I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
A lesson and resources covering the chromatography required practical task for AQA.
Lesson includes instructions for the practical, an introduction to chromatography with a worksheet to label a chromatogram and assess understanding of the technique and practice on interpreting chromatograms. The powerpoint includes an image of a chromatogram that could be printed off for students to interpret. There is also an evaluation question of two chromatography experiments to identify common problems with the chromatography set-up.
Lesson explaining what a carbon footprint is and the problems caused by pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon particulates and nitrogen oxides.
Features a starter activity based on prior learning of the topic that settles pupils into their learning (formation of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, deforestation and climate change), hidden drawing task, definition match for terms carbon capture, carbon neutral, carbon offset and carbon footprint, information stations for an independent learning activity, video link and exam-style review questions with model answers.
A double lesson/ series of lessons looking at the extraction, processing, use and disposal of Earth’s resources. The lesson contains three main objectives:
A recap of the difference between renewable and finite resources
Explaining why reducing the use of Earth’s resources is important
Describe the components of a life cycle assessment and compare the suitability of materials for products using life cycle assessments.
Lesson features include:
A series of basic recall questions from previous learning (water treatment, the purification of water required practical, rusting, methods to prevent corrosion, alloys, alternative methods of copper extraction, thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers)
A cartoon image to introduce current issues with the rate at which earth’s resources are being plundered
Slides introducing the difference between renewable and finite resources with a sorting task for pupils to complete (animated answers on the slide to review progress)
Discussion questions around the impact of extracting resources using quarrying/ mining with a review summary
An envoy/ circus task recapping the extraction and processing of different materials and their disadvantages that has been covered in previous topics - plastics (topic 7), petrol (topic 7), iron (topic 4/10), aluminium (topic 4) and copper (phytomining and bioleaching covered in topic 10)
Review questions on the first learning objective
Two video clips, slide containing relevant news headlines and discussion questions around the importance of ‘reducing, reusing, recycling’ materials (video clips from a recent documentary on landfill looking at the dangers of landfill and alternatives to plastic bags - the latter clip I have produced a slide of questions to go with it)
Slides summarising the importance of recycling metals and plastics, linking metal recycling to the importance of gold for smartphones
Several slides of exam-style review questions for the second objective with animated answers for easy assessment
An introduction to what a life cycle assessment is using the life cycle of a human. A table explaining considerations for each of the stages of a life cycle assessment is included (could be printed off for students to use)
A group/ individual task considering the LCA’s for paper and plastic straws to determine what sort of straws McDonald’s should use (relevant to current news)
Review questions comparing life cycle assessments for materials with animated answers
A series of exam-style questions on a Word document with animated answers on the powerpoint
Lots to choose from here!
A lesson looking at the structure of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and DNA. The lesson also contains multiple revision questions and a double-sided revision sheet for the whole of the Organic Chemistry unit of work (AQA spec). The lesson features:
- A homologous series match up task and series of statements requiring students to name the homologous series to which the statement is referring to
- Review questions on the structure of proteins, carbohydrates and DNA
- A DNA modelling task using sweets, with questions to assist pupils in describing and evaluating their models
- A double sided revision sheet (last slides of the powerpoint) for the whole topic
A lesson/series of lessons covering the following learning outcomes:
- The difference between pure and potable water
- How freshwater, seawater and waste water are treated
- Distillation required practical (including how to test for the presence of salt in seawater before and after distillation)
The resource features a worksheet summarising different water treatment methods for pupils to complete, a true/ false review, exam questions with animated answers and an RPA task sheet with success criteria and application questions.
A lesson on the AQA required practical carrying out tests to identify cations and anions in substances and instrumental analysis methods
Included in the resource is:
A starter question on chromatography with mark scheme incorporated into the powerpoint for review
Instructions to carry out the required practical (flame tests, testing using sodium hydroxide, testing for carbonates, sulfates and halides)
Review tasks requiring pupils to identify ions in substances and describe tests for anions and cations
A question booklet on the lesson with mark scheme incorporated into the powerpoint for review and challenging extension question
A revision mindmap for pupils to complete on testing for ions
Whiteboard plenary
Flash card homework task.
Bags of content, will cover a double lesson!
