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Little Scientists

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I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.

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I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.
Star Wars Science - Types of Forces
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Star Wars Science - Types of Forces

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This is a lesson for a low ability KS3 class. It has the theme of Star Wars. Pupils start with match some words with their definitions. There is then a circus activity where pupils go around a do small tasks to answer questions about different types of forces. Pupils then create a learning sheet for Luke Skywalker, so he can learn about 'The Force'. Finally pupils do a small literacy task as their exit ticket.
Ghostbusters Science - Hearing Ranges
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Ghostbusters Science - Hearing Ranges

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This is for a low ability KS3 class, with a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils begin by putting in order the stages of hearing (they would have done this in a previous lesson). Pupils then determine their own hearing range using a video. Pupils then watch a video on narwhals and how they use echolocation, answering some questions along the way. Pupils then get introduced to ultrasound and some uses. They are then given differentiated maths questions to go along side this. Finally pupils compare the hearing ranges of different animals.
Star Wars Science  - Moments
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Star Wars Science - Moments

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This is aimed at a low ability KS3 class. It has the theme of Star Wars. I would like to say that the Star Wars examples are from RichardBonser (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/moments-levers-and-pivots-introduction-with-star-wars-11204405) Pupil begin by doing a wordsearch. They then go over the equation for a moment. The using examples they calculate moments. Pupils then discuss how changing the distance an affect the moment. Pupils complete some calculations and then do an experiment using meter rulers and wooden triangles. Finally they do a challenge question.
Scooby Doo Science - Diet
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Scooby Doo Science - Diet

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This is aimed at a low ability KS3 class, with a Scooby Doo theme. Pupils begin by sorting some of the thing Scooby and Shaggy eat into healthy and unhealthy foods. They then watch a video on balanced diets. They then match the food group with what it provides the body with. This is an interactive slide, so can be printed as a worksheet or done on the board together. Pupils then sort foods into the food group they think it belongs in. Lastly pupils are given a worksheet and told that Scooby and Shaggy are going to order the meal on the sheet. They are to answer the questions about the meal.
Jurassic Park - Types of Energy
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Jurassic Park - Types of Energy

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This is the first lesson of the Energy topic. It is designed for KS3 and has a Jurassic Park theme, where pupils design a new theme park for Richard Hammond. The start pupils look at images and try and come up with a title for the lesson. Pupils then do a number of jigsaw puzzles to make them to start thinking about the different types of energy and where they can be found. Pupils then create a mnemonic to help them remember all the types of energy. Pupils then create posters for Mr Hammond on the different types of energy he will see in his new park, using ideas from theme parks they already know. Finally pupils do a scavenger hunt using QR codes to answer some question to check their learning (internet access is not needed for this)
Peter Pan Science - Light Introduction
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Peter Pan Science - Light Introduction

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This is aimed at a KS3 class, with a Peter Pan theme. Pupils begin by describing the glow around Tinkerbell. You then go on to explain luminous objects and if you can describe Tinkerbell this way. There is also a question to cover the moon misconception. You then explain how to draw ray diagrams and pupils practice by showing how Peter can see different things in Neverland (the sheet gets harder as it goes down). Pupils then Think, pair and Share on how thy think shadows are formed - using keywords. They then watch a video and write down an explanation in their books. There is a homework about bioluminescence. Finally pupils create a summary poster for the introduction for Light.
Frozen Science - Separation Techniques
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Frozen Science - Separation Techniques

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with the theme of Disney's Frozen. Pupils begin with a "Think, Pair and Share" of how they will obtain fresh water from salt water on a beach. They then go onto do the rock salt experiment, creating a solution and then separating the salt and water, for higher ability classes get them to capture the fresh water, rather than letting it evaporate. Pupils then go onto a chromatography practical. Use a number of different green pens (one being the sample) and get pupils to determine which green pen was used in a scenario. You could also demo distillation of ink. Pupils finally complete the "Purifying a Solid" clue task to revisit key terms. There is also an extended writing homework available.
Jurassic Park - Energy Transfer
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Jurassic Park - Energy Transfer

