A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
This lesson focuses on the structure of RNA and specifically the similarities and differences between this nucleic acid and DNA so that students are prepared for the upcoming lessons on transcription and translation. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover part 1 of point 2.1.3 (g) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification which states that students should be able to describe the structure of molecules of messenger RNA, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA. Students were introduced to nucleotides and the detailed structure of DNA in previous lessons, so this lesson is written to tie in with those and continuously challenge prior knowledge as well as understanding of the current topic.
The lesson begins by reminding students that RNA is a member of the family of nucleic acids and therefore has a number of structural features that are commonly shared with DNA. A quiz round called “A FAMILY AFFAIR” is used to challenge their knowledge of DNA to recognise those features that are also found on RNA such as the chain of linked nucleotides, pentose sugars, nitrogenous bases and phosphodiester bonds. The next task pushes them to consider features that have not been mentioned and therefore are differences as they answer a structured exam-style question on how RNA differs from DNA. Students will learn that RNA is shorter than DNA and this leads into the final part of the lesson where mRNA and tRNA are introduced and again they are challenged to use the new information explain the difference in size. Brief details of transcription and then translation are provided so that students are prepared for the upcoming lessons on protein synthesis.
This is an engaging lesson that looks at the structures and actions of the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and shows students where this particular system fits into the whole organisation of the nervous system.
The lesson begins by introducing the students to the idea that motor neurones are not simply somatic motor neurones but will actually be classified as autonomic motor neurones if they innervate the involuntary muscles. A range of tasks, progress checks and quick competitions are used during the lesson to engage the students in this topic and show them how it relates to other topics such as motor neurones and neurotransmitters. Key terminology is used throughout, such as ganglions, so that students can recognise and access the marks if an exam question on this topic arises.
This lesson has been written for A-level students
This fully-resourced lesson looks at the effects of nervous mechanisms on the heart rate. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the part of point 5.1.5 (k) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification which states that students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of the control of the heart rate by the cardiovascular centre in the medulla oblongata
This lesson begins with a prior knowledge check where students have to identify and correct any errors in a passage about the conduction system of the heart. This allows the SAN to be recalled as this structure play an important role as the effector in this control system. Moving forwards, the three key parts of a control system are recalled as the next part of the lesson will specifically look at the range of sensory receptors, the coordination centre and the effector. Students are introduced to chemoreceptors and baroreceptors and time is taken to ensure that the understanding of the stimuli detected by these receptors is complete and that they recognise the result is the conduction of an impulse along a neurone to the brain. A quick quiz is used to introduce the medulla oblongata as the location of the cardiovascular centre. The communication between this centre and the SAN through the autonomic nervous system can be poorly understood so detailed explanations are provided and the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions compared. The final task challenges the students to demonstrate and apply their understanding by writing a detailed description of the control and this task has been differentiated three ways to allow differing abilities to access the work
This bundle of 5 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic B3 (Infection and response) of the AQA Trilogy GCSE Combined Science specification. The topics and specification points covered within these lessons include:
Communicable (infectious diseases)
Viral diseases
Bacterial diseases
Fungal diseases
Protist diseases
Human defence systems
Vaccination
Antibiotics
Discovery and development of drugs
All of these lesson presentations and accompanying resources are detailed and engaging and contain regular progress checks to allow the students to constantly assess their understanding.
This bundle of 4 lesson presentations and associated resources cover a lot of the mathematical skills that can be tested in Science. Since the move to the new GCSE specifications, the mathematical element has increased significantly and these lessons act to guide students through these skills. Students are shown how to convert between units, rearrange to change the subject of the formula and to use significant figures and standard form.
This is a detailed and engaging lesson that looks at how molecules move between areas of differing concentrations by diffusion and then explores how this occurs across cell membranes and focuses on the alveoli.
The lesson begins by using a step by step format to write the definition for diffusion so that key terms such as concentration gradient are understood. Students will be introduced to this as a passive process so that they can understand how active transport differs when this is met in another lesson. Progress checks are written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students can assess their understanding against a displayed answer. Moving forwards, the lesson focuses on diffusion across cell membranes and uses the example of the exchange surface of the alveoli and blood capillaries to explore the different features which act to increase the rate of diffusion. The final part of the lesson briefly looks at how the villi in the small intestine increase the rate of diffusion.
This lesson has been written for GCSE aged students. If you’re looking for a lesson on this topic but for older students, then my alternative upload “Simple diffusion” will be more suitable
This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content found within Module 5.1.3 (Neuronal communication) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification.
