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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.

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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.
Meiosis and genetic variation (CIE A-level Biology)
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Meiosis and genetic variation (CIE A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the behaviour of chromosomes during meiosis, focusing on the events which contribute to genetic variation. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 16.1 (a, d & e) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and explains how crossing over, the random assortment and the random fusion of haploid gametes leads to variation. In order to understand how the events of meiosis like crossing over and independent assortment and independent segregation can lead to variation, students need to be clear in their understanding that DNA replication in interphase results in homologous chromosomes as pairs of sister chromatids. Therefore the beginning of the lesson focuses on the chromosomes in the parent cell and this first part of the cycle and students will be introduced to non-sister chromatids and the fact that they may contain different alleles which is important for the exchange that occurs during crossing over. Time is taken to go through this event in prophase I in a step by step guide so that the students can recognise that the result can be new combinations of alleles that were not present in the parent cell. Moving forwards, the lesson explores how the independent assortment and segregation of chromosomes and chromatids during metaphase I and II and anaphase I and II respectively results in genetically different gametes. The key events of all of the 8 phases are described and there is a focus on key terminology to ensure that students are able to describe genetic structures in the correct context. The final part of the lesson looks at the use of a mathematical expression to calculate the possible combinations of alleles in gametes as well as in a zygote following the random fertilisation of haploid gametes. Understanding and prior knowledge checks are interspersed throughout the lesson as well as a series of exam-style questions which challenge the students to apply their knowledge to potentially unfamiliar situations. This lesson has been specifically planned to link to the two lessons on the cell cycle and the main stages of mitosis as covered in topic 5 and constant references are made throughout to encourage students to make links and also to highlight the differences between the two types of nuclear division
Biuret & emulsion tests & TOPIC 2 REVISION (CIE A-level Biology)
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Biuret & emulsion tests & TOPIC 2 REVISION (CIE A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the biuret and emulsion tests for proteins and lipids respectively and then acts as a revision lesson for topics 2.2 and 2.3. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to be taught at the end of topic 2 and uses a range of activities to challenge the students on their knowledge of that topic, but also covers the second part of point 2.1 (a) of the CIE A-level Biology specification when the qualitative tests are described. The first section of the lesson describes the steps in the biuret test and challenges the students on their recall of the reducing sugars and starch tests from topic 2.1 to recognise that this is a qualitative test that begins with the sample being in solution. The students will learn that the addition of sodium hydroxide and then copper sulphate will result in a colour change from light blue to lilac if a protein is present. The next part of the lesson uses exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes, understanding checks and quick quiz competitions to engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of this topic. The following concepts are tested during this lesson: The general structure of an amino acid The formation of dipeptides and polypeptides through condensation reactions The primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of a protein Biological examples of proteins and their specific actions (e.g. antibodies, enzymes, peptide hormones) Moving forwards, the lesson describes the key steps in the emulsion test for lipids, and states the positive result for this test. There is a focus on the need to mix the sample with ethanol, which is a distinctive difference to the tests for reducing sugars and starch and proteins. The remainder of the lesson uses exam-style questions with mark schemes embedded in the PowerPoint, understanding checks, guided discussion points and quick quiz competitions to challenge the following specification points: The structure of a triglyceride The relationship between triglyceride property and function The hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the phospholipid The phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane Cholesterol is also introduced so that the students are prepared for this molecule when it is met in topic 4 (cell membranes) This is an extensive lesson and it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of allocated teaching time to cover the detail and the different tasks
Limiting factors of photosynthesis (CIE A-level Biology)
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Limiting factors of photosynthesis (CIE A-level Biology)

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This lesson explains the effects of light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature (limiting factors) on the rate of photosynthesis. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 13.2 (a, b & c) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and also considers how knowledge of these limiting factors can be used to increase crop yields in the protected environment of a greenhouse. The lesson has been specifically written to tie in with the previous lessons in topic 13.1 which covered the structure of the chloroplast, the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. Exam-style questions are included throughout the lesson and these require the students to explain why light intensity is important for both reactions as well as challenging them on their ability to describe how the relative concentrations of GP, TP and RuBP would change as carbon dioxide concentration decreases. There are also links to previous topics such as enzymes when they are asked to explain why an increase in temperature above the optimum will limit the rate of photosynthesis. Step by step guides are included to support them to form some of the answers and mark schemes are always displayed so that they can quickly assess their understanding and address any misconceptions. The final part of the lesson provides details of the World’s largest rooftop greenhouse in Montreal and challenges their knowledge of related topics such as cellulose structure, pollination and biological control.
Molecular phylogeny & new taxonomic groups (Edexcel A-level Biology A)
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Molecular phylogeny & new taxonomic groups (Edexcel A-level Biology A)

