This detailed lesson looks at the structural organisation of the mammalian nervous system into the CNS and the PNS as detailed in point 5.1.5 (g) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. Students will see how the PNS is divided into the sensory and motor systems and then further divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Prior knowledge checks are included throughout the lesson to make links to earlier topics such as the structure of neurones and the function of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation and osmoregulation. This lesson has been designed to tie in with the uploaded lesson on the autonomic nervous system which is also covered in specification point 5.1.5 (g)

This detailed lesson has been written to cover the part of specification point 6.4.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to describe how the structure of the nephron allows for the formation of glomerular filtrate. The aim of the design was to give the students the opportunity to discover the function of ultrafiltration and to be able to explain how the mechanisms found in the glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule control the movement of small molecules out of the blood plasma. Key terminology is used throughout and students will learn how the combination of the capillary endothelium and the podocytes creates filtration slits that allow glucose, water, urea and ions through into the Bowman’s capsule but ensure that blood cells and plasma proteins remain in the bloodstream. A number of quiz competitions are used to introduce key terms and values in a fun and memorable way whilst understanding and prior knowledge checks allow the students to assess their understanding of the current topic and to challenge themselves to make links to earlier topics. The final task of the lesson challenges the students to apply their knowledge by recognising substances found in a urine sample that shouldn’t be present and to explain why this would cause a problem This lesson has been written for students studying on the AQA A-level course and ties in nicely with the other kidney lessons on the structure of the nephron, selective reabsorption and osmoregulation

A fully-resourced lesson which explores how the release of thyroxine from the thyroid gland regulates the metabolic rate and how a negative feedback loop is used as the final control. This lesson includes an engaging and detailed presentation (19 slides), a crossword and an understanding check task. The lesson begins by challenging the students knowledge of the endocrine system to get them to come up with the letters that form the name, “thyroid gland”. Students will be reminded that this gland releases thyroxine which is involved with the regulation of the metabolic rate. Students will learn that in order for the thyroid gland to release this hormone, it has to be stimulated by TSH from the pituitary gland which in turn was controlled by the hypothalamus. At this point, the students are challenged to put the order of the control mechanism in the right order on their worksheet. This leads them to the word negative which links to how a negative feedback loop is used as the final act in the mechanism. This lesson is designed for GCSE students but is suitable for A-level students too who need to know about this endocrine gland and also negative feedback

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 (135 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 lesson has been designed to cover as many of the sub-topics within topics 4, 5 and 6 of the OCR Gateway GCSE Biology A specification but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention: Topic B4: Community-level systems Ecological terms Carbon cycle Topic B5: Genes, inheritance and selection The effect of mutations on phenotypes Single-gene crosses Sex determination Genetic terminology Topic B6: Global challenges Communicable diseases Genetic engineering Vaccinations CHD 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.

An engaging lesson presentation (73 slides) and associated worksheets that uses a combination of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within unit B5 (Homeostasis and response) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification unit B4.5). The topics that are tested within the lesson include: Structure and function of the nervous system Human endocrine system Hormones in human reproduction Contraception The use of hormones to treat infertility Negative feedback Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Take the IVF Hotseat” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention

This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick differentiated tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content found within Topic 3 (Voice of the Genome) of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A specification. The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include: Know the ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells Understand the role of the rER and the Golgi apparatus in protein transport within cells Know the ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells Be able to recognise the organelles of eukaryotic cells from EM images Know that a locus is the location of a gene on a chromosome Understand the linkage of genes on a chromosome and sex linkage Understand the role of meiosis in ensuring genetic variation Understand the role of mitosis and the cell cycle in producing identical daughter cells Understand how gene expression is controlled Understand how phenotype is the result of an interaction between genotype and the environment Know how some phenotypes are affected by multiple alleles as well as the environment and how this shows continuous variation Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds such as “Is your knowledge of the Lac Operon LACKING” and “Can I have a P please Bob” 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 a fully-resourced lesson that covers the content of specification point 6.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification which states that students should understand how skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by nerves and act as effectors. The wide range of activities included in the lesson will engage and motivate the students whilst the understanding and previous knowledge checks will not only allow them to assess their progress but also challenge them to make links to other Biology topics. The following content is covered in detail in this lesson: The ultrastructure of a myofibril The roles of actin and myosin in myofibril contraction The need for calcium ions and ATP in myofibril contraction The roles of calcium ions and tropomyosin in cross-bridge formation The roles of ATP and phosphocreatine in muscle contraction This lesson has been designed for students studying the AQA A-level Biology course and ties in nicely with the other uploaded lessons from topic 6 such as synapses and NMJs and nerve impulses

