A concise lesson presentation (26 slides) that looks at how sexual reproduction leads to variation and considers the advantages and disadvantages of this form of reproduction. The lesson begins by getting the students to recognise that sexual reproduction needs two parents and therefore two gametes. Time is taken to ensure that students understand that these gametes are produced by meiosis and therefore contain the haploid number of chromosomes. Key terminology like haploid and zygote are used throughout the lesson. This lesson is suitable for both KS3 and GCSE students

This lesson describes how the structure of the mammalian lung is adapted for rapid gaseous exchange. The engaging PowerPoint has been designed to cover point 2.1 (iii) of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and focuses on the essential features of the alveolar epithelium as well as the mechanism of ventilation to maintain a steep concentration gradient for the simple diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Gas exchange at the alveoli is a topic that was covered at GCSE and considered during the previous lessons in topic 2.1 so this lesson has been written to challenge the recall of that knowledge and to build on it. The main focus of the first half of the lesson is the type of epithelium found lining the alveoli and students will discover that a single layer of flattened cells known as simple, squamous epithelium acts to reduce the diffusion distance. The following features of the alveolar epithelium are also covered: Surface area Moist lining Production of surfactant The maintenance of a steep concentration gradient is the role of the respiratory system and the next part of the lesson focuses on the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. As the mechanism of inhalation is a cascade of events, the details of this process are covered in a step by step format using bullet points. At each step, time is taken to discuss the key details which includes an introduction to Boyle’s law that reveals the inverse relationship between volume and pressure. It is crucial that students are able to describe how the actions of the diaphragm, external intercostal muscles and ribcage result in an increased volume of the thoracic cavity and a subsequent decrease in the pressure, which is below the pressure outside of the body. At this point, their recall of the structures of the mammalian gas exchange system is tested, to ensure that they can describe the pathway the air takes on moving into the lungs.

This detailed lesson describes the structure of a nucleotide and a phosphorylated nucleotide and explains how polynucleotides are synthesised and broken down. The engaging PowerPoint has been designed to cover points [a], [b] and [c] of module 2.1.3 as detailed in the OCR A-level Biology A specification and links are made throughout to earlier topics such as biological molecules. Students were introduced to the term monomer and nucleotide in the previous module, so the start of the lesson challenges them to recognise this latter term when only the letters U, C and T are shown. This has been designed to initiate conversations about why only these letters were used so that the nitrogenous bases can be discussed later in greater detail. Moving forwards, students will learn that a nucleotide is the monomer to a polynucleotide and that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are two examples of this type of polymer. The main part of the lesson has been filled with various tasks that explore the structural similarities and structural differences between DNA and RNA. This begins by describing the structure of a nucleotide as a phosphate group, a pentose sugar and a nitrogenous base. Time is taken to consider the details of each of these three components which includes the role of the phosphate group in the formation of a phosphodiester bond between adjacent nucleotides on the strand. At this point students are challenged on their understanding of condensation reactions and have to identify how the hydroxyl group associated with carbon 3 is involved along with the hydroxyl group of the phosphoric acid molecule. A number of quiz rounds are used during this lesson, as a way to introduce key terms in a fun and memorable way. One of these rounds introduces adenine and guanine as the purine bases and thymine, cytosine and uracil as the pyrimidine bases and the students are shown that their differing ring structures can be used to distinguish between them. The remainder of the lesson focuses on ADP and ATP as phosphorylated nucleotides and links are made to the hydrolysis of this molecule for energy driven reactions in cells such as active transport

A concise lesson presentation (19 slides) which looks at meaning of the key term, polymers, and briefly explores addition and condensation polymers. The lesson begins with a fun exercise to enable students to come up with the word polymers so that they can be introduced to the definition and then relate this to another term, monomers. A quiz competition is used to introduce addition and condensation polymers. Students are shown the displayed formulae and names of a few addition polymers and then challenged to use this to name and draw some others. They will then learn how DNA is an example of a condensation polymer. A set homework is included in the lesson which gets students to research thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers

This lesson describes how to prepare and examine microscope slides and the use of staining in light microscopy. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 2.1.1 (b & c) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and describe how the eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer are used to measure the size of an object with a light microscope and the use of eosin and methylene blue. The main task of this lesson involves a step by step guide which walks students through the methodology and the use of the scale on the stage micrometer to identify the size of the divisions of the eyepiece graticule and this will need them to convert between units. Moving forwards, the students are challenged to apply this method to a series of exam-style questions and the mark scheme is displayed on the PowerPoint so that they can assess their understanding. In the last lesson, they were briefly introduced to the idea that some specimens need to be stained as light passes completely through transparent samples and the remainder of the lesson builds on this knowledge. Students will learn that cell populations, structures within cells and biological tissues can be distinguished using stains and a series of questions will challenge them to make links to biological molecules, organelles and infections. Links are also made to the upcoming topic of epithelial tissue in the respiratory system. This lesson has been specifically written to tie in with the previous lesson on light and electron microscopes and 2 rounds of the sub-module quiz competition are found in this lesson.

