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 lesson has been designed to cover the content in specification point 17.3 (Mitosis) which is part of topic 17 (Inheritance) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification. A wide range of activities have been written into the lesson to motivate and engage the students whilst ensuring that the following content of both the Core & Supplement sections are covered in detail.
The duplication of chromosomes before mitosis
Mitosis is a form of division that results in genetically identical cells
The important roles of mitosis for living organisms
Stem cells use mitosis before differentiation to produce specialised cells
Understanding checks have been included in the lesson at regular points to allow the students to assess their understanding as well as previous knowledge checks to topics like organelles in animal and plant cells.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE-aged students but is suitable for older students who are studying mitosis at A-level and need to recall the key points
This lesson explains why the conduction of an impulse along myelinated neurones is faster than along unmyelinated neurones. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been written to cover point (7) of topic 15.1 of the CIE A-level Biology specification.
A wide range of activities are included in this lesson to maintain the motivation of the students whilst ensuring that the detail is covered in depth. Interspersed with the activities are understanding checks and prior knowledge checks to allow the students to not only assess their understanding of the current topic but also challenge themselves to make links to earlier topics such as the movement of ions across membranes and biological molecules.
Over the course of the lesson, students consider the structure of the myelin sheath and specifically how the electrical insulation is not complete all the way along. This leaves gaps, known as the nodes of Ranvier, which allow the entry and exit of ions. Saltatory conduction can be poorly explained by a lot of students so time is taken to look at the way that the action potential jumps between the nodes and this is explained further by reference to local currents. The rest of the lesson focuses on the other two factors which are axon diameter and temperature and students are challenged to discover these two by focusing on the vampire squid.
This bundle contains 7 fully-resourced lessons which are highly detailed and will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the content of topic 13 of the CIE A-level Biology specification (for assessment in 2025 - 27). The following specification points are covered:
Topic 13.1: points 1 - 12
Topic 13.2: points 1 & 2
The lesson PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of tasks which include exam-style questions, whole class discussion periods and quiz competitions which are designed to introduce key terms and values in a memorable way.
If you would like to get an idea of the quality of these lessons, then download the Calvin cycle intermediates lesson as this has been shared for free.
A highly engaging lesson presentation (74 slides) and accompanying worksheets that uses exam questions (with explained answers), quick tasks and quiz competitions to allow students to assess their understanding of the topic of Biological molecules (Topic 3.1). Students will have fun whilst recognising those areas of the specification which need further attention.
This is a detailed, engaging and fully-resourced REVISION LESSON which allows students of all abilities to assess their understanding of the content in module 2.1.3 (Nucleotides and nucleic acids) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. Considerable time has been taken to design the lesson to include a wide range of activities to motivate the students whilst they evaluate their knowledge of DNA, RNA and the roles of these nucleic acids in DNA replication and protein synthesis. Most of the tasks have been differentiated so that students of differing abilities can access the work and move forward as a result of the tasks at hand.
This lesson has been planned to cover as much of the specification as possible but the following sub-topics have received particular attention:
The structure of DNA
Phosphorylated nucleotides
DNA replication
Transcription and translation
Gene mutations and their affect on the primary structure of a polypeptide
The structure of RNA
In addition to a focus on the current topic, links are made throughout the lesson to other topics such as the journey of an extracellular protein following translation and the cell cycle.
If you like the quality of this revision lesson, please look at the other uploaded revision lessons for this module and for this specification
A fun and engaging lesson presentation (33 slides) and associated worksheet that uses exam questions, with fully explained answers, quick tasks and competitions to allow students to assess their understanding of Module 3.1.2 (Transport in Animals). The students will enjoy the lesson whilst being able to recognise which areas of the specification need further attention. Competitions included in the lesson are “SPOT THE ERROR”, “Where’s Lenny” and “Crack the code”
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 the Biology topic B4 (Bioenergetics) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science 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
An engaging lesson presentation (60 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 Combined Science 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
A fully resourced revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions (with explained answers), quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within module 6.3.1 (Ecosystems) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification.
The topics tested within this lesson include:
Ecosystems
Transfer of biomass
Recycling within ecosystems
Succession
Studying ecosystems
Student will enjoy the range of tasks and quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise any areas which require further attention
This fully-resourced REVISION LESSON has been designed to provide the students with numerous opportunities to assess their understanding of the content of module 5.2.2 (Respiration) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. The importance of this metabolic reaction is obvious and this is reflected in the volume of questions in the terminal exams which require an in depth knowledge of the stages of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
The lesson contains a wide range of activities that cover the following points of the specification:
Glycolysis as a stage of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
The use and production of ATP through respiration
Anaerobic respiration in mammalian muscle tissue
The stages of aerobic respiration that occur in the mitochondrial matrix
Oxidative phosphorylation
The use of respirometers
Calculating the respiratory quotient value for different respiratory substrates
Revision lessons which cover the other sub-modules of module 5 are uploaded and tie in well with this content
A fully resourced revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions (with explained answers), quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within module 4 (Biodiversity, evolution and disease) of the OCR A-level Biology specification.