This revision resource has been designed with the simple aim of motivating the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in module 2.1.6 (Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. The resource includes a detailed and engaging Powerpoint (75 slides) and an associated worksheet, which has been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access that task. The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention: The main stages of mitosis The cell cycle including the stages of interphase and cytokinesis The significance of meiosis in terms of variation The main stages of meiosis How the cells of animals are specialised to perform particular functions The features of squamous and ciliated epithelium How the cells of plants are specialised to perform particular functions In addition to these topics, some topics from other modules such as organelles and magnification are tested in order to challenge the students on their ability to make links between the modules. The range of activities include exam questions and understanding checks as well as quiz competitions to maintain student engagement.

This revision resource has been designed to include a range of activities such as exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions which will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 1.4 (Circulatory system in humans) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification. The resource includes a detailed and engaging Powerpoint (58 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to allow all abilities of students to access the work. The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention: The structure of a phagocyte and a red blood cell The functions of the plasma and the platelets The structure of arteries and veins and how this relates to their function The role of coronary arteries in supplying oxygenated blood to the heart cells The risk factors and treatments for cardiovascular diseases The structure of the heart and the pathway of blood through the double circulatory system

This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 1.1 (Cells and movement across cell membranes) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification. The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention: Active transport as an active process The differentiation of cells in animal and plants to become adapted for specific functions Osmosis The functions of the organelles of animal and plant cells Enzymes as proteins which speed up reactions The active site, substrates and enzyme-substrate complexes The effect of pH on enzyme activity Diffusion as a passive process, which allows substances including oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass across a membrane

The engaging Powerpoint and accompanying worksheet which come as part of this lesson resource have been designed to cover specification point 2.5 (k) as detailed in the WJEC GCSE Biology specification which states that students should understand the roles of the effectors in temperature regulation. A wide range of activities which include Biology and Maths tasks and quiz competitions are interspersed with understanding and prior knowledge checks so that students are engaged and motivated whilst learning the key content in a memorable way and checking their progress. Students will learn that the body temperature is maintained at 37 degrees celsius by a homeostatic control system called thermoregulation and will be challenged to recall the topic of enzymes to explain why this is so important. Time is taken to look at the responses brought about the effectors such as vasodilation and shivering and links are made to the structures of the skin such as the involvement of the erector muscles. Students will recognise how these mechanisms lead a decrease or increase in body temperature back to the set point. Links are also made between the Sciences so that there is a deeper understanding of exactly why sweating cools the body down. This lesson has been designed for students studying the WJEC GCSE Biology course but is suitable for older students who are studying Biology at A-level and need to recall the key details of thermoregulation.

This fully-resourced lesson has been written to cover the content of point 3.18 (sex-linked genetic disorders) as detailed in the Edexcel GCSE Biology specification. This resource consists of an engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying worksheet, which has been differentiated two ways so students who find the tasks difficult are given assistance to result in good outcomes. The lesson builds on the knowledge from earlier in the topic on monohybrid inheritance and sex determination to show students how to draw genetic diagrams to calculate offspring outcomes when the gene is carried on the sex chromosomes. Step by step guides are used to demonstrate how to write the genotypes and gametes in these disorders by including the sex chromosomes to show gender. The lesson focuses on red-green colour blindness and haemophilia and builds up to questions on a pedigree tree to challenge the students to apply their new knowledge. This lesson has been designed for GCSE-aged students who are studying the Edexcel GCSE Biology course but is suitable for A-level students who are looking at these types of genetic disorders.

