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 fully-resourced lesson guides students through the use of the Hardy-Weinberg equations to determine the frequency of alleles, genotypes and phenotypes in a population. Both the detailed PowerPoint and differentiated practice questions on a worksheet have been designed to cover point 17.2 (d) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of the use of the principle to calculate frequencies in populations.
The lesson begins by looking at the two equations and ensuring that students understand the meaning of each of the terms. The recessive condition, cystic fibrosis, is used as an example so that students can start to apply their knowledge and assess whether they understand which genotypes go with which term. Moving forwards, a step-by-step guide is used to show students how to answer a question. Tips are given during the guide so that common misconceptions and mistakes are addressed immediately. The rest of the lesson gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a set of 3 questions, which have been differentiated so that all abilities are able to access the work and be challenged.
This fully-resourced lesson looks at the external and internal structure of the mammalian heart and explains how the differences in the thickness of the chamber walls is related to function. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 8.2 (a) and (b) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification
As this topic was covered at GCSE, the lesson has been planned to build on this prior knowledge whilst adding the key details which will enable students to provide A-level standard answers. The primary focus is the identification of the different structures of the heart but it also challenges their ability to recognise the important relationship to function. As detailed in specification point (b), time is taken to ensure that students can explain why the atrial walls are thinner than the ventricle walls and why the right ventricle has a thinner wall than the left ventricle. Opportunities are taken throughout the lesson to link this topic to the others found in topics 8.1 and 8.2 including those which have already been covered like circulatory systems as well as those which are upcoming such as the cardiac cycle. There is also an application question where students have to explain why a hole in the ventricular septum would need to be repaired if it doesn’t naturally close over time.
This fully-resourced lesson looks at the double, closed circulatory system as found in a mammal and considers how the pulmonary circulation differs from the systemic circulation. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 8.1 (a) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification
The lesson begins with a focus on the meaning of a double circulatory system and checks that students are clear in the understanding that the blood passes through the heart twice per cycle of the body. Beginning with the pulmonary circulation, students will recall that the pulmonary artery carries the blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. An opportunity is taken at this point to check on their knowledge of inhalation and the respiratory system as well as the gas exchange between the alveoli and the capillary bed. A quick quiz is used to introduce arterioles and students will learn that these blood vessels play a crucial role in the changes in blood pressure that prevent the capillaries from damage. When looking at the systemic circulation, time is taken to look at the coronary arteries and renal artery as students have to be aware of these vessels in addition to the ones associated with the heart. In the final part of the lesson, students are challenged to explain how the structure of the heart generates a higher pressure in the systemic circulation and then to explain why the differing pressures are necessary.
As a result of the constant reference to the heart, the blood vessels and the blood, students will be reminded that these are the components of the circulatory system
This fully-resourced REVISION lesson has been written to challenge the students on their knowledge of the content of topic 1 (Cell structure) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content and identify any areas which may require further attention.
The wide range of activities have been written to cover as much of the topic as possible but the following specification points have been given particular focus:
ATP is produced in mitochondria and chloroplasts and the role of ATP in cells
Recognising eukaryotic cell structures and outlining their functions
Calculating actual sizes from electron micrographs
The structural features of a typical prokaryotic cell
The key features of viruses as non-cellular structures
Distinguish between resolution and magnification
Quiz rounds such as “GUESS WHO of CELL STRUCTURES” and “YOU DO THE MATH” are used to test the students on the finer details of their knowledge of the structure and functions of the organelles and some key numerical facts
Each of the 3 lessons in this bundle are fully-resourced and have been designed to cover the content as detailed in topic 8.2 (The heart) of the CIE International A-Level Biology specification. The specification points that are covered within these lessons include:
The external and internal structure of the mammalian heart
The differences in the thickness of the walls of the chambers
The cardiac cycle and the blood pressure changes during systole and diastole
The initiation and control of heart action
The lessons have been written to include a wide range of activities and numerous understanding and prior knowledge checks so students can assess their progress against the current topic as well as be challenged to make links to other topics within this topic and earlier topics
This bundle of fully-resourced revision lessons will engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content of topics 5 - 8 of the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Physics specification.
The lessons cover the following topics:
Topic 5: Solids, liquids and gases
Topic 6: Magnetism and electromagnetism
Topic 7: Radioactivity and particles
Topic 8: Astrophysics
The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources contain exam-style questions with clear explanations of answers, differentiated tasks, class discussions and quiz competitions.
If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the topic 7 revision lesson which is shared for free
This bundle of 4 fully-resourced lessons have been designed to engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content in topics 1 - 4 of the OCR GCSE Physics specification which will be tested in PAPER 1. The detailed PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities which include exam-style questions with clearly explained answers, differentiated tasks and quick quiz rounds to bring in a competitive edge.
The topics covered are:
Topic 1: Matter
Topic 2: Forces
Topic 3: Electricity
Topic 4: Magnetism and magnetic fields
Due to the high mathematical content of this specification, the PowerPoints contain step-by-step guides to carrying out calculations.
