I am a secondary school GCSE & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology and Physics.
My resources are designed to be interesting, engaging and motivating.
All content which are lessons, include: a framework to deliver content; questioning opportunities; assessment; a range of activities to suit students of all abilities; differentiation in most points of the lesson; challenging questions (for all levels) with model answers; and of course starters and plenaries.
I am a secondary school GCSE & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology and Physics.
My resources are designed to be interesting, engaging and motivating.
All content which are lessons, include: a framework to deliver content; questioning opportunities; assessment; a range of activities to suit students of all abilities; differentiation in most points of the lesson; challenging questions (for all levels) with model answers; and of course starters and plenaries.
This lesson is the first lesson for the GCSE Chemistry AQA unit Energy Changes. It can used for other boards who also cover this lesson. This is a fun, fast paced lesson.
The purpose of this is to cover the description of, what each part means and how to draw energy profile diagrams before getting to the nitty gritty when explaining endothermic and exothermic reactions.
Doing this lesson well means you can go deeper into the science later on in the unit.
Objectives:
I can define activation energy is
I can describe activation energy and to link examples to it
I can link energy profile diagrams to activation energy and explain what they are showing.
Starter. Choice between literacy or mini quiz.
Objectives. Deliver content and Modelling of energy profile diagrams.
Practical work. Observe.
Assessment. Whiteboards. This will help determine what tasks students will complete.
Differentiated Worksheet.
Feedback Using Model answers.
Plenary.
This lesson is a perfect base for the unit and can be quickly adapted for grade 8-9 students.
This lesson is all about how scale, units and standard form is used in Science. It uses ideas from microscopy, atoms and space and gets students to think about how scale, units and standard form can be used in science. The lesson is primarily used to prepare year 9’s for GCSE just before they start GCSE content. However it can be used for years 8 - year 11. Grades 2 - 8.
Includes handouts, worksheets, differentiation, model answers, starter and plenary.
The lesson is a two parter if the task on the solar system is completed. The lesson is designed to be engaging and interesting, incorporating many key ideas in science: the atom, solar system, microscopy, ways to go to calculate one unit to another.
I can recognise what some science and mathematical prefixes are and appreciate scale
I can describe how convert one unit into another for example metres to nanometres.
I can explain how to convert numbers up (including in unfamiliar situations) and use standard form.
Starter
Discussion on measuring and scale
Group and building solar system task based on measurements and scale.
worksheet.
Model answers and feedback
plenary
This lesson will cover an hour and is aimed at students with target grades 2 - 8. The tasks for students to complete will be on slide 2 which will need to be printed A3.
Aims:
I can define what is meant by finite, reuse and recycle - stating examples
I can describe how re using and recycling materials decreases environment impact
I can evaluate and analyse ways of reducing the use of limited resources
Questioning Starter. Differentiated. Students can choose level of difficulty.
Aims
Content delivery
Task 1 (with model answers) quick knowledge building task. Links into starter.
Exam Style Question activity. Questions printed on A3 (three sets) and are taped on the walls of room. Students in pairs will add one sentence to answer the question. Keep the students moving from question to question building answers. 10 mins.
Students at questions mark the Exam Style questions in green. Model answers on ppt.
Quiz to assess all students and individuals. The score will differentiate starting points on the student worksheets e.g. Bronze silver and gold. These have model answers.
Students mark- when you through the answers.
Plenary.
This lesson is about the structure and function of the kidneys. Its is aimed for GCSE students grades 4 - 9 but will also work for low ability A-level. It is aimed for AQA triple students specifically but will work for most specs.
The lesson has information: that can be used to present, instructions for tasks on slides, differentiated tasks at most points, assessment opportunities, differentiated worksheets (that can be used for outcome and targeted) and model answers; starter and plenary
Objectives:
I can say where the Kidneys are and what they do
I can label the main structures of the kidney and describe what it does.
I can explain the importance of Kidneys and the role they take when controlling an internal environment.
This is a fast paced broken down lesson that is aimed at students for grades 3 - 9. This lesson covers the objectives:
I can describe what is meant by kinetic energy and how to calculate it.
I can calculate kinetic energy in exam style questions and in a practical situation.
I can re-arrange equations and apply ideas about kinetic energy to objects that move.
The lesson has a jigsaw to start the lesson off to help students absorb key ideas.
This gets copied in books after students have completed and lesson Objectives have been introduced.
Has information to introduce students to what kinetic energy is.
Modelling how to answer a question. (metacognition aspect).
White board activity to assess students (individual and group).
Practical. Students apply and use ideas learnt.
true or false to score them and assess.
Score is then directing students to different parts of a differentiated resource. Has a support sheet.
Answer sheet - students to correct in green.
Plenary.
This lesson is on Density. It its aimed at KS4 students but can be used for high able KS3 students.
It has worksheets and assessment opportunities at the start, middles and during the lesson. The worksheets have model answers.
It is has many metacogntive parts to this lesson.
This lesson is aimed at GCSE students graded 2 to 7. It is has a focus on collaboration/discussion with practical work. The practical is based on the card, glass and penny trick.