This detailed resource has been designed to cover the content of points 7.19, 7.20, 7.21 and 7.22 (The structure and function of the nephron of the kidney, kidney failure and the production of urea) as set out in topic 7 of the Edexcel GCSE Biology specification. This resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (66 slides) and accompanying worksheets, which have been differentiated so that students of different abilities can access the work. The detail of the content and this resource means that it is likely to take at least 2 lessons to go through the tasks. The resource is filled with a wide range of activities, each of which has been designed to engage and motivate the students whilst ensuring that the key Biological content is covered in good detail. Understanding checks are included throughout so that the students can assess their grasp of the content. In addition, prior knowledge checks make links to content from earlier topics such as homeostasis, osmosis and diabetes. The following content is covered in this lesson: The formation of urea by the break down of excess amino acids in the liver Filtration of the blood in the glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule The selective reabsorption of glucose The reabsorption of water The effect of ADH on the permeability of the collecting duct and the production of concentrated urine Treatment of kidney failure by dialysis or organ transplant As stated at the top, this lesson has been designed for GCSE-aged students who are studying the Edexcel GCSE Biology course, but it can be used with A-level students who need to go back over the key points before looking at the function of the nephron in more detail

This is a fully-resourced and engaging REVISION LESSON which challenges the students on their knowledge and understanding of the content of module 2.1.2 (Biological molecules) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. As this topic tends to be poorly understood by students, the lesson has been designed to include a wide range of activities that include differentiated exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions which will engage the students whilst they assess their progress. It has been designed to cover as much of the specification as possible but the following sub-topics have received particular attention: Formation of polysaccharides by glycosidic bonds between monomers Recognising monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides The structure of starch and glycogen in relation to their function as stores and providers of energy Water as a solvent with a high specific heat capacity and a high specific latent heat of vaporisation Structure and bonding in proteins The structure of globular and fibrous proteins as demonstrated by haemoglobin and collagen The structure and function of cellulose Links are made to other topics so that students are able to see how questions can include parts from different Biological concepts

This lesson acts as an introduction to part b of module 6.1.2 of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and focuses on 16 key genetic terms. In this module, students are expected to be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of genetic diagrams and phenotypic ratios to show patterns of inheritance and this is only possible with a clear understanding of the genetic terminology that will be used in related exam questions. As some of these terms were met at GCSE, this fully-resourced lesson has been designed to include a wide range of activities that build on this prior knowledge and provide clear explanations as to their meanings as well as numerous examples of their use in both questions and exemplary answers. The main task provides the students with an opportunity to apply their understanding by recognising a dominance hierarchy in a multiple alleles characteristic and then calculating a phenotypic ratio when given a completed genetic diagram. Other tasks include prior knowledge checks, discussion points to encourage students to consider the implementation of the genetic terms and quiz competitions to introduce new terms, maintain engagement and act as an understanding check. The 16 terms are genome, gene, chromosome, gene locus, homologous chromosomes, alleles, dominant, recessive, genotype, codominance, multiple alleles, autosomes, sex chromosomes, phenotype, homozygous and heterozygous