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This lesson describes how the critical evaluation of new data by the scientific community leads to new taxonomic groupings, like the three domains of life. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 4.6 (ii) of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification and focuses on the introduction of the three-domain system following Carl Woese’s detailed study of the ribosomal RNA gene. The lesson begins with an introduction of Woese and goes on to describe how he is most famous for his definition of the Archaea as a new domain of life. Students were introduced to domains and the other classification taxa in a previous lesson, so their recall of this knowledge is continually tested and built upon as details are added. Students will discover the key differences between Archaea and Bacteria that led to the splitting of the prokaryotae kingdom and the addition of this higher classification rank. Moving forwards, the rest of the lesson describes how molecular phylogeny uses other molecules and that these are compared between species for classification purposes. One of these is a protein called cytochrome which is involved in respiration and can be compared in terms of primary structure to determine relationships. At this point in the lesson, the students are also tested on their knowledge of the nature of the genetic code (as covered in topic 2) and have to explain how mutations to DNA can also be used for comparative purposes.
Haemoglobin vs myoglobin (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Haemoglobin vs myoglobin (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This lesson describes the similarities and differences between the structure and function of haemoglobin and myoglobin. The PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover point 4.5 (iii) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification Students have already covered the structure and function of haemoglobin in topics 1.3 and 4.5, so this concise lesson has been planned to challenge that knowledge. Students are introduced to myoglobin and will learn that this is an oxygen-binding protein found in the skeletal muscle tissue. Therefore the first part of the lesson focuses on slow twitch muscle fibres, where the content of myoglobin is high, and this presents an opportunity for links to be made to respiration, mitochondria and capillaries. The main part of the lesson challenges the students to compare the two proteins on structure and function including the number of polypeptide chains and affinity for oxygen and students can assess their understanding through use of the displayed mark schemes to the series of exam-style questions.
Topic 4.5: Transport of gases in blood (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Topic 4.5: Transport of gases in blood (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

3 Resources
The 3 lessons contained within this lesson bundle cover the content as detailed in topic 4.5 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification. The lesson PowerPoints and accompanying worksheets are filled with lots of different tasks that cover the specification points shown below whilst engaging and motivating the students with exam-style questions, guided discussion periods and quiz competitions. TOPIC 4.5: Transport of gases in blood The structure of haemoglobin in relation to its role in the transport of respiratory gases, including the Bohr effect Understand the oxygen dissociation curve of haemoglobin Understand the similarities and differences between the structures and functions of haemoglobin and myoglobin Understand the significance of the oxygen affinity of foetal haemoglobin as compared to adult haemoglobin
Tissue fluid (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Tissue fluid (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This lesson describes how tissue fluid is formed and reabsorbed and also describes the role of the lymphatic system in the return of fluid to the blood. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 4.6 (i & ii) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and explains how a combination of the effects of hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure results in the formation of tissue fluid in animals. 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.
Topics 17 & 18: Selection, evolution, biodiversity & classification (CIE A-level Biology)
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Topics 17 & 18: Selection, evolution, biodiversity & classification (CIE A-level Biology)