The topics tested within this lesson include:
Communicable diseases, biodiversity, classification and evolution
Student will enjoy the range of tasks and quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise any areas which require further attention
This bundle of 4 revision lessons has been designed to motivate and engage the students whilst they are being challenged on their knowledge of the content of the following topics in unit 1 (Cells, organ systems and ecosystems) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification:
Topic 1.1: Cells and movement across cell membranes
Topic 1.2: Respiration and the respiratory system in humans
Topic 1.3: Digestion and the digestive system in humans
Topic 1.4: Circulatory system in humans
Each of the lessons contains a wide range of activities including exam questions and quiz competitions that will prepare the student’s for an end of topic test or terminal examination
The Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification states that a minimum of 10% of the marks across the assessment papers will require the use of mathematical skills. This revision lesson has been designed to include a wide range of activities that challenge the students on these exact skills because success in the maths in biology questions can prove the difference between one grade and the next!
Step-by-step guides are used to walk students through the application of a number of the formulae and then exam-style questions with clear mark schemes (which are included in the PowerPoint) will allow them to assess their progress. Other activities include differentiated tasks, group discussions and quick quiz competitions such as “FROM NUMBERS 2 LETTERS” and “YOU DO THE MATH”.
The lesson has been written to cover as much of the mathematical requirements section of the specification as possible but the following have been given particular attention:
Hardy-Weinberg equation
Chi-squared test
Calculating size
Converting between quantitative units
Standard deviation
Estimating populations of sessile and motile species
Percentages and percentage change
Cardiac output
Geometry
Due to the detail and extensiveness of this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2/3 hours of A-level teaching time to work through the activities and it can be used throughout the duration of the course
An engaging lesson presentation (64 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 (Cell Biology) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification point 4.1).
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Eukaryotes and prokaryotes
Animal and plant cells
Microscopy
Chromosomes
The cell cycle including mitosis
Stem cells
Diffusion
Osmosis
Active transport
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “SPOT the CELL” and “Take the Hotseat” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
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
An engaging lesson presentation (75 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 B7(Ecology) of the AQA GCSE Biology specification (specification unit B4.7).
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Communities
Abiotic factors
Biotic factors
Levels of organisation
Recycling materials
Decomposition
Deforestation
Global warming
Trophic levels
Pyramids of biomass
Transfer of biomass
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Number CRAZY" whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An engaging lesson presentation (56 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 Topic 6 (Plant structures and their function) of the EDEXCEL GCSE Biology specification
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Photosynthesis and producers
The reaction of photosynthesis
Limiting factors
The structure of root hair cells
The structure of the xylem and phloem
The effect of environmental factors on the rate of transpiration
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “XYLEM vs PHLOEM" and “Shine the LIGHT on any ERRORS” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An engaging lesson presentation (57 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 Topic 9 (Ecosystems and material cycles) of the EDEXCEL GCSE Combined Science specification
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Levels of organisation
Communities
Interdependence in a community
Determining the number of organisms in a given area
Recycling materials
Deforestation
Global warming
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Number CRAZY" whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
This is an engaging and fully-resourced revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 2 (Cells and control) of the Edexcel GCSE Biology 9-1 specification.
The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include:
Describe mitosis as part of the cell cycle, including the stages interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase and cytokinesis
Describe the importance of mitosis in growth, repair and asexual reproduction
Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two daughter cells, each with identical sets of chromosomes in the nucleus to the parent cell, and that this results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid body cells
Explain the importance of cell differentiation in the development of specialised cells
Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of stem cells in medicine
Describe the structures and functions of the brain including the cerebellum, cerebral hemispheres and medulla oblongata
Explain how the difficulties of accessing brain tissue inside the skull can be overcome by using CT scanning and PET scanning to investigate brain function
Explain the structure and function of sensory receptors, sensory neurones, relay neurones in the CNS, motor neurones and synapses in the transmission of electrical impulses, including the axon, dendron, myelin sheath and the role of neurotransmitters
Explain the structure and function of the eye as a sensory receptor including the role of the cornea, lens and iris
Describe defects of the eye including cataracts, longsightedness and short-sightedness
Explain how long-sightedness and short-sightedness can be corrected
The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which include quiz competitions such as "Can I have a P please BOB” where they have to recognise the different phases of mitosis from pictures or descriptions. The activities will crucially enable the students to determine which areas of topic 2 will need their further attention. This lesson can be used as revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams.