Year 7 Science lesson with cross-curricular themes. Practical where students are given a sample of muddy water and need to consider how they would clean this. After having an initial brainstorm, then give them the equipment and see if they can use this to draft their method. Link to citizenship, as students consider the work of Water Aid, and the global issue and consequences that arise from lack of clean drinking water. Very thought provoking lesson, and encourages students to think deeply on the subject matter. Students really enjoyed the challenge of this lesson. Was rated outstanding by observer.

Year 7 Science lesson - theme of exploration. As they enter the classroom there are an array of items spread out on their desks. I used opera glasses, a fossil collection, a meat thermometer, heart rate monitor, etc. The aim is to get them to brainstorm their thoughts, which focus on what we already know, rather than asking questions and concentrating on the unknown. Prompt them to consider this and develop their questioning! In groups they take a research topic where much doubt remains. They look at what people used to think, what scientists now believe and what we may find out in the future. Then present their findings to other groups, I used a carousel activity. Amazing results - one group looked at subatomic particles down to quarks! Could be spread over more than one lesson. Worked really successfully with my group, as children realised that science is evolving and many questions must be asked if we are to enhance human understanding.

Lesson designed for KS3 to creatively approach the topic of the tilt of Earth's axis and the seasons. Using hibernation and migration to explore these concepts. Students start by watching short clip (John Lewis Bear and the Hare) Research activity on the seasons and hibernation Choice of task: produce a documentary on the tilt of the axis OR to imagine a world without seasons (choose how to present this). Lower ability could make a model to demonstrate how the tilt affects the seasons. Taboo plenary For use over several lessons to enable students to explore this area fully. Fun and interactive!!! (and highlighting the hedgehog which is in huge decline in this country)

Fun 100 minute session on the heart and blood vessels - could be expanded or reduced. Students to learn about the structure of the heart through a memory recall drawing challenge and a dissection. Video links to support learning. Cryptogram challenge for students to learn about the blood vessels.

100 minute session designed for KS3 - could be expanded or reduced. Students understand the role of the respiratory system through: - true or false activity with key stats - demo of lambs lungs with bellow - ordering the sentences for inhalation and exhalation - team challenge to make a model of the system using limited resources - introduce gas exchange

100 minute session on the effect of exercise, smoking and asthma on the lungs Could be extended over several lessons. Learners conduct a practical to measure lung capacity, and could test the effect of exercise on breathing rate Focus on graph work and concluding practical results.

Lesson used for a formal observation, which received a Grade 1. At a school where they have 100 minute lessons, therefore this could be adapted and spread over two lessons. Mixed ability class. Learners really enjoyed the interactive nature of the lesson, and I was successful in showing progress at regular intervals. Differentiated through range of support offered in booklets. I made dice for this lesson using excellent templates I had found on TES. One dice had pictures of specialised cells on each face, whilst the other had questions on each face. Students LOVED this, but I did make these myself to avoid wasted time in the lesson.

Series of lessons to include: - monohybrid inheritance - dihybrid inheritance - codominance - multiple alleles - linked genes - epistasis

Can pick and choose exam questions as plenaries, or use as part of end of topic assessment.

Lesson on the heart and blood vessels with high ability Year 8 class. Can be adapted to work with different groups.