involving amount, relative atomic and formula mass
Calculate reacting masses
Calculate percentage yield
Know the terms empirical formula and molecular formula and be able to calculate both
Calculate concentration of solutions
Calculate gas volumes
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 of 8 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic B2 (Organisation) of the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Enzymes
Enzyme reactions
The Heart
The Blood vessels
The Blood
Cardiovascular disease
Health and disease
Risk factors for non-communicable diseases
Transport in plants through the xylem and phloem
Transpiration (and stomata)
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 of 7 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic B1 (Key concepts in Biology) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Animal cells
Plant cells
Bacterial cells
Specialised cells
Changes in microscopic technology
Number, size and scale
The relationship between quantitative units
Enzyme properties and action
Enzyme activity
Osmosis
Active transport
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.
The locus and linkage, meiosis, differential gene expression and protein transport within cells lessons have been uploaded for free and by downloading these, you will be able to observe the detail of planning that has gone into all of the lessons that are included in this bundle. This intricate planning ensures that the students are engaged and motivated whilst the detailed content of topic 3 (Cell structure, Reproduction and Development) of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification is covered.
The 12 lesson PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities which cover the following topic 3 specification points:
All living organisms are made of cells
Cells of multicellular organisms are organised into tissues, organs and organ systems
The ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells
The function of the organelles in eukaryotic animal cells
The role of the RER and Golgi apparatus in protein transport within cells
The ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells
Magnification and resolution in light and electron microscopes
The gene locus is the location of a gene on a chromosome
The linkage of genes on a chromosome
The role of meiosis in ensuring genetic variation
Understand how the mammalian gametes are specialised for their functions
The role of mitosis and the cell cycle in growth and asexual reproduction
The meaning of the terms stem cell, pluripotent, totipotent, morula and blastocyst
The decisions that have to be made about the use of stem cells in medical therapies
Cells become specialised through differential gene expression
One gene can give rise to more than one protein through post-transcriptional changes to mRNA
Phenotype is the interaction between genotype and the environment
Some phenotypes are affected by multiple alleles or by polygenic inheritance
Due to the detail included in all of these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 6 weeks of allocated A-level teaching time to complete the teaching of the bundle
This bundle of 10 engaging and motivating lesson presentations and associated worksheets have been designed to encourage students to assess their knowledge of the topics within the 10 topics of the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification.
The lessons use a range of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to cover the content in C1 (Atomic structure and the periodic table), C2 (Bonding, structure and properties of matter), C3 (Quantitative chemistry), C4 (Chemical changes), C5 (Energy changes), C6 (The rate and extent of chemical change), C7 (Organic chemistry), C8 (Chemical analysis), C9 (Chemistry of the atmosphere) and C10 (Using resources)
This bundle of 10 lessons covers all of the content in the sub-topic C2.1 (Purity and separating mixtures) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Explain what is meant by the purity of a substance and use melting point to distinguish pure from impure
Calculate the relative formula mass separately and in a balanced symbol equation
Deduce the empirical formula of a compound
Explain that many useful materials are formulations of mixtures
Describe and explain the processes of filtration, crystallisation, simple distillation and fractional distillation
Describe the processes of paper and thin-layer chromatography
Recall that chromatography involves a mobile and stationary phase
Interpret chromatograms
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 of 11 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic B3 (Organism level systems) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
The nervous system
Hormones and the endocrine system
Adrenaline
Negative feedback loops
Thyroid gland and thyroxine
The menstrual cycle
Contraception
Using hormones to treat infertility
Homeostasis
Controlling blood glucose
Diabetes
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 lesson bundle contains 11 detailed lesson PowerPoints, which along with their accompanying resources, have been intricately planned to cover the majority of the content of topics 5 and 6 of the CIE A-level Biology specification. The cell cycle, mitosis and protein synthesis are topics that students tend to find difficult and therefore the planning focused on the inclusion of a wide range of tasks that would not only promote the retention of important information and secure knowledge but also maintain motivation and engagement.
The tasks include exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes which challenge the students on their current understanding and prior knowledge, guided discussion points and quick quiz competitions which introduce key terms and values.