Objectives.
I can define newtons first law and calculate resultant force.
I can describe newton’s first law of motion in objects and link ideas of resultant force.
I can explain how inertia law applies to non familiar contexts and answer exam style questions on this.
Quick quiz starter
Definition and task encouraging students to think about it.
Practical and paired/group task. Differentiated sheets on the PPT to print out.
Model answers for task.
Assessment. True or False with answers. Assessment will then dictate the questions students complete consequently differentiated.
Questions with model answers.
Plenary.
This lesson is targeted at GCSE students grades 4 - 9. It is a whole lesson (i hour approx) with a full set of resources. It is a fast paced lesson with many opportunities to correct work. It is focused on the AQA specification but will work with most specifications. Objectives:
I can show where the main sections of the brain are.
I can describe what the main sections of the brain do and describe some ways scientists may use to find out about the brain.
I can explain and discuss how scientists use different methods to work out the structure and function of the brain.
starter - jigsaw puzzle with challenge task afterwards. On ppt.
Video links with information to deliver.
Quick worksheet looking at parts of Brain and what they do, with model answers
Research on Scientific Methods research the Brain. Research template differentiated with model answers to follow. Research info also provided.
Questions to consolidate, differentiated by outcome. With model answers afterwards.
Plenary.
My students loved this.
This is a full lesson aimed at GCSE grades 4 - 9 and focus. Its objectives are:
I can simply describe how your body monitors its temperature
I can describe in detail linking ideas to a negative feedback loop how core temperature is maintained.
I can explain the negative feedback loop and adaptations the body has to maintain core temperature.
This lesson has starter/plenary. Information delivery (including an information hunt with resources), frequent assessment opportunities, worksheets (differentiated by outcome and targeted), model answers.
Information for the hunt is at the end of the PPT and the model answers are placed directly after the WS in green to encourage green penning.
This would also be a good lesson for a weaker year 12 or a level group.
The lesson has full written resources with: differentiated resources; points for assessment; links to video; fun task to test understanding of knowledge; a classroom assessment point to help differentiate for the last main task.
The lesson is aimed at higher triple GCSE students (grades 5 to 9) but will also be effective for struggling a level students. Lesson aims:
I can describe how monoclonal antibodies are made.
I can explain how monoclonal antibodies are produced from mouse lymphocytes to produce monoclonal antibodies on mass.
I can apply ideas and explain how monoclonal antibodies can be used in other applications.
The lesson follows this route:
quick starter.
introduction of new material
Using new material and describe the process of monoclonal antibody production from mice.
peer to peer assessment and pairedwork on task.
model answer and correction with green pen.
Assessment true and false quiz.
Differentiated questions.
Plenary.
This a complete GCSE Specific Heat Capacity (SHC) lesson.
It has key opportunities for assessment, metacognition when going through the calculation. All examples of calculations have model answers for green pen corrections.
The practical is the standard SHC practical with a block and an immersion heater, then using the results to calculate SHC.
The main worksheet is differentiated by the points that students start at, which is assessed by a true and false quiz based on objectives. The worksheet has model answers for green pen corrections.
This is either a slow paced two part lesson (1 - six) or a high paced lesson (for a students grades 5 - 9).
My students loved it
This is a whole lesson focusing on calculating magnification in Biology - from a do it now style starter, all the way through to a plenary. The lesson is fully differentiated with model answers. It has assessment built in assessment checkpoints.
This lesson not only focuses on knowledge and execution of the calculation, but applies the ideas and gets the students to link it to real life. This lesson is also good for weaker AS level students before they complete harder magnification questions.
Objectives:
I can describe what is meant by magnification and resolution.
I can carry out calculations involving magnification, real size and image size. I can also describe the differences between mm, um, nm.
I can work out questions related to magnification by rearranging the formula. I can recognise when/how to change units in questions and how to use standard form.
The lesson will:
Introduce definitions and basic material.
Get students to think and look at conversions of units.
Students will then practice calculating magnification and teacher will model how to complete questions. Mini assessment.
Quiz Assessment and reinforcement of key ideas
Differentiated questions Bronze Silver Gold
Model answers
Plenary.
This lesson is targeted are GCSE students Grades 2 - 9. This looks at Enzyme activity and specifically looks at graph interpretation. My students have found the focus of this lesson particularly useful.
I can describe how the rate of enzyme activity can be limited
I can explain enzyme activity may vary in different conditions and refer to the structure of the enzyme.
I can use evidence and data to support my understanding of the effect of temperature and pH on the rate of enzyme activity.
This lesson comes with all the trimmings: Starter (choice of two), Plenary, Content to deliver, Assessment and consolidation task, differentiated sheets, written model answers.
Starter (one to recap the structure of an enzyme and th other to encourage thinking skills)
Video link and task.
Content delivery - with hand out out to avoid writing.
Student Oracy, assessment and thinking skill task.
Differentiated sheets.
Model answers.
Plenary task.
This is a complete lesson with differentiation through the lesson with regular opportunities for assessment to help and direct students. There is also a section to model and discuss what limiting factors are and the what the graphs mean. Also there is a card sort to help develop student understanding further.
