In celebration of Science Week and in conjunction with our current theme of ‘Down on the Farm’ I have created a series of ten experiments which can be done in nursery school as an adult led activity.
“The Assault Cycle” by Breakwell is a model of aggression that was introduced in Breakwell, G. (1997) Coping with Aggressive Behaviour. Leicester, British Psychological Society
According to the model, aggressive behaviour is a cyclical process that progresses through a series of phases. The five phases of the assault cycle, as described by Breakwell, are:
Trigger: The first phase involves the trigger event, which sets the aggressive behavior in motion. The trigger can be internal (such as frustration or anger) or external (such as a perceived threat).
Escalation: The second phase is characterized by an increase in the intensity of the aggressor’s behaviour. The aggressor may become more verbal or physical, and may experience a loss of control.
Crisis: The third phase is a critical point in the cycle, where the aggressor may lose all self-control and act out in a violent manner.
Plateau or Recovery: The fourth phase involves a decrease in the aggressor’s behaviour, as they begin to regain control over their actions.
Post-Crisis Depression: The final phase involves a return to normal behaviour, although the aftermath of the assault may continue to have an impact on both the aggressor and the victim.
The Assault Cycle model can be useful in understanding and managing aggressive behaviour, as it emphasises the importance of identifying triggers and intervening early in the cycle to prevent escalation. By recognizing the warning signs of aggression and taking proactive steps to address the situation, individuals can help to defuse potentially violent situations before they escalate.
We use this PowerPoint to capture and record triggers, signs and strategies for each phase. The first slide shows an entire cycle, this is followed by a slide for each phase with an image of that point on the graph on the left, and titled text boxes to complete on the right.
They are individual to the child and they are stored in an easily accessible shared folder on our SharePoint; this means that it can be completed collaboratively and dynamically. We have found it to be a very useful tool for supporting children who are regularly acting aggressively or who go into crisis, perhaps from overstimulation or in response to a headache. The behaviour may be a trait of a particular neurodivergence such as ASD or pathological demand avoidance.
We use this tool within an early years setting, but it could be applied at any level within education. We have found it to be very useful for identifying triggers so that that strategies can be put in place immediately which are specific to that individual child, so that they do not get to crisis point; or if they do, to ensure that their support is individual and appropriate for them.
A Learning Outcomes/Objectives Slide proforma which can be added to your own lesson PowerPoint to show pupils which outcomes/objectives aim to be achieved during the lesson. Differentiated using Bloom's taxonomy enabling you to clearly show lower and higher level outcomes/objectives.
Just adapt to your own requirements by deleting the boxes that you do not need - an example is given with three outcomes. Just type in the outcomes into the colour coordinated text box.
Keywords: Bloom's taxonomy, knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, lesson outcomes, lesson objectives, higher level, lower level, differentiation.
Revision mat created for use with a unit delivered at my school entitled ‘Materials and Everyday Chemistry’. It is a rather composite course including elements of ‘How Science works’ in addition to ks3 chemistry
Material covered includes: Definitions, diffusion, hydrocarbon, pH, graphing and tabling skills, calculating percentage increase and decrease, fuel triangle, experimental accuracy and uncertainties.
A whole school PowerPoint slide to present differentiated lesson tasks. This differentiated task sheet enables students to take ownership for their own learning. The resource has been created using PowerPoint, this means that text boxes can be inserted onto the challenge levels to describe the tasks. I suggest two or three choices of task per challenge level.
The challenge levels are indicated by spiciness, the spicier the task, the more challenging it is.
Keywords: whole school, lesson, task sheet, worksheet, class template, chili, differentiated
Keywords linked to variation and classification. Developed for use with a Ks3 science class but could be used for GCSE. A great way to settle a class whilst consolidating learning of definitions linked to the topic.
Analogy for Competitive and Non- Competitive Enzyme Inhibition Rate Graph
Situation: Preschool birthday party game of musical chairs. The preschoolers are the substrate, the chairs are the enzymes, dads are competitive inhibitors and siblings are non-competitive inhibitors.
Competitive Inhibition
Some of the parent’s want to play. But the more parents there are the less likely the preschoolers are going to get a seat when the music stops. Eventually there will be a point when they are out competed for the seats because there are so many parents playing
Non Competitive Inhibition
The preschoolers have older siblings who are too cool to be at a party like this. When the music starts they run around pushing the chairs over so they can’t be used in the game anymore. It doesn’t matter how many preschoolers there are, they can’t ever fill all of the chairs because some are out of action.
I have created this worksheet to support A-Levels students to plot data accurately, but could easily be used with GCSE students. I deliver it as part of a lesson, prior to them doing a practical where they are required to demonstrate this as a skill.
The data looks at the effect of temperature on the growth of * Onchorynchus mykiss* (Rainbow trout).
A set of dominoes to use as a plenary or as a revision resource. Students have to cut out the dominoes and then match up the questions with the answers. All are from the GCSE biology topic 'plant hormones'.
I have created this mini test as a quick assessment of my Year 10’s photosynthesis knowledge. Formated with three tests to a page so can be easily answered on the sheet and stuck in books without lots of printing. Answers included.
Pupils are asked to complete the table as part of an explore task. To be delivered as part of the curriculum for AQA GCSE 4.1.3.1 Diffusion
Research can be conducted using textbooks or as part of a websearch
Diffusion: adaptations, root, small intestine, leaves, kidney and lungs
Pupils are asked to complete a storyboard to illustrate what happens when a bacteria enters their body.
The process starts from the moment 'Toby' gets scratched by his cat. His blood begins to clot then the immune system uses phagocytes and lymphocytes to target the bacteria.
Key words: Y shaped molecules, antibodies, phagocyte, phagocytosis, lymphocyte, agglutination, immune system, bacteria, storyboard
Keystage 3 Resource
A card sort where pupils are asked to match keywords with their definitions. Each central square has four keywords printed on each side. The definitions are on triangles which match up to the appropriate keyword. There are two sets of