Eutrophication (WJEC A-level biology)

This lesson describes how the leaching of fertilisers into waterways leads to eutrophication and explores the adverse effects on those habitats. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the content of topic 5 point § of A2 unit 3 as set out in the WJEC A-level biology specification.

The lesson begins with a quick task which requires the students to use their knowledge of biological numbers to flow through the alphabet and this reveals the key term, leaching. This leads into a step-by-step guide through the stages of eutrophication, with descriptions of the algal bloom, restriction of light to aquatic plants, death and decomposition, and the reduction in the dissolved oxygen concentration. Prior knowledge checks are used throughout to support the understanding, and all answers are embedded into the PowerPoint to allow students to assess their progress.