The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include:
The structure and function of sensory, motor and relay neurones
The generation and transmission of nerve impulses in mammals
The structure and roles of synapses in neurotransmission
Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds such as “Communicate the word” and “Only CONNECT” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual A-level terminal exams
This is an engaging and fully-resourced revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 8 (Exchange and transport in animals) of the Edexcel GCSE Biology 9-1 specification.
The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include:
Explain the need for exchange surfaces and a transport system in multicellular organisms including the calculation of surface area : volume ratio
Explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange by diffusion between air in the lungs and blood in capillaries
Describe the factors affecting the rate of diffusion, including surface area, concentration gradient and diffusion distance
Explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function
Explain how the structure of the blood vessels is related to their function
Explain how the structure of the heart and circulatory system is related to its function, including the role of the major blood vessels, the valves
Describe cellular respiration as an exothermic reaction which occurs continuously in living cells to release energy for metabolic processes, including aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Compare the process of aerobic respiration with the process of anaerobic respiration
Calculate heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, using the equation cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate
The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which include quiz competitions such as Where’s LENNY?” where they compete to recognise the blood vessel being described from the clues whilst crucially being able to recognise the areas of this topic which need their further attention. This lesson can be used as revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams.
This bundle of 4 revision lessons covers the specification content in topics 5 - 7 of the AQA GCSE Biology specification that can be assessed in the Paper 2 exam.
The following topics are covered by these lessons:
Topic 5: Homeostasis and response
Topic 6: Inheritance, variation and evolution
Topic 7: Ecology
In addition there is a Paper 2 revision lesson that covers all three topics in one highly detailed and fully-resourced resource.
The students will be motivated and engaged by the range of activities that are found in the lessons whilst crucially being able to assess their knowledge of the different topics and recognise those areas which will need their further attention
This is a highly-detailed revision resource which has been designed to be used over a number of lessons and allows teachers to dip in and out of the material as fits to the requirements of their classes and students. The resource consists of an engaging and detailed powerpoint (148 slides) and worksheets which have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to be challenged whilst accessing the work. The lesson consists of a wide range of activities which will engage and motivate the students and includes exam questions, quiz competitions and quick tasks and mathematical skills are challenged throughout.
The lesson has been designed to cover as many of the sub-topics within topics 1, 2 and 3 of the OCR Gateway GCSE Biology A specification but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Topic B1: Cell-level systems
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Respiration
Functions of the organelles of animal and plant cells
Microscopy and calculating size
Topic B2: Scaling up
The functions of the components of blood
Specialised cells
Osmosis
Mitosis and the cell cycle
The heart and blood vessels
Topic B3: Organism-level systems
The nervous system
The structures and functions of the eye
IVF
This revision resource can be used in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams and due to its size, it could be repeatably used to ensure that students develop a deep understanding of these topics.
This is a highly-detailed revision resource which has been designed to be used over a number of lessons and allows teachers to dip in and out of the material as fits to the requirements of their classes and students. The resource consists of an engaging and detailed powerpoint (132 slides) and worksheets which have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to be challenged and access the work. The lesson consists of a wide range of activities which will engage and motivate the students and includes exam questions, quiz competitions and quick tasks. The mathematical element of the course is challenged throughout the lesson
The lesson has been designed to cover as many of the sub-topics within topics 5, 6 and 7 of the AQA GCSE Biology specification, and will be covered in paper 2, but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Topic B5: Homeostasis and response
IVF
The central nervous system
The structure and functions of the eye
Diabetes
Control of blood glucose concentration
Topic B6: Inheritance, variation and evolution
The structure and function of DNA
Mutations and their effects on phenotypes
Genetic terminology
Inherited disorders
Classification
Topic B7: Ecology
Ecological terms
The Carbon cycle
This revision resource can be used in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams and due to its size, it could be repeatably used to ensure that students develop a deep understanding of these topics.
This bundle of 6 revision lessons covers the content that can be assessed across the 6 papers that students will be required to take as part of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science qualification.
The 6 papers and respective topics are:
Paper 1 (Biology) J250/01
Cell-level systems
Scaling up
Organism level systems
Paper 2 (Biology) J250/02
Community level systems
Interaction between systems
Global challenges
Paper 3 (Chemistry) J250/03
Particles
Elements, compounds and mixtures
Chemical reactions
Paper 4 (Chemistry) J250/04
Predicting and identifying reactions and products
Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
Global challenges
Paper 5 (Physics) J250/05
Matter
Forces
Electricity and magnetism
Paper 6 (Physics) J250/06
Waves and radioactivity
Energy
Global challenges
All of the lessons have been written to engage and motivate the students whilst they evaluate their understanding of the different papers
This bundle of 5 REVISION lessons has been designed to include a range of activities which will engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content in topics 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 which can be covered in Paper 1. The activities include exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions. These lessons are suitable for use at the end of a topic, in the lead up to mock exams or in the lead up to the actual GCSE Biology Paper 1 exam.