This detailed and fully-resourced lesson describes the relationship between the structure and function of the polysaccharides: glycogen, starch and cellulose. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 1.1 (iv) as it is detailed in the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and clear links are also made to the previous lessons in this topic where the monosaccharides and disaccharides were introduced. By the end of this lesson, students should understand how key structural features like the 1 - 4 and 1 - 6 glycosidic bonds and the hydrogen bonds dictate whether the polysaccharide chain is branched or unbranched and also whether it spirals or not. A range of activities are used to motivate and engage the students as they discover that glycogen is stored in liver and muscle cells, which it is able to do because of its compact structure. They are encouraged to discuss why the branched structure of this polysaccharide means that it can act as an immediate source of energy and they will recognise that hydrolysis reactions at the multiple ends of this chain will release glucose. Following on from the description of the structure of glycogen, students are challenged to design an exam question in the form of a comparison table so that it can be completed as the lesson progresses once they learn more about starch and cellulose. This includes a split in the starch section of the table so that the differing structures and properties of amylose and amylopectin can be considered. In the final part of the lesson, time is taken to focus on the formation of cellulose microfibrils and macrofibrils to explain how plant cells have the additional strength needed to support the whole plant. Due to the detail included in this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of allocated teaching time to complete

This engaging lesson looks at the role of haemoglobin in carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover point 8.1 (f) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification and includes references to the role of carbonic anhydrase and the formation of haemoglobinic acid and carbaminohaemoglobin. The lesson begins with a version of the quiz show Pointless to introduce haemotology as the study of the blood conditions. Students are told that haemoglobin has a quaternary structure and are challenged to use their prior knowledge of biological molecules to determine what this means for the protein. They will learn that each of the 4 polypeptide chains contains a haem group with an iron ion attached and that it is this group which has a high affinity for oxygen. Time is taken to discuss how this protein must be able to load (and unload) oxygen as well as transport the molecules to the respiring tissues. Students will plot the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and the S-shaped curve is used to encourage discussions about the ease with which haemoglobin loads each molecule. The remainder of the lesson looks at the different ways that carbon dioxide is transported around the body that involve haemoglobin. Time is taken to look at the dissociation of carbonic acid into hydrogen ions so that students can understand how this will affect the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in an upcoming lesson on the Bohr effect.

This resource, which consists of an engaging and detailed PowerPoint and a differentiated worksheet, has been designed to cover the content in the supplement section of topic 14.4 in the CIE IGCSE Biology specification, specifically the control of blood glucose concentration and the symptoms and treatment of diabetes type I. A wide range of activities are found across the lesson which will engage and motivate the students whilst the important content is covered and understanding and previous knowledge checks are included at regular points so students can assess their progress. The following content is covered across this resource: The release of insulin by the pancreas when high glucose levels are detected The role of the liver and muscle cells in the conversion of glucose to glycogen Negative feedback in this homeostatic control mechanism Diagnosis and treatment of type I diabetes Type I diabetes as an autoimmune disease (link to topic 10) The release of glucagon and the role of the liver cells when blood glucose concentration is low As shown above, links are made to other topics where possible so students can recognise the importance of making connections between related subjects. This lesson has been designed for students studying on the CIE IGCSE Biology course but is suitable for older students who are looking at this topic at A-level and need to recall the key details

An informative lesson presentation (26 slides) that shows students how to convert between numbers and standard form (and the other way) so they are able to understand when these are used in Science questions. The lesson begins by guiding them through how to change numbers to standard form and explains when a power of 10 that is positive will be achieved and when it will be negative. Students are given the opportunity to see these used in a Science question and there is a cross-subject link as they are also required to convert between units. A number of competitions are used near the end of the lesson to maintain motivation and to allow the students to check their progress in a fun way This lesson has been designed for GCSE students but is suitable for KS3

This engaging and detailed lesson presentation (43 slides) uses a step by step guide to take students through the important scientific skill of drawing graphs to represent data and address all the misconceptions and misunderstandings that often accompany this topic. The lesson begins by explaining to the students how to decide whether data should be represented on a line graph or a bar chart and a competition called "To BAR or not to BAR" is used to allow them to check their understanding while maintaining motivation. Moving forwards, students are shown a 6 step guide to drawing a line graph. Included along the way are graphs that are wrong and explanations as to why so that students can see what to avoid. There are continuous progress checks and a homework is also included as part of the lesson. This lesson is written for students of all ages who are studying Science.