16 Resources
The topics of selection, evolution, biodiversity, classification and conservation are key concepts in Biology, that are regularly assessed in the exams, but are not always that well understood by the students. With this at the forefront of the lesson design, these 16 lesson PowerPoints and their accompanying resources have been intricately planned to cover the detailed content of topics 17 & 18 of the CIE A-level Biology specification through the use of a wide range of tasks to engage and motivate the students. There are plenty of opportunities for the students to assess their current understanding through the completion of exam-style questions and also to check on their prior knowledge by making links to earlier topics. The following specification points are covered by these lessons: Topic 17.1: Variation The differences between continuous and discontinuous variation Using the t-test to compare the variation of two different populations The importance of genetic variation in selection Topic 17.2: Natural and artificial selection Natural selection Explain how environmental factors can act as stabilising, disruptive and directional forces of natural selection Explain how the founder effect and genetic drift may affect allele frequencies in populations Use the Hardy-Weinberg principle Topic 17.3: Evolution The molecular evidence that reveals similarities between closely related organisms Explain how speciation may occur Topic 18.1: Biodiversity Define the terms species, ecosystem and niche Explain that biodiversity is considered at three levels Explain the importance of random sampling in determining the biodiversity of an area Use suitable methods to assess the distribution and abundance of organisms in a local area Use the Spearman’s rank correlation to analyse relationships between data Use Simpson’s index of diversity Topic 18.2: Classification The classification of species into taxonomic hierarchy The characteristic features of the three domains The characteristic features of the kingdoms Explain why viruses are not included in the three domain classification Topic 18.3: Conservation The reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity Methods of protecting endangered species The roles of organisations like the WWF and CITES in local and global conservation If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons that are included in this bundle then download the following as these have been shared for free: Continuous and discontinuous variation Molecular evidence & evolution Spearman’s rank correlation WWF, CITES and conservation It is estimated that it will take up to 2 months of A-level Biology teaching time to cover the detail included in these lessons
Maths in A-level Biology (AQA A-level Biology)
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Maths in A-level Biology (AQA A-level Biology)

5 Resources
“Overall, at least 10% of the marks in assessments for biology will require the use of mathematical skills” This sentence is taken directly from the AQA A-level Biology specification and clearly shows that being able to apply these skills in the context of biology will have a significant impact on a student’s chances of success. This bundle has been created to cover as much of those mathematical skills as possible and the following specification points are covered by these 6 lessons: Represent phenotypic ratios (monohybird and dihybrid crosses) Use and manipulate the magnification formula Use the chi-squared test to test the significance of the difference between observed and expected results Use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to calculate changes in allele frequency Calculate an index of diversity for a habitat A revision lesson is also included in this bundle which acts as a fun and engaging revision of the range of calculations
Photosynthesis & Respiration (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)
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Photosynthesis & Respiration (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)