This is a fully-resourced REVISION lesson that consists of an engaging PowerPoint (129 slides) and associated worksheets that challenge the students on their knowledge of topics 4 - 6 (Community-level systems, Interaction between systems and Global challenges) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification and can be assessed on PAPER 2.
A wide range of activities have been written into the lesson to maintain motivation and these tasks include exam questions (with answers), understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions.
The lesson has been designed to include as much which of the content from topic 1, but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Identifying bacterial, fungal and viral diseases
The steps in the process of genetic engineering
Evolution by natural selection
The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
The prevention and reduction of the spread of pathogens
Vaccinations
The risk factors of CHD
Genetic terminology
Predicting the results of single-gene crosses
Sex determination
Ecological terms
The carbon cycle
The mathematic elements of the Combined Science specification are challenged throughout the resource.
Due to the size of this resource, it is likely that it’ll be used over the course of a number of lessons and it is suitable for use as an end of topic revision aid, in the lead up to the mocks or in the lead up to the actual GCSE exams.
This is a fully-resourced REVISION lesson that consists of an engaging PowerPoint (154 slides) and associated worksheets that challenge the students on their knowledge of topics B1 - B4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification and can be assessed on PAPER 1.
A wide range of activities have been written into the lesson to maintain motivation and these tasks include exam questions (with answers), understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions.
The lesson has been designed to include as much which of the content that can be assessed in paper, but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Structure of a bacterium
The functions of the components of blood
Specialised cells
Active transport
Osmosis
Structure of DNA
Mitosis and the cell cycle
Functions of the organelles of animal and plant cells
Electron microscopy
Calculating size
Arteries and veins
The risk factors of CHD
CHD treatments
The structure of the heart
Bacterial, fungal and viral diseases
The mathematic elements of the Combined Science specification are challenged throughout the resource.
Due to the size of this resource, it is likely that teachers will choose to use it over the course of a number of lessons and it is suitable for use in the lead up to the mocks or in the lead up to the actual GCSE exams.
This bundle of 6 revision lessons covers the content in topics 1 - 6 of the Edexcel A-level Biology (Salters Nuffield) specification that can be assessed in Paper 1 (The Natural Environment and species survival). Each of the lessons has been designed to include a range of exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions that will motivate the students whilst they evaluate their understanding of the different sub-topics. Helpful hints are given throughout the lesson to aid the students in structuring their answers and the mathematical elements of the course are constantly challenged as well.
The 6 topics covered by this bundle are:
Topic 1: Lifestyle, health and risk
Topic 2: Genes and health
Topic 3: Voice of the genome
Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources
Topic 5: On the wild side
Topic 6: Immunity, infection and forensics
This bundle of 6 revision lessons covers the content in topics 1 - 4, 7 and 8 of the Edexcel A-level Biology (Salters Nuffield) specification that can be assessed in Paper 2 (Energy, exercise and coordination).
Each of the lessons has been designed to include a range of exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions that will motivate the students whilst they evaluate their understanding of the different sub-topics. Helpful hints are given throughout the lesson to aid the students in structuring their answers and the mathematical elements of the course are constantly challenged as well.
The 6 topics covered by this bundle are:
Topic 1: Lifestyle, health and risk
Topic 2: Genes and health
Topic 3: Voice of the genome
Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources
Topic 7: Run for your life
Topic 8: Grey matter
This is a fully-resourced REVISION resource that consists of an engaging PowerPoint (127 slides) and associated worksheets that challenge the students on their knowledge of topic 7 (Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems) of the AQA A-level Biology specification.
A wide range of activities have been written into this resource to maintain motivation and these tasks include exam questions (with answers), understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions.
The lesson has been designed to cover as much of the content as possible, but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Genetic terminology
Using genetic diagrams to calculate phenotypic ratios and percentages for the inheritance of a single gene
Applying the Hardy-Weinberg principle
Sex-linkage
Codominance, multiple alleles and interpreting genetic trees
Types of variation
Ecological terminology
Dihybrid inheritance
Using the chi-squared test to determine significance
Epistasis
Succession
Sampling to estimate populations and consider distribution
The mathematic elements of this topic and specification are challenged throughout the resource and useful hints given to enable the students to pick up vital marks from questions on this topic.
Due to the size of this resource, teachers may choose to use it over the course of a number of lessons and it is suitable for use at the end of topic 7, in the lead up to the mocks or in the lead up to the actual A-level exams.