This fully-resourced lesson looks at the use of electrocardiograms to aid the diagnosis of CVD and other heart conditions. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 7.8 (iii) of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification but also make continual links to earlier specification points like 1.4 and 1.5 where heart topics were previously covered. The lesson has been written to take place in an imaginary cardiology ward where the students are initially challenged on their knowledge of the symptoms and risk factors of CVD before looking at testing through the use of ECGs and diagnosis. The main focus of the lesson is the ECG and a quiz competition is used to introduce the reference points of P, QRS and T before time is taken to explain their representation with reference to the cardiac cycle. Moving forwards, a SPOT the DIFFERENCE task is used to challenge the students to recognise differences between sinus rhythm and some abnormal rhythms including tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia is used as a symptom of sinus node disfunction and the students are encouraged to discuss this symptom along with some others to try to diagnose this health problem. This lesson has been designed to tie in with the lesson that covers the previous specification point on the normal electrical activity of the heart and the myogenic nature of cardiac muscle

This REVISION resource has been written with the aim of motivating the students whilst they are challenged on their knowledge of the content in Biology TOPIC 7 (Animal coordination, control and homeostasis) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (73 slides) and accompanying worksheets, some of which are differentiated to provide extra scaffolding to students when it is required. The wide range of activities have been designed to cover as much of topic 7 as possible but the following sub-topics have been given a particular focus: The causes and treatments of diabetes type I and II The control of blood glucose concentration through the release of insulin and glucagon The importance of homeostasis Calculating BMI The hormones involved in the female menstrual cycle The use of clomifene therapy and IVF in assisted reproductive therapy Hormonal and barrier methods of contraception The actions of adrenaline There is a large emphasis on mathematical skills in the new specification and these are tested throughout the lesson. This resource is suitable for use at the end of topic 7, in the lead up to mocks or in the preparation for the final GCSE exams.

This fully-resourced lesson explores what happens to lactate after a period of anaerobic respiration as detailed in point 7.7 of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification. Students will learn how pyruvate is converted to lactate using reduced NAD and that the reoxidation of the coenzyme allows glycolysis to continue. The lesson begins with a focus on the coenzyme, NAD, and students are challenged to recall details of its role in the oxidation of triose phosphate. Students will learn that oxidative phosphorylation in aerobic respiration allows these coenzymes to be reoxidised but that another metabolic pathway has to operate when there is no oxygen. Time is taken to go through the lactate fermentation pathway and students are encouraged to discuss the conversions before applying their knowledge to complete the diagram and passages about the pathway. Students are introduced to the oxygen debt and will learn how the volume consumed after vigorous exercise is used to catabolise lactic acid and to restore the body’s stores to normal levels.

This detailed and clear lesson describes and explains how the electron transport chain and the chemiosmotic theory are involved in the synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover the sixth part of point 5.2 of the AQA A-level Biology A specification and also looks at the role of the enzyme, ATP synthase. The lesson begins with a discussion about the starting point of the reaction. In the previous stages, the starting molecule was the final product of the last stage but in this stage, it is the reduced coenzymes which release their hydrogen atoms. Moving forwards, the process of oxidative phosphorylation is covered in 7 steps and at each point, key facts are discussed and explored in detail to enable a deep understanding to be developed. Students will see how the proton gradient is created and that the flow of protons down the channel associated with ATP synthase results in a conformational change and the addition of phosphate groups to ADP. Understanding checks are included throughout the lesson to enable the students to assess their progress. This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on glycolysis, the Link reaction and Krebs cycle and anaerobic respiration.

This fully-resourced lesson explains how a combination of hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure results in the formation of tissue fluid in animals. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the final part of point 3.4.1 of the AQA A-level Biology specification The lesson begins with an introduction to the arteriole and venule end of a capillary as these will need to be considered as separate entities when describing the formation of tissue fluid. A quick quiz competition introduces a value for the hydrostatic pressure at the arteriole end and students are challenged to first predict some parts of the blood will move out of the capillary as a result of the push from the hydrostatic pressure and this allows oncotic pressure to be initially explored. The main part of the lesson uses a step by step guide to describe how the net movement is outwards at the arteriole end before students will use this guidance to describe what happens at the venule end. In the concluding part of the lesson, students will come to recognise oedema as a condition where tissue fluid accumulates and they again are challenged to explain how this occurs before they finally learn how the fluid is returned to the circulatory system as lymph.