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This is a Jurassic Park themed lesson aimed at KS3 pupils. Pupils begin by thinking about the types of energy that enter and leave an object, they complete a worksheet for this. Pupils then are reminded about kinetic and potential energy, with examples. Leading on from this, pupils then complete a description of energy transfer on a rollercoaster, and describe the energy types and particular points. Useful and wasted energy is explained to the pupils, with a simplified diagram. Pupils then create similar diagrams for different things seen at a theme park. Finally pupils are then given one Olympic scenario each and have to draw an energy transfer diagram as an exit ticket. There is a homework where pupils use the Jurassic World website to create energy transfer diagrams of activities in different sections. There is also an online homework used as an extension of the rollercoaster task (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park-basics).
Ghostbusters Science - How is Sound Produced?
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Ghostbusters Science - How is Sound Produced?

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This is for a low ability KS3 group, with a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils begin by using images to determine the title of the lesson. They then listen to sounds and try to describe them (link in notes section of ppt). Pupils then do a circus activity where there are a number of ways to make sound and try to decide the common factor. Pupils then line up facing forwards and teacher demonstrates how sound travels. Finally pupils try to answer the question "If a tree falls in a forest with no one around to hear it fall, does it make a sound?"
Jurassic Park - Energy Sources
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Jurassic Park - Energy Sources

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This is a KS3 lesson, with a Jurassic park theme. Pupils begin by sorting the types of energy sources into groups. They then have to justify their groupings. Pupils then when a quick video (link in picture) and are asked to note down the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources. Pupils are then put into groups and asked to research different types of energy sources (link in notes section of ppt) ready to present to a number of judges (Dragon Den style). The pretence is that they are selling their type of resource to John Hammond to use to run Jurassic Park. Pupils then present this, to make sure all students are engage, there is a table that they fill in with the information that they hear. Finally pupils complete a six mark question using a QWC writing frame on the evaluation of different energy sources.
Frozen Science - Dissolving
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Frozen Science - Dissolving

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This is a lesson aimed for a low ability KS3 class and has a theme of Disney's Frozen. Pupils begin with trying to see how many words they can make out of one of the lesson's keywords. Pupils then watch a video to get the keywords for the lesson and complete a question sheet as they do so. Pupils then do 3 experiments that show dissolution. Finally pupils do a code breaker that goes through the keywords of the lesson again. For homework pupils watch a video and write a letter to Anna describing the difference between melting and dissolving.
Gnomeo and Juliet Science - Uses of Neutralisation
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Gnomeo and Juliet Science - Uses of Neutralisation

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with a theme of Gnomeo and Juliet. Pupils begin by reading a textbook spread and completing a mind map. Pupils then watch a video and add more to their mind map. During their mind map they should have come up with wasp and bee stings. Pupils plan and undertake an investigation on what substances can neutralise these stings. Pupils then complete an exit ticket on examples of neutralisation.
Scooby Doo Science - Food Tests
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Scooby Doo Science - Food Tests

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This is aimed at a lower ability KS3 class, with a Scooby Do theme. Pupils begin by recalling the 7 food groups. They then watch Mambo No5 Food Tests song and complete a table to show what the test is for each food group. Pupils then investigate different foods using the tests. Finally there is a food tests multiple choice quiz.
Gnomeo and Juliet Science - What are Acids?
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Gnomeo and Juliet Science - What are Acids?

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This lesson has a theme of Gnomeo and Juliet and is or a low ability KS3 class. It begins with pupils refreshing their knowledge on hazard symbols. Pupils then can discuss as to why gnomes may be afraid of acids - focus on safety here. Pupils then find hidden words and pictures around the room, which give them information about what acids can be used in. Pupils then are split into two groups and make two different indicators (beetroot and cabbage), they then test these on a lemon and soap solutions. There is a table that results can be collected as a class. Finally pupils decide whether the statements shows that acids are harmful or useful.
Gnomeo and Juliet Science - Acidic Strength (the pH scale)
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Gnomeo and Juliet Science - Acidic Strength (the pH scale)