8 Resources
Photosynthesis and respiration are two of the most commonly assessed topics in A-level exams but these questions are sometimes poorly answered by students due to a lack of understanding or an inability to apply their knowledge. With this in mind, these 8 lessons have been intricately planned to contain a wide range of activities that will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the key detail to try to deepen their understanding and includes exam-style questions so they are fully prepared for these assessments. The following specification points in topics 5 and 7 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification are covered by these lessons: Understand the overall reaction of photosynthesis Understand the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis including the role of these electrons in generating ATP, reducing NADP in photophosphorylation and producing oxygen through photolysis of water Understand the light-independent reactions as reduction of carbon dioxide using the products of the light-dependent reactions Know that the products are simple sugars that are used by plants, animals and other organisms in respiration and the synthesis of new biological molecules Understand the structure of chloroplasts in relation to their role in photosynthesis Understand the overall reaction of aerobic respiration Understand that respiration is a many-stepped process with each step controlled and catalysed by a specific intracellular enzyme Understand the roles of glycolysis in aerobic and anaerobic respiration Understand the role of the link reaction and the Krebs cycle in the complete oxidation of glucose and formation of carbon dioxide, ATP, reduced NAD and reduced FAD Understand how ATP is synthesised by oxidative phosphorylation If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle then download the products of photosynthesis lesson as this has been shared for free
Plasma membrane (WJEC A-level Biology)
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Plasma membrane (WJEC A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the principle components of the plasma membrane, focusing on the phospholipid bilayer and membrane proteins. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been designed to cover the detail in point (a) of AS unit 1, topic 3 of the WJEC A-level Biology specification and clear links are made to Singer and Nicholson’s fluid mosaic model The fluid mosaic model is introduced at the start so that it can be referenced at appropriate points throughout the lesson. Students were introduced to phospholipids in topic 1 and so an initial task challenges them to spot the errors in a passage describing the structure and properties of this molecule. This reminds them of the bilayer arrangement, with the hydrophilic phosphate heads protruding outwards into the aqueous solutions on the inside and the outside of the cell. In a link to some upcoming lessons on the transport mechanisms, the students will learn that only small, non-polar molecules can move by simple diffusion and that this is through the tails of the bilayer. This introduces the need for transmembrane proteins to allow large or polar molecules to move into the cell by facilitated diffusion and active transport. Proteins that act as receptors as also introduced and an opportunity is taken to make a link to an upcoming topic so that students can understand how hormones or drugs will bind to target cells in this way. Moving forwards, the structure of cholesterol is covered and students will learn that this hydrophobic molecule sits in the middle of the tails and therefore acts to regulate membrane fluidity. The final part of the lesson challenges the students to apply their newly-acquired knowledge to a series of questions where they have to explain why proteins may have moved when two cells are used and to suggest why there is a larger proportion of these proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane than the outer membrane.
Osmosis and water potential (WJEC A-level Biology)
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Osmosis and water potential (WJEC A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the transport mechanism of osmosis as the movement of water molecules from a high water potential to a lower water potential. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources are part of the second lesson in a series of 4 lessons which have been designed to cover point [c] as detailed in AS unit 1, topic 3 of the WJEC A-level Biology specification and also describes how cells are affected by this movement of water It’s likely that students will have used the term concentration in their osmosis definitions at GCSE, so the aim of the starter task is to introduce water potential to allow students to begin to recognise osmosis as the movement of water molecules from a high water potential to a lower potential, with the water potential gradient. Time is taken to describe the finer details of water potential to enable students to understand that 0 is the highest value (pure water) and that this becomes negative once solutes are dissolved. Exam-style questions are used throughout the lesson to check on current understanding as well as prior knowledge checks which make links to previously covered topics such as the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. The remainder of the lesson focuses on the movement of water when animal and plant cells are suspended in hypotonic, hypertonic or isotonic solutions and the final appearance of these cells is described, including any issues this may cause.
Specialised features of the gametes (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)
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Specialised features of the gametes (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the relationship between the specialised features of the mammalian egg and sperm and their functions. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 3.11 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and includes a focus on the acrosome in the head of the sperm and the zona pellucida in the egg The lessons at the start of topic 3 (Cell structure, Reproduction and Development) described the ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells, so this knowledge is referenced throughout the lesson and the students are challenged on their recall and understanding through a range of prior knowledge checks. For example, two of the exam-style questions that are included in the resources challenge the students to explain why a sperm cell is classified as an eukaryotic cell and to recognise the centrioles and the nucleus from structural descriptions. Along with the mitochondria, time is then taken to discuss and to describe the role of these organelles in relation to the function of the sperm cell. When considering the fusion of the haploid nuclei to form a diploid nucleus in the nucleus, links are made to the upcoming topic of mitosis and the significance of this form of nuclear division. The importance of the enzymes that are found inside the acrosome is emphasised and this leads into the second half of the lesson where the layers surrounding the plasma membrane of the egg cell (corona radiata and zona pellucida) are examined The final part of this lesson has been specifically planned to prepare the students for the next lesson in topic 3, where the acrosome reaction, cortical reaction and the fusion of nuclei that are involved in fertilisation are described
The characteristic features of kingdoms (WJEC A-level Biology)
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The characteristic features of kingdoms (WJEC A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes the characteristic features of the Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protoctista and Prokaryotae kingdoms. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point (d) in AS unit 2, topic 1 of the WJEC A-level Biology specification This lesson begins with a knowledge recall as students have to recognise that prior to 1990, kingdom was the highest taxa in the classification hierarchy. Moving forwards, they will recall the names of the five kingdoms and immediately be challenged to split them so that the prokaryotae kingdom is left on its own. An opportunity is taken at this point to check on their prior knowledge of the structure of a bacterial cell as covered in unit 1, topic 2. These prior knowledge checks are found throughout the lesson (along with current understanding checks) as students are also tested on their knowledge of the structure and function of cellulose. This is found in the section of the lesson where the main constituent of the wall can be used to distinguish between plantae, fungi and prokaryotae. Quick quiz competitions, such as YOU DO THE MATH and SAY WHAT YOU SEE are used to introduce key values and words in a fun and memorable way. The final part of the lesson looks at the protoctista kingdom and students will come to understand how these organisms tend to share a lot of animal or plant-like features. Both of the accompanying resources have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and this lesson has been written to tie in with the previously uploaded lesson on classification and the binomial naming system
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)
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Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)