The following specification points are covered by these 11 lessons:
Topic 5
The structure of a chromosome, limited to DNA, histone proteins, chromatids, centromere and telomere
The importance of mitosis in producing genetically identical cells, growth, cell replacement, repair of tissues and asexual reproduction
The cell cycle, including theh G and S phases of interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis
The behaviour of chromosomes in animal and plant cells in the mitotic cell cycle
Topic 6
The structure of nucleotides, including ATP
The structure of DNA and RNA
The semi-conservative replication of DNA during interphase
A polypeptide is coded for by a gene
Gene mutations can cause changes to the polypeptide sequence
The information in DNA is used during transcription and translation to construct polypeptides
All of the 9 lessons that are included in this bundle are highly detailed and are fully-resourced. The lesson PowerPoints and their accompanying worksheets contain a wide range of tasks that will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the following specification points as set out in topic 4 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification:
The structure and ultrastructure of plant cells
The function of the organelles in plant cells
The structure and function of starch and cellulose
The similarities and differences between the structures, position and functions of sclerenchyma, xylem and phloem
Understand that classification is a means of organising the variety of life based on relationships between organisms
New taxonomic groupings
The meaning of the terms biodiversity and endemism
Know how biodiversity can be measured within a habitat and within a species
Comparing biodiversity between habitats using the index of diversity
The adaptations of organisms to their environment
Use of the Hardy-Weinberg equation
Changes in allele frequency are the result of mutation and natural selection
Evaluate the methods used by zoos and seed banks in the conservation of endangered species and their genetic diversity
If you would like to sample the quality of lessons in this bundle then download the cellulose & starch and modern-day classification lessons as these have been uploaded for free
This bundle of 7 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic C9 (Separate Chemistry 2) of the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Detecting cations
Detecting anions
Alkanes as saturated hydrocarbons
Alkenes as unsaturated hydrocarbons
Testing with bromine water
Complete combustion of hydrocarbons
Polymers
Biological polymers
Alcohols
Carboxylic acids
Production of ethanol
Nanoparticles
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 of 10 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic P2 of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics covered within these lessons include:
Scalar and vector quantities
Velocity
Calculating speed
Distance-time graphs
Recall and use the acceleration equation
Use the equations of motion equation
Velocity-time graphs
Recall some everyday speeds
Use the equation to calculate weight
The relationship between weight and gravitational field strength
Recall and use the equation for momentum
Momentum in collisions
The factors affecting stopping distances
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.
All 9 lessons included in this bundle are filled with a variety of tasks to maintain engagement whilst covering the detailed content of module 5.1.2 of the OCR A-level biology specification. There are also multiple understanding checks and prior knowledge checks, with answers embedded into the PowerPoint, which allow the students to assess their progress against the current topic and test their ability to make links to previously covered content. This module titled “Excretion as an example of homeostatic control”, considers the removal of the products of cell metabolism and explores the role of the liver, kidneys (and skin) in this process.
The functions of the liver and structure of the kidney lessons have been uploaded for free, so you could download these first if you would like to view the quality of this bundle.
The specification points not directly covered by the lessons in this bundle are:
(b) (ii)
[c) (ii)
[c] (iii)
(f)
Each of the 8 lessons that are included in this bundle are fully-resourced and have been designed to cover the content as detailed in topic 6.4 (Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment) of the AQA A-Level Biology specification. The specification points that are covered within these lessons include:
The principles of homeostasis
The importance of maintaining temperature and blood glucose concentrations
Negative feedback systems
The action of insulin, glucagon and the role of the liver in blood glucose control
The role of adrenaline
The causes of type I and II diabetes and their control
The structure of the nephron and its numerous roles
The formation of the glomerular filtrate by ultrafiltration
Reabsorption of glucose and water by the proximal convoluted tubule
Maintaining a gradient of sodium ions in the medulla by the loop of Henle
The roles of the hypothalamus, the posterior pituitary gland and ADH in osmoregulation
The lessons have been written to include a wide range of activities and numerous understanding and prior knowledge checks so students can assess their progress against the current topic as well as be challenged to make links to other topics within this topic and earlier topics
If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the ultrafiltration lesson which is free