Starter
Objectives
Information delivered, broken down and modelled (specifically the graphs and what each section of the graphs)
Card sort to assess and reinforce understanding.
quick quiz and assessment checkpoint - which will direct question routes Bronze Silver Gold.
Model answers for the questions (can be shown on board) - green pen opportunities
Plenary.
This is aimed at students aged 12 - 16 and can be used as a basic PPt for A level.
This is a revision lesson on cell transport (osmosis, diffusion and active transport). It has a lot of active modeling within the first part of the lesson, which can then be used to answers questions and see model answers.
Starter - Choice of two (Questioning or mini quiz). Differentiated.
Objectives.
Active modeling one. Students model particles.
White board modeling.
Quiz to determine task sheet starting point.
Worksheet (differentiated)
Model answers
Plenary.
This lesson is is designed to last for an hour and cover:
I can give examples and describe how humans selective breed animals and plants
I can describe the risks and benefits of selective breeding.
I can explain how selective breeding will affect the variation in a gene pool in a species.
The lesson structure looks like this:
Choice of starter: a) keyword puzzle b) questioning and cold calling think pair share starter - differentiated.
Main note taking white board task.
Quiz to see how well the students have done with note taking. Assessment.
Quiz score dictates starting point on the worksheet (differentiated)
Model answers and feedback green pen session
Plenary.
This lesson is designed to be a guided intro (metacognition and modeling) to electricity so that students gain confidence on the practical skills before going into detail on electricity as a whole. This is aimed at KS4 but can be used at KS3.
This lesson will cover: circuit symbols; drawing circuits properly; and building circuits from diagrams and text. This can be done as one fast paced lesson or a two parter. For students grade 1-5. This lesson is a two parter and anything higher one lesson.
I have always found, of this lesson is completed well, teaching electricity is always slightly easier and student confidence with circuits is better.
The lesson comes with differentiated resources, card sorts and enough material for an information hunt (as an alternative to the card sort or as supporting material)
Objectives:
I can state what some of the keywords are for the unit electricity.
I can identify circuit symbols of components, describe what many do and draw simple circuit diagrams
I can draw series and parallel circuits and build these circuits from circuit diagrams
Lesson structure.
Starter. Do it now style task.
Lesson intro.
Card sort or information hunt. (differentiated)
Modeling circuit diagrams. (metacogntion: Me (teacher), Us, you)
Building circuits (differentiated task)
Plenary
This lesson can be used from mid to HA year 7/8/9 and also low to mid ability KS4.
It contains worksheets and also capacity for assessment and whole group/individual progress tracking during the lesson. It also has the model answers within the ppt as well.
These are designed to be used for when students come into class, similar to ‘do it now’ tasks. The starters can be photocopied and handed to students, or can be just completed in books.
Each sheet focuses on two equations (six questions in total): 1) What is the equation triangle 2) What are the units 3) Example question to complete. Its perfect to build students memory, confidence and recognising what equation is needed to be used in what situation. Each sheet has model answers so that students can correct there work there and then! My students have really enjoyed and appreciated them
Once students have had 10 minutes, you can show them the model answers which are also part of the resource. Date on the slides automatically change.
This set covers all Trilogy equations in P1&P2 (AQA), which is virtually every Triple (Single) Physics equation in P1&P2.
The resources comes with two resource sheets for each P1 and P2, to help students when completing the task. Each starter quiz has the date automatically changed on the day of use.
At the end the student will have a full P1&P2 resource of equations, units and model answers. This resource is also great if you are making a department or Science group push on equations.
Full Set of Biology (trilogy) AQA low stakes formative assessments. 16. Designed so they can be placed every 6/7 lessons in Biology GCSE topic Units. This fits most school marking policies that place an emphasis on formative assessment.
These assessments have been designed for Low stakes - High Impact. There is an emphasis on thinking and planning which is great for metacognition.
These are designed to allow students to give quality answers but also be relatively quick to mark. These are also designed to be used for home work as well. In fact that is where they developed from.
Each task has related pictures/tasks on the left and three differentiated (by outcome) tasks. This has been based on blooms/IDEALS using command words like define, describe, explain, compare, evaluate etc.
They have also been designed to with word limits to make them more challenging and focus on concise quality. Plus, this means less to mark.
A class set takes me 30 mins - 1 hour to mark depending on ability. Usually 40 mins. I tended to use colour coded highlighters on task sheet and in the WWW and EBI, with a statement or two.
Each assessment has a task slide and a statement box slide. Photocopy both to go on one sheet and it becomes an A4 sheet that can easily be transported, written on and glued in student excercise books. This is useful if your school likes coloured paper to highlight marked work in books.
Names of assessments: Microscopy, Transport, Enzymes, circulatory system and organs, plant organs and tissues, pathogens and diseases, drugs, vaccinations, photosynthesis and rate, respiration and metabolism, nerves and hormones, genetic material and meiosis, genetic inheritance, natural selection and selective breeding, nutrient cycle, communities and food webs.
Once my students got in the pattern of completing these, they loved them because it took them less time to complete.