9 Resources
This lesson bundle contains 9 lessons which have been designed to cover the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification points which focus on the structure and function of the biological molecules, including water, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The lesson PowerPoints are highly detailed, and along with their accompanying worksheets, they have been planned at length to contain a wide range of engaging tasks which cover the following A-level Biology content that’s found in topics 1, 2 and 4 of the course: 1.1: Understand the importance of water as a solvent in transport, including its dipole nature 1.2 (i): Know the difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides, including glycogen and starch (amylose and amylopectin) 1.2 (ii): Be able to relate the structures of monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides to their roles in providing and storing energy 1.4: Know how monosaccharides join to form disaccharides (sucrose, lactose and maltose) and polysaccharides (glycogen and amylose) through condensation reactions forming glycosidic bonds, and how these can be split through hydrolysis reactions 1.5 (i): Know how a triglyceride is synthesised by the formation of ester bonds during condensation reactions between glycerol and three fatty acids. 1.5 (ii): Know the differences between saturated and unsaturated lipids 2.6 (i): Know the basic structure of an amino acid 2.6 (ii): Understand the formation of polypeptides and proteins (amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds in condensation reactions) 2.6 (iii): Understand the significance of a protein’s primary structure in determining its three-dimensional structure and properties (globular and fibrous proteins and the types of bonds involved in its three-dimensional structure) 4.3: Understand the structure and function of the polysaccharides starch and cellulose, including the role of hydrogen bonds between β-glucose molecules in the formation of cellulose microfibrils
Zoos and seed banks as conservation methods (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)
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Zoos and seed banks as conservation methods (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)

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This lesson evaluates the methods used by zoos and seed banks in the conservation of endangered species and their genetic diversity. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been primarily designed to cover point 4.21 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification but as this is potentially the last lesson in this topic, lots of questions and activities have been included that will challenge the students on their knowledge and understanding of topic 4 (Plant structure and function, Biodiversity and Conservation). Hours of research went into the planning of this lesson to source interesting examples and although the main focus of the lesson is the zoo and seed banks as ex situ conservation methods, the lesson begins with a consideration of the importance of the in situ methods that are used in the Lake Télé Community reserve in the Republic of Congo and the marine conservation zone in the waters surrounding Tristan da Cunha. Students will learn how this form of active management conserves habitats and species in their natural environment, with the aim of minimising human impact whilst maintaining biodiversity. To enrich their understanding of ex situ conservation, the well-known examples of ZSL London zoo, Kew Gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank Project in Wakehurst are used. Students will understand how conserving animal species outside of their natural habitat allows for human intervention that ensures the animals are fed and given medical assistance when needed as well as reproductive assistance to increase the likelihood of the successful breeding of endangered species. An emphasis is placed on the desire to reintroduce the species into the wild and the example of some initial successes with the mountain chicken frog in Dominica and Montserrat is discussed. As stated in the specification point, these methods must be evaluated and therefore the issues are also considered and there is a focus on the susceptibility of captive populations to diseases as a result of their limited genetic diversity. The final part of the lesson considers how seed banks can be used to ensure that plant species, which may contain the molecules for medicine development, avoid extinction, and how the plants can be bred asexually to increase plant populations quickly. Due to the extensiveness of this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2/3 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the tasks and content included in the lesson and as explained above, it can also be used as revision of topic 4 content
Topic 18.3: Conservation (CIE A-level Biology)
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Topic 18.3: Conservation (CIE A-level Biology)

