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 of specification point 4.1.1.1 (Eukaryotes and prokaryotes) of the AQA GCSE Biology and Combined Science course. The understanding of this topic is fundamental to a lot of the later topics on the course so time has been taken to ensure that the key details are covered whilst engagement levels are kept high through the range of activities.
The lesson begins by asking students to copy a diagram of a bacterial cell from memory before challenging them to recognise anything that is missing so they can discover the lack of the nucleus. Students are introduced to the idea of a prokaryotic cell before important questions are answered such as the fact that the cell still has DNA despite the absence of the nucleus. Key terms such as plasmid are introduced to the students through the use of quiz competitions in an effort to increase the likelihood of these words being remembered. Moving forwards, eukaryotic cells are considered and the common features of both of the cells are discussed and recalled. Finally, students are asked to compare both types of cells in terms of their size before being challenged on a range of mathematical skills in which they have to convert between the units of centimetres, millimetres, micrometres and nanometres.
This bundle of 5 revision lessons covers 5 of the 12 Biology topics that are found on the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. Each of the lessons has been designed to include exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions that challenge the students on their recall of the content and their ability to apply knowledge. Students will be engaged and motivated by the range of activities whilst recognising those areas that need further attention.
The following topics are included in this bundle:
Topic B2: Cells
Topic B3: Biological molecules
Topic B4: Enzymes
Topic B6: Animal nutrition
Topic B8: Gas exchange and respiration
If you like these lessons, please look at my revision lessons for the Chemistry and Physics topics of the Combined Science specification as well as the IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics
This revision resource includes a range of activities that will act to engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the Animal nutrition content (topic B6) of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. There are exam questions with explained answers as well as quick tasks and quiz competitions such as “Have you got the right BALANCE” where students are challenged to recognise whether a statement about the balanced diet is accurate or not.
The lesson was designed to cover as much content as possible but the following topics have received particular attention:
Mechanical digestion
Chemical digestion by digestive enzymes
Amylase and the break down of starch
The adaptations of the small intestine to allow absorption
The roles of the hydrochloric acid in gastric juice
The break down of lipids in the small intestine
The components of a balanced diet
This resource includes a detailed and engaging PowerPoint (51 slides) and a worksheet which is differentiated two ways. Efforts have been made to make links to other topics such as enzymes (B4) so students can see the importance of being able to make connections in their answers
This revision resource contains a concise yet informative PowerPoint (25 slides) and a worksheet that will enable the students to assess their understanding of the topic B4 (Enzymes) content of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The range of exam questions (with explained answers), quick tasks and quiz competitions have been designed to cover as much content as possible but the following topics have received particular attention:
Enzymes as biological catalysts that speed up reactions
The binding of a substrate with the active site of an enzyme
The effect of a changing pH on the activity of an enzyme
The effect of a changing temperature on the activity of an enzyme
Denaturation
This concise, engaging revision lesson has been designed to include activities that will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of topic B3 (Biological molecules) of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification. An understanding of biological molecules is fundamental to the understanding of a lot other Biology topics and this lesson has attempted to make the links between the different areas.
The range of activities which include exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions have been written to cover as much of the content as possible but the following topics have received particular attention:
The chemical elements in carbohydrates
The formation of starch and glycogen from glucose
The iodine test for starch
Lipids are formed of fatty acids and glycerol
Investigational skills
The ethanol emulsion test for lipids
This resource includes a PowerPoint (27 slides) and a worksheet with a task about the digestion of milk fat so students can recognise the components of lipids
This revision resource contains an engaging and informative PowerPoint (49 slides) and a differentiated worksheet that will enable the students to assess their understanding of the topic B2 (Cells) content of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The following topics have been given particular attention in this lesson:
The structure and function of red blood cells
Diffusion as the movement of molecules from a high concentration to a low concentration
The structure of root hair cells to allow absorption of minerals and water from the soil
Osmosis investigations
The effect on plant cells of immersion in solutions of different water potentials
The function of the organelles found in animal and plant cells
The structure and function of specialised cells
This resource is ideal for revision purposes during or at the end of the topic and in the lead up to mocks or the actual IGCSE exams
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 B8 (Gas exchange and respiration) 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 “The BIG REVEAL” 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 role of cilia, goblet cells and mucus in the trachea and bronchi
The effects of the chemicals in tobacco smoke on gas exchange
Efficient gas exchange at the alveoli
The composition of inhaled and exhaled air
Aerobic respiration as the chemical reaction that releases energy
The uses of energy in the human body
This resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (54 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
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
A considerable amount of time has been taken to design this revision resource so that the included activities engage the students whilst containing sufficient detail to enable them to assess their understanding of the content in topic 9 (Transport in animals) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification. This resource can be used with those students taking both the 0610 and 0970 specifications and will be examined in June and November 2020 and 2021. This topic contains a lot of key details about the workings of the human body and is therefore likely to be heavily involved in the make up of upcoming examinations. The range of activities include exam questions with answers explained, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions such as “FOUND in the PLASMA” where students have to be the 1st to name the substances that are carried in this liquid and also “Is this passage on the right PATH” where students have to analyse a passage about the pathway of blood to determine if it is 100% correct.
The lesson has been written to cover as much content from both the Core and Supplement sections as possible but the following have received particular attention:
The functions of the different components of blood
The structure of arteries and veins and how this is related to their functions
The risk factors and treatments for CHD
The structure of the heart and its associated blood vessels
The function of the valves found in the heart and veins
The double circulatory system
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
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 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 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 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
This revision resource has been filled with a range of activities that will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in module 4.2.1 (Biodiversity) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. The content of this module is regularly assessed in the exams and therefore time has been taken to design the lesson to encourage recall. The resource includes a detailed and engaging Powerpoint (80 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which are differentiated to allow students of 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:
Considering biodiversity at different levels including species biodiversity
Calculating the biodiversity of a habitat using the Simpsons index of diversity
Assessing genetic diversity by looking at polymorphic gene loci
Zoos as an ex situ method of maintaining biodiversity
The factors affecting biodiversity
There is a real emphasis on the mathematical element of the course in this lesson as students are challenged to apply the formulae in this module as well as more general skills such as percentage change. There are also links to topics from other modules such as selection pressures and codominance so students can experience the need to make connections between modules
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 1.1 (Cells and movement across cell membranes) 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:
Active transport as an active process
The differentiation of cells in animal and plants to become adapted for specific functions
Osmosis
The functions of the organelles of animal and plant cells
Enzymes as proteins which speed up reactions
The active site, substrates and enzyme-substrate complexes
The effect of pH on enzyme activity
Diffusion as a passive process, which allows substances including oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass across a membrane
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
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