A double lesson/ series of lessons looking at the properties of groups 1, 7, 0 and transition metals. The lesson looks at the reactions of group 1/7 and how to explain their reactivity. The lesson features a wide range of questions to check on student understanding
Lesson features include:
A starter consisting of 10 basic recall questions from previous learning with animated answers (isotopes, structure of the atom, electron configurations, history of the atom)
A slide containing a table and animated answers that could be shared whilst demonstrating group 1 reactions with water/ watching a video
A series of slides prompting students to write word and symbol equations, together with a series of summary questions and exam-style questions
Slides guiding students through explaining reactivity of group 1 and 7 using a split board, allowing students to see model answers whilst answering a slightly different question
A slide introducing the concept of a displacement reaction using celebrity relationships
A host of questions on displacement reactions of group 7
A link to a video on transition metal properties and summary following the video
A comparison question of group 1 and transition metals
Question related to predicting boiling points of group 0
A worksheet with exam-style questions covering the properties of groups 1, 7 and transition metals
A KS3 lesson looking at the difference between atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures, how to represent elements as symbols and interpreting the numbers of atoms and elements in a chemical compound. The lesson features:
-An engaging starter task using a video to ascertain students prior ideas around what elements are (Daniel Radcliffe singing 'the elements song')
-Key term and definition match
- Quick multiple choice questions to assess student understanding
- A task using sweets to model atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures including an opportunity for students to explain their arrangements
- A worksheet requiring students to recognise atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures
-An activity to help students recognise element symbols on the periodic table
An activity to practice recognising numbers of atoms and elements in chemical formulae
A lesson designed around the AQA GCSE specification looking at how to calculate relative formula mass and how to balance symbol equations. The lesson would also be suitable for an able KS3 class.
The powerpoint features a lot of step-by-step worked examples and plenty of opportunity for student practice with questions that progress from simple to more complex examples alongside animated answers. Lesson features include:
A 10 question starter quiz based on previous AQA GCSE learning with animated answers (questions based on Topic 1 atomic structure content to assist with long term memory retrieval)
Slides explaining to students how to work out the number of different elements and atoms a chemical formula contains, followed by an independent task requiring students put this teaching into practice for a range of different chemical formulae. Answers have been included in the powerpoint to allow for student assessment.
Slides guiding pupils on how to work out the relative formula mass of a substance, incorporating 3 worked examples that contain step-by-step instructions with each stage of the calculation animated via a mouse click.
An independent task requiring students to calculate the relative formula mass for a range of different chemical formulae. Answers have been included in the powerpoint to allow for student assessment.
A slide explaining to students how to deduce an unknown element in a chemical formula when given the relative formula mass, alongside a step-by-step modelled example question and 3 additional practice questions for students to complete
Slides providing a clear method for pupils to follow when balancing symbol equations. To help pupils master the skill of balancing equations the powerpoint contains 5 worked examples progressing in difficulty, with each stage of the calculation process animated via a mouse click.
An independent differentiated task (based on ‘bronze, silver, gold’ medals) incorporating 24 balancing equations questions. Pupils can select which level of the task to work at dependent on their confidence with balancing equations
A great revision resource for students, can be used as a starter, plenary, independent learning resource or group activity.
Students roll a dice twice and answer the question in the box corresponding to their numbers. Resource contains questions based on the new AQA GCSE from:
Topic 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table
Topic 2: Bonding, structure and properties
Topic 3: Quantitative chemistry
Please note the resource does not contain answers
A series of lessons for the new AQA GCSE Topic 6 - rates of reaction. The bundle features lessons on:
- Measuring the rate of reaction
- Factors affecting the rate of reaction
- RPA 1 - magnesium and hydrochloric acid
- RPA 2 - sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium (not including Le Chatelier's principle)
A set of lessons covering Topic 8 Chemical analysis. Topics covered include:
Testing for ions
Instrumental analysis techniques (including flame emission spectroscopy)
Testing for gases
Chromatography
A double lesson/ series of lessons looking at the difference between complete combustion and incomplete combustion and the process of catalytic cracking. The lesson features:
- A starter question grid based on previous learning (fractional distillation and creation of crude oil) with animated answers for student self-assessment
- Slides describing the difference between incomplete and complete combustion followed by questions to be used with a demonstration (testing for the products of complete combustion)
- Practice on balancing complete combustion equations (with correct balanced symbol equation answers given)
- Explanation of the process of cracking with numerous past paper questions built into the powerpoint containing animated answers for assessment of progress
- Past paper questions based on lesson content with animated answers
An A3 revision worksheet and powerpoint designed for Foundation level triple Chemistry students.
The revision worksheet contains recall questions with supporting diagrams and a list of key definitions with space for pupils to fill in the key terms.
A lesson looking at the properties and uses of ceramics, composites and polymers. The lesson also recaps content from topic 2 and topic 7, covering the structure and bonding in polymers and the process of polymerisation (including how to draw repeating units for polymers)
Lesson features include:
A series of basic recall questions from previous learning (water treatment, the purification of water required practical, rusting, methods to prevent corrosion, alloys and alternative methods of copper extraction)
A fun introduction to the concept of a composite using a video
A slide containing small information cards on the properties and composition of four different composites with a table to fill in (this could be used as an envoy activity/ group activity)
Information on glass and clay ceramics
Slides introducing the concept of a polymer and how polymerisation occurs
Worked examples of how to draw repeating units with exam-style practice questions for students to attempt
A paired teaching activity on thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers for students to complete. This is then followed by a independent learning task on the two types of polymer with success criteria provided
An exam-style extension question comparing the structure and properties of thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers with animated mark scheme
Review questions where students apply their understanding of the properties of materials to justify the selection of a material for a scenario
A double lesson/ series of lessons looking at exothermic and endothermic reactions, labelling and explaining energy profile diagrams and calculating the overall bond energy for reactions.
The lesson features:
A series of basic recall questions from previous learning (questions on calculating P, N, E, alloys, electrolysis, covalent bonding, formation of ions, giant covalent structures and extraction of metals)
An introduction to the terms endothermic and exothermic using images for students to decifer the meaning of the terms
An animated introduction to energy reaction profiles, explaining how to label the diagrams and the difference between endothermic and exothermic reaction profiles
Numerous review questions in the style of past-exam questions to allow for teacher assessment of progress - labelling reaction profiles, recognising a reaction profile as endo or exothermic, describing reactions as exothermic or endothermic from temperature change values
A step-by-step introduction into bond energy calculations to reduce cognitive overload - pupils are shown how to calculate bond energies for single structures including several practice examples before being shown a worked example of how to work out whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic using a bond energy calculation.
Two ‘have a go’ bond energy calculations with animated answers to allow for student self-assessment.
A 4 page worksheet containing practice exam-style questions on calculating bond energies, drawing energy reaction profiles and explaining whether reactions are exothermic or endothermic. Answers are included in the worksheet
Lots to choose from here!
A series of lessons looking at the formation of ions, describing how ionic bonds are formed alongside drawing dot and cross diagrams, working out the formula of an ionic compound from a lattice diagram and the charges on the ions and properties of ionic compounds. The powerpoint features a lot of worked examples and plenty of opportunity for student practice with questions that progress from simple to more complex examples. Lesson features include:
A 10 question starter quiz based on previous learning with animated answers (questions based on Topic 1 - atomic structure)
Slides recapping prior learning on electron configurations leading to how metal and non-metal ions are formed with step-by-step scaffolding provided. Students complete questions based around drawing ions and describing how ions have formed based on the charge
Slides introducing how ionic compounds are formed with a discussion question of a dot and cross diagram. This has been animated to allow the teacher to talk through step-by-step what is taking place. There are more worked examples and numerous questions on drawing dot and cross diagrams are incorporated into the presentation
Slides guiding pupils on how to work out the ionic formula, looking at non-metal ions consisting of 1 element initially before progressing to non-metal ions involving two elements where brackets are used
A modelling task to build a 3D giant ionic lattice and opportunity to describe the structure with structured sentence starters provided
A link to an engaging video looking at melting salt to introduce properties of ionic compounds
A review task with success criteria summarising ions, ionic bonding diagrams and structure and properties of ionic compounds
Numerous review question slides with animated answers
A double lesson/ series of lessons looking at the energy transfer in neutralisation required practical. The lesson looks at the method involved in the required practical and how this might be adapted for a range of different chemical reactions, along with how to estimate the point of neutralisation from a graph of results
Lesson features include:
A starter consisting of 10 basic recall questions from previous learning with animated answers (properties of ionic compounds, isotopes, exothermic reactions, energy reaction profiles, history of the atom, ionic formula and conservation of mass )
A slide recapping the idea of exothermic reactions and energy reaction profile in an engaging context using a ‘sherbet lemon’ model
A series of slides prompting students to think about how to measure the energy transferred in a chemical reaction and the apparatus/ method used.
Slides guiding students through the required practical method, variables for the experiment, a ready-made results table to populate and instructions on how to plot and extrapolate data from the graph to calculate the exact point of neutralisation
A table with animated answers helping pupils to understand the range of chemical reactions the method could be used with and the variables that could be investigated for each
A host of short review questions looking at applying the required practical method to a different chemical reaction, analysing data and suggesting improvements to the apparatus used in the required practical
A worksheet containing exam-style questions. Answers are featured on the powerpoint to allow for assessment of pupil progress
A review sheet with prompt images that could be used as a short recap of the method used in the required practical in subsequent lessons
A lesson explaining the structure of polymers and properties of polymers, including a step-by-step method on drawing repeating units and explanation of the properties of thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers. The lesson also includes an explanation of the properties of solids, liquids and gases and a step-by-step method on how to predict the state of a substance when given the melting and boiling point.
The lesson features:
A starter consisting of 10 basic recall questions from previous learning with animated answers (ionic formula and properties of ionic compounds, covalent bonding diagrams, properties of simple covalent substances and graphite, properties of metals and alloys)
Slides introducing what a polymer is and how to draw repeating units
Practice questions on drawing repeating units with animated answers
A paired teaching activity on the difference between thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers
A discussion task to illicit prior knowledge on solids, liquids and gases
A summary table explaining the properties of solids, liquids and gases
Slides explaining how to predict the state of substances using number lines with two animated examples
Summary questions asking students to predict the state of substances using a data table containing melting and boiling points