3 Resources
Each of the 3 lessons in this bundle have been planned extensively to ensure that they contain lots of engaging biological examples that will catch the interest of the students whilst covering the difficult content of topic 18.3 (Conservation) of the CIE A-level Biology specification. The lesson PowerPoints and accompanying worksheets are filled with a wide range of tasks that include guided discussion periods, exam-style questions (with mark schemes) and quick quiz competitions and these combine to cover the following specification points: The reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity Methods of protecting endangered species, including the roles of zoos, botanic gardens, national parks, marine conservation zones and seed banks The roles of non-governmental organisations such as WWF and CITES in local and global conservation If you would like to view the detailed content of this bundle, then download the “WWF, CITES and conservation” lesson as this has been uploaded for free
Biodiversity at different levels and Simpson's Index of diversity (OCR A-level Biology)
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Biodiversity at different levels and Simpson's Index of diversity (OCR A-level Biology)

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This lesson discusses how biodiversity may be considered at different levels and describes how to calculate Simpson’s Index of diversity. The PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have primarily been designed to cover points 4.2.1 (a, c and d) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification but also make links to the upcoming topics of classification, natural selection and adaptations A quiz competition called BIOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY SNAP runs over the course of the lesson and this will engage the students whilst challenging them to recognise species, population, biodiversity, community and natural selection from their respective definitions. Once biodiversity as the variety of living organisms in a habitat is revealed, the students will learn that this can relate to a range of habitats, from those in the local area to the Earth. Moving forwards, the students will begin to understand that biodiversity can be considered at a range of levels which include within a habitat, within a species and within different habitats so that they can be compared. Species richness as a measure of the number of different species in a community is met and a biological example in the rainforests of Madagascar is used to increase its relevance. However, students will also be introduced to species evenness and will learn that in order for a habitat to be deemed to be biodiverse, it must be both species rich and even. The students are introduced to an unfamiliar formula that calculates the heterozygosity index and are challenged to apply their knowledge to this situation, as well as linking a low H value to natural selection. The rest of the lesson focuses on the calculation of Simpson’s Index of diversity and a 4-step guide is used to walk students through each part of the calculation. This is done in combination with a worked example to allow students to visualise how the formula should be applied to actual figures. Using the method, they will then calculate a value of D for a comparable habitat to allow the two values to be considered and the significance of a higher value is explained. All of the exam-style questions have mark schemes embedded in the PowerPoint to allow students to continuously assess their progress and understanding.
Antigens and autoimmune diseases (CIE A-level Biology)
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Antigens and autoimmune diseases (CIE A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes self and non-self antigens and how a failure to distinguish between the two is the mechanism of autoimmune diseases. The PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been primarily designed to cover points 11.1 (d & f) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and describe examples of these diseases including myasthenia gravis, but this lesson can also be used to revise the content of the earlier topics as well as the previous lessons in topic 10 & 11 through the range of activities that are included The first part of the lesson focuses on the antigens and explains how the failure of the immune system cells to recognise these molecules on the outside of a cell or organism elicits an immune response. Moving forwards, the students are challenged to recognise diseases from descriptions and then to use the first letters of their names to form the term, autoimmune. In doing so, the students will discover that rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, type I diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis are all examples of autoimmune diseases. The next part of the lesson focuses on the mechanism of these diseases where the immune system cells do not recognise the antigens (self-antigens) on the outside of the healthy cells, and therefore treats them as foreign antigens, resulting in the production of autoantibodies against proteins on these healthy cells and tissues. Key details of the autoimmune diseases stated above and lupus are described and links to previously covered topics as well as to future topics such as the pancreas and nervous system are made. The students will be challenged by the numerous exam-style questions, all of which have mark schemes embedded into the PowerPoint to allow for immediate assessment of progress.
Topic 11.1: The immune system (CIE A-level Biology)
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Topic 11.1: The immune system (CIE A-level Biology)

4 Resources
The 4 lessons contained within this bundle are detailed and will engage the students whilst covering the following content in topic 11.1 of the CIE A-level Biology specification: State that phagocytes have their origin in bone marrow and describe their mode of action Describe the modes of action of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes Explain the meaning of the term immune response, making reference to the terms antigen, self and non-self Explain the role of memory cells in long-term immunity Explain, with reference to myasthenia gravis, that the immune system sometimes fails to distinguish between self and non-self The PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of tasks, which include exam-style questions, guided discussion periods and quiz competitions, and these have been designed to check on the students’ understanding of the current topic as well as previously-covered topics