If you want to sample the quality of the lessons, download the topic 3 revision lesson which has been shared for free
This bundle of 3 fully-resourced lessons have been designed to engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content in topics 5, 6 and 8 of the OCR GCSE Physics specification which will be tested in PAPER 2. The detailed PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities which include exam-style questions with clearly explained answers, differentiated tasks and quick quiz rounds to bring in a competitive edge.
The topics covered are:
Topic 5: Waves in matter
Topic 6: Radioactivity
Topic 8: Global challenges
Due to the high mathematical content of this specification, the PowerPoints contain step-by-step guides to carrying out calculations.
If you want to sample the quality of the lessons, download the topic 8 revision lesson which has been shared for free
This revision lesson is fully-resourced and the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to challenge students on their understanding of the content detailed in topics 2.7, 2.8 and 2.9 of the WJEC GCSE Physics specification. It was decided that the close links between the types of radiation, half-life and nuclear energy lent themselves to a combined revision resource.
The lesson was written to cover as much of the topics as possible but the following points have been given particular attention:
The nucleon and proton number and the numbers of neutrons and protons in an atomic nucleus
Recognising and representing isotopes
Calculating the half-life when given information about the radioactive count
The differing penetrating powers of the three types of radiation
Background radiation
Sources of background radiation and possible reasons for varying levels of radon gas
Nuclear decay equations for alpha and beta decay
Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
Representing a nuclear fission reaction in an equation
The wide range of activities which include exam-style questions with fully-explained answers, differentiated tasks and quick quiz competitions will engage and motivate the students whilst they recognise the areas of these topics which will require their further attention
It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of GCSE teaching time to complete this lesson
This bundle of revision lessons have been designed to enable students to assess their knowledge and understanding of the content detailed in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification and ultimately to recognise those areas which need extra attention before an end of topic test or mock or terminal exam.
Each lesson is fully-resourced and the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities that include exam-style questions with clearly explained answers and quick quiz competitions.
The following topics are covered by this bundle:
Topic 1: Key concepts in Physics
Topic 2: Motion and forces
Topic 3: Conservation of energy
Topic 4: Waves
Topic 5: Light and the EM spectrum
Topic 6: Radioactivity
Topic 7: Astronomy
Topic 8: Energy - forces doing work
Topic 9: Forces and their effects
Topic 10: Electricity and circuits
Topic 12: Magnetism and the motor effect
Topic 13: Electromagnetic induction
Topic 14: Particle model
Topic 15: Forces and matter
If you want to see the quality of these lessons, download the topics 4 & 5, 7, 10 and 12 & 13 lessons as these have been shared for free.
This fully-resourced revision lesson challenges the students on their knowledge of the content which is detailed in topic 14 (Particle model) of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification. The wide range of activities, which include exam-style questions with clear explanations, will allow them to assess their understanding of the content and to recognise those areas which require further attention.
The lesson has been designed to cover as much of the module as possible but the following specification points have been given particular attention:
Recall and use the equation to calculate density
Explain the differences in density between the different states of matter
Describe that mass is conserved during physical changes
Explain how heating a system will change the temperature or change a state
Define the terms specific heat capacity and specific latent heat and describe the differences between them
Use the equations involving specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
Explain the qualitative relationship between Kelvin temperature and pressure of a gas
Convert between the Kelvin and degrees Celsius scales
Explain the effect of changing the volume on the pressure of a fixed mass of gas at a constant temperature
Explain why doing work on a gas can increase the temperature
Most of the resources are differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and be challenged and the PowerPoint guides the students through the range of mathematical skills which are tested in this topic
This is a highly engaging, detailed and fully-resourced revision lesson which has been designed to test the students on their knowledge and understanding of topic 6 (Radioactivity) of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources contain a wide range of resources which include exam-style questions with fully-explained answers, differentiated tasks and quick quiz competitions. The students will be motivated by the range of tasks whilst crucially recognising those areas of the specification which require some extra time before the exams
The following specification points are covered in this lesson:
Describe the structure of atom and recall the typical size
Recall the relative masses and charges of the subatomic particles and use the number of protons and electrons to explain why atoms are neutral
Describe the structure of the nuclei of an isotope
Explain what is meant by background radiation and recall sources
Describe methods for measuring and detecting radioactivity
Describe the process of beta minus and beta plus decay
Write and balance nuclear decay equations
Explain the effects on the proton and nucleon number as a result of decay
Recall that the unit of radioactivity is Bq
Use the concept of half-life to carry out calculations
Describe the use of isotopes in PET scanners
Describe the differences between nuclear fission and fusion
Explain how the fission of U-235 produces two daughter nuclei, two or three neutrons and releases energy
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy
Explain why nuclear fusion cannot happen at low temperatures and pressures
It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of GCSE teaching to cover the detail of this lesson and it can be used for effective revision at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mock or terminal exams.