This fully-resourced lesson looks at the process and site of the Krebs cycle and explains the importance of decarboxylation, dehydrogenation, the reduction of NAD and FAD and substrate level phosphorylation. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resource have both been designed to cover point 5.2.2 (e) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and includes the formation of citrate from the acetyl group of acetyl CoA and oxaloacetate and the regeneration of this four carbon molecule. The lesson begins with a version of the Impossible game where students have to spot the connection between 8 of the 9 terms and will ultimately learn that this next stage is called the Krebs cycle. The main part of the lesson challenges the students to use descriptions of the main steps of the cycle to continue their diagram of the oxidation-reduction reactions. Students are continually exposed to key terminology such as decarboxylation and dehydrogenation and they will learn where carbon dioxide is lost and reduced NAD and FAD are generated. They will also recognise that ATP is synthesised by substrate level phosphorylation. The final task challenges them to apply their knowledge of the cycle to work out the numbers of the different products and to calculate the number of ATP that must be produced in the next stage if the theoretical yield of 32ATP is to be achieved. This lesson has been designed to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on glycolysis, anaerobic respiration, the Link reaction, oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory substrates

This fully-resourced lesson looks at the process and site of glycolysis and explains how the phosphorylation of glucose and the production and oxidation of triose phosphate results in 2 molecules of pyruvate. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying differentiated resources have been designed to cover point 5.2.2 © of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. The lesson begins with the introduction of the name of the stage and then explains how the phosphorylation, splitting and oxidation are the three main stages that need to be known for this specification. Time is taken to explain the key details of each of these stages and key points such as the use of ATP in phosphorylation are explained so that students can understand how this affects the net yield. A quick quiz competition is used to introduce NAD and the students will learn that the reduction of this coenzyme, which is followed by the transport of the protons and electrons to the cristae for the electron transport chain, is critical for the overall production of ATP. Understanding checks, in a range of forms, are included throughout the lesson so that students can assess their progress and any misconceptions are immediately addressed. This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on the Link reaction, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic respiration

An engaging lesson presentation (43 slides) that uses exam questions, quick tasks and competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the topics within module 6.1.3 of the OCR A-Level Biology A specification. All of the exam questions have displayed mark schemes and explanations so that students can recognise any errors or misconceptions. Competition rounds included in this lesson are "From numbers 2 letters" and "Is this SEQUENCED correctly".

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 TOPIC 8 (Chemical analysis) of the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (specification point C4.8) The topics that are tested within the lesson include: Pure substances Chromatography Identification of common gases Identification of ions Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Take the CHROMATOGRAPHY hotseat” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention

This highly detailed and engaging lesson presentation (143 slides) acts as an excellent revision tool for students who are approaching their 1st OCR Gateway A GCSE Chemistry paper which includes the topics found in modules C1 - C3. This lesson uses a range of exam questions with explained answers, quick tasks and quiz competitions (such as UNLOCK the SAFE) to encourage the students to assess their understanding of the specification content and ultimately recognise any areas which will need further attention before the exam. The topics that are covered in this revision lesson include: Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding Atomic structure Using the Periodic Table Mole calculations Balancing symbol equations Conservation of mass Pure and impure substances Chromatography Calculating energy changes in reactions Reaction profiles Endothermic and exothermic reactions The detail in this presentation means that it is likely to be spread over a number of lessons and small chunks can be used at a time when revision needs to be specific.

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 Topic 7 (Run for your life) of the EDEXCEL A-level Biology specification. The topics tested within this lesson include: The sliding filament theory Aerobic respiration Lactate and anaerobic respiration The cardiac cycle How heart rate is increased Structure of a muscle fibre Homeostasis Student will enjoy the range of tasks and quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise any areas which require further attention

A fully resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within TOPIC 9 (Chemistry of the atmosphere) of the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (specification point C4.9). The topics that are tested within the lesson include: The proportion of different gases in the atmosphere The Earth’s early atmosphere Greenhouse gases Atmospheric pollutants Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require further attention

A fully resourced lesson, which includes differentiated worksheets, and guides the students through the process of extracting aluminium. There are close links throughout the lesson to the reactivity series and electrolysis so that the students are able to understand how the knowledge of all of these is brought together. Students will meet cryolite and recognise why this is used in the process and will finish off by writing half equations to show the products at the electrodes. This lesson has been designed for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK)