I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.
I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.
This unit is for a low ability KS3 class. The pretense of the unit is based on the film Frozen to gain interest. Lessons include states of matter, diffusion and separation techniques.
This is a low ability KS3 lesson with a Star Wars theme.
Pupils begin by reading a magazine article from Young Scientist about Sir Isaac Newton (Pages 20-21). They write 2 things they found interesting about Sir Isaac and then 3 things that didn't know before about forces.
Pupils then go over the equation for calculating spring constant. They then complete an experiment.
Pupils create a graph and an extension is given to find the spring constant using the graph.
Finally, they complete a gap fill and answer a question on units.
This is aimed at a low ability KS3 class. It has the theme of Star Wars.
I would like to say that the Star Wars examples are from RichardBonser (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/moments-levers-and-pivots-introduction-with-star-wars-11204405)
Pupil begin by doing a wordsearch. They then go over the equation for a moment. The using examples they calculate moments.
Pupils then discuss how changing the distance an affect the moment.
Pupils complete some calculations and then do an experiment using meter rulers and wooden triangles.
Finally they do a challenge question.
This unit is for a low ability KS3 class. The pretence of the unit is based on the film Star Wars to gain interest. Lessons include force diagrams, Hooke's Law, Speed and Acceleration.
This is a lesson for a low ability KS3 class. The lesson is themed Gnomeo and Juliet.
Pupils begin by trying to make words from the letters of NEUTRALISATION.
They then predict what will happen if they add an acid and alkali together, followed by doing a small experiment to determine if their prediction was correct.
Pupils then complete word equations (the bookmark is to help them name salts)
Finally they complete an exit ticket to predict what substances will neutralise each other out.
This lesson has a theme of Gnomeo and Juliet and is or a low ability KS3 class.
It begins with pupils refreshing their knowledge on hazard symbols. Pupils then can discuss as to why gnomes may be afraid of acids - focus on safety here. Pupils then find hidden words and pictures around the room, which give them information about what acids can be used in.
Pupils then are split into two groups and make two different indicators (beetroot and cabbage), they then test these on a lemon and soap solutions. There is a table that results can be collected as a class.
Finally pupils decide whether the statements shows that acids are harmful or useful.
This is part of a Pokemon Cells unit for KS3. The pretense is that Team Rocket are trying to find out about the hierarchy of organisation in Pokemon.
It starts with pupils matching words to definitions. Pupils then watch a video (which is hyperlinked to Jessie's speech bubble) about cells, tissues and organs. Pupils then complete a pyramid of hierarchy using the keywords (Team Rocket's Pokemon, Meowth, is Egyptian so the kids may enjoy this). Pupils then use some questions to write a letter to Team Rocket's boss and then peer assess.
There is then a short quiz, followed by an exit ticket that requires pupils to extract information from text and complete a flowchart.
This lesson is done with a Pokemon theme to gets pupils interested.
The first slide is to draw them in, the "Bellsprout" slide is just a leaf cell, and the "Rhyhorn" slide is a rhino's horn under the microscope.
Pupils start with labeling a microscope, it is assumed they have don this before and are revisiting. The same with the table in which they put into order how to use the microscope.
Pupils then do a card sort on how to prepare an onion skin slide.
They then prepare the slide and draw the cells using the checklist as a success criteria. Higher pupils can then calculate magnification.
As a plenary this can be peer assessed.
This is a lesson on the pH Scale with a theme on Gnomeo and Juliet for a low ability class.
Pupils begin with doing a Sudoku task as they enter the room. They then watch a short video on the pH scale and complete the worksheet, followed by colouring their own pH scale.
There is then a small experiment where pupils determine the pH of different substances. I have left the sheet blank so you can decide on your own substances. I would put the substances in test tubes and let them go around the room and put a drop of Universal Indicator in, or dip Universal Indicator paper in (this way you use less equipment). They can also use Litmus paper and then write a conclusion on the two types of litmus paper.
There is then a short AfL quiz where pupils decide if what is shown is acid or alkali.
Pupils then do a small experiment on how the strength of acid affects limestone, with the pretense of Juliet's tower being made out of limestone and the worry of it dissolving.
The exit ticket involves pupils going around the room and finding examples of different pH's.
There are 2 homeworks available. Both are online experiment. The lower ability homework is changing the pH of soil to change the colour of flowers for Juliet. The second is exploring the amount of hydrogen and how it affects pH.
This is designed for low KS3 class, with a Frankenweeie theme.
Pupils begin by deciding which material to use to help bring Sparky back to life.
Pupils watch a video and then do a quick match exercise.
They then conduct an experiment to test a variety of conductors and insulators, filling in a table as they go.
As a plenary they write a postcard to Victor Frankenweenie.
There is also a virtual experiment attached which can be used as a homework or as the experiment.
This lesson is about the 7 life processes for a low ability class.
It is based around the theme of Pokemon.
It begins with a simple "Is it Alive?" quiz, using Pokemon characters and accessories. It then goes onto a think pair share and then a word-search with a bookmark they can make.
There is then a match exercise and the lesson ends with a quiz. There is also an exit ticket for pupils to complete before they leave the room.
A poster designed as a Scrabble board with the keys words A Level students will need to know about brachiopods - including how many points these words can give you while playing 'Brachiopod Scrabble'
This writing frame is used to help pupils practice with their extended writing questions in Science. It uses smaller steps and leading questions for pupils to be able to answer the large question that they would see in the exam. The frame include keywords that the pupils should use in their answer and a picture in the center, either from the question itself or as a visual prompt. This is really useful for all pupils and ticks that literacy box!