This lesson describes the classification of species into the taxonomic hierarchy and cover point 18.2 (a) of the CIE A-level Biology specification. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to show students how the domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species are used in modern-day classification.
The lesson begins by with a knowledge recall as students have to use the provided information about a mule to explain why a horse and donkey are considered to be members of different species. Moving forwards, students will learn that species is the lowest taxon in the modern-day classification hierarchy. The first of a number of rounds of a competition is used to engage the students whilst they learn the names of the 7 other taxa and the horse and the donkey from the earlier example are used to complete the hierarchy. Students are told that a binomial naming system is used in Biology to provide a universal name for each species and the final task of the lesson challenges them to apply their knowledge by completing a hierarchy for a modern-day human, by spotting the correct name for an unfamiliar organism
This fully-resourced REVISION lesson has been written to challenge the students on their knowledge of the content of topic 5 Solids, liquids and gases) of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics specification. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content and identify any areas which may require further attention.
The wide range of activities have been written to cover as much of the topic as possible but the following specification points have been given particular focus:
Using the correct units
Converting between the Kelvin and degrees Celsius scales
Explain the qualitative relationship between pressure and Kelvin temperature
Use the relationship between pressure and Kelvin temperature
Know and use the equations for density and pressure
Design an experiment to investigate density
Know the meaning of the specific heat capacity
Use the equation for change in thermal energy
Quiz rounds such as “SAY WHAT YOU SEE” and “YOU DO THE MATH” are used to test the students on their knowledge of key terms as well as numerical facts
This lesson has been written to act as a revision tool for students at the completion of topic 2 of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification or in the lead up to mock or terminal exams. This motion and forces topic is extensive and the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to include a wide range of activities to allow the students to assess their understanding and to recognise any areas which need extra attention. This specification is heavy in mathematical content and so a lot of opportunities are presented for a range of skills to be tested and the PowerPoint guides students through the application of these requirements such as rearranging the formula and converting between units.
The following specification points have received a particular focus in this lesson:
Factors affecting thinking and braking distance
Calculating the distance travelled from the area under the velocity-time graph
Recalling and using the equations to calculate acceleration, force, speed, weight and momentum
Calculating uniform acceleration from a velocity-time graph
Resultant force and constant velocity
Forces and velocity as vector quantities
Circular motion
The difference between mass and weight
The law of the conservation of momentum
A number of quick quiz rounds, such as FILL THE VOID and WEIGHT A MINUTE, are used to maintain engagement and motivation and to challenge the students on their recall of important points.
It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of GCSE teaching time to cover the detail included in this lesson
This revision lesson has been designed to challenge the students on their use of a range of mathematical skills that could be assessed on the six OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science papers. The mathematical element of the GCSE Combined Science course has increased significantly since the specification change and therefore success in those questions which involve the use of maths can prove to be the difference between one grade and another or possibly even more.
The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities that include exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes and explanations so that students can assess their progress. Other activities include differentiated tasks, class discussion points and quick quiz competitions such as “It doesn’t HURT to CONVERT”, “YOU DO THE MATH” and “FILL THE VOID”.
The following mathematical skills (in a scientific context) are covered in this lesson:
The use of Avogadro’s constant
Rearranging the formula of an equation
Calculating the amount in moles using mass and relative formula mass
Calculating the relative formula mass for formulae with brackets
Using the Periodic Table to calculate the number of sub-atomic particles in atoms
Changes to electrons in ions
Balancing chemical symbol equations
Empirical formula
Converting between units
Calculating concentration in grams per dm cubed and volumes of solutions
Calculating size using the magnification equation
Using the mean to estimate the population of a sessile species
Calculating percentages to prove the importance of biodiversity
Calculating percentage change
The BMI equation
Calculating the acceleration from a velocity-time graph
Recalling and applying the Physics equations
Understanding prefixes that determine size
Leaving answers to significant figures and using standard form
Helpful hints and step-by-step guides are used throughout the lesson to support the students and some of the worksheets are differentiated two ways to provide extra assistance.
Due to the detail of this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 3 hours of GCSE teaching time to cover the tasks and for this reason it can be used over a number of lessons as well as during different times of the year for revision
All of the lessons in this bundle are fully-resourced and have been designed to challenge the students on their knowledge of the Physics topics of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification. The lessons cover both the CORE and SUPPLEMENT sections.
The following 5 topics are covered by these lessons:
Topic P1: Motion
Topic P2: Work, energy and power
Topic P4: Properties of waves, including light and sound
Topic P5: Electrical quantities
Topic P6: Electric circuits
The PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities which include exam-style questions with clear explanations of the answers, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions. There is also a big emphasis on the mathematical element of the specification and students are guided through the use of a range of skills which include the conversion of units and the rearranging of formulae to change the subject.
If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the topic P1 lesson which has been shared for free