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This is a lesson on the pH Scale with a theme on Gnomeo and Juliet for a low ability class. Pupils begin with doing a Sudoku task as they enter the room. They then watch a short video on the pH scale and complete the worksheet, followed by colouring their own pH scale. There is then a small experiment where pupils determine the pH of different substances. I have left the sheet blank so you can decide on your own substances. I would put the substances in test tubes and let them go around the room and put a drop of Universal Indicator in, or dip Universal Indicator paper in (this way you use less equipment). They can also use Litmus paper and then write a conclusion on the two types of litmus paper. There is then a short AfL quiz where pupils decide if what is shown is acid or alkali. Pupils then do a small experiment on how the strength of acid affects limestone, with the pretense of Juliet's tower being made out of limestone and the worry of it dissolving. The exit ticket involves pupils going around the room and finding examples of different pH's. There are 2 homeworks available. Both are online experiment. The lower ability homework is changing the pH of soil to change the colour of flowers for Juliet. The second is exploring the amount of hydrogen and how it affects pH.
Frankenweenie - Conductors and Insulators
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Frankenweenie - Conductors and Insulators

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This is designed for low KS3 class, with a Frankenweeie theme. Pupils begin by deciding which material to use to help bring Sparky back to life. Pupils watch a video and then do a quick match exercise. They then conduct an experiment to test a variety of conductors and insulators, filling in a table as they go. As a plenary they write a postcard to Victor Frankenweenie. There is also a virtual experiment attached which can be used as a homework or as the experiment.
Gostbusters Science - Travelling Sound
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Gostbusters Science - Travelling Sound

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils begin by creating a word cloud using keywords and using the size of the word to represent their understanding of that word. 4 experts are chosen to run 4 demos, sound travelling in a solid, liquid, gas and vacuum. Take these pupils aside and explain to them each demo and make sure they understand the information enough to explain to other pupils. While you are doing this, the other pupils are completing a data analysis task. Pupils then do go to each demo and get it explained to them - completing the worksheet. Pupils then write a letter explaining how to trap a ghost so it cannot communicate with other ghosts. This is then peer assessed.
Frankenweenie - Series Circuits
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Frankenweenie - Series Circuits

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with a theme of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie. Pupils begin by looking at a diagram of a circuit and discussing why it would not work. Pupils then draw series circuit diagrams from descriptions and decide if the circuit is open or closed. Pupils go onto an interactive website to create circuits and investigate how the number of bulbs and cells affect the brightness of bulbs (I find this more reliable than the actual electrical equipment). Pupils consolidate their learning with a Cloze exercise. Finally pupils design a series circuit that will bring Sparky back to life.
Frankenweenie - Parallel Circuits
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Frankenweenie - Parallel Circuits

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This is a KS3 lesson, for a low ability class. It has a theme of Frankenweenie. Pupils begin by using mini whiteboards to brainstorm how to create a circuit that ensures other light bulbs work if one goes out. They then watch a quick video and use this to write a summary sentence about the differences between series and parallel circuits. Pupils in groups model a parallel circuit, for a lower ability class you can do this as a class. Pupils are given components, and the remainder are electrons and are given plastic balls to represent energy. Pupils then complete a Cloze exercise. Finally pupils do a comprehension task about parallel and series circuits, and as an extension draw circuits for Christmas Tree lights and a house.
Frankenweenie - Electricity Introduction
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Frankenweenie - Electricity Introduction

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This is designed for a low ability KS3 class and has a theme of Frankenweenie. Pupils start with a Think, Pair and Share activity on how Victor brought Frankenweenie back to life (for a high ability group, I would give them the Frankenstein text) Then use the Van der Graff to show pupils electricity and ask them to define it from this. Pupils then watch a video about what electricity is and complete a gap fill exercise. Pupils then create a flashlight using just a few easy to come by components. Then teach the symbols kinaesthetically, there is a video but I tend to do it myself. Go through this a number of times and finally get pupils to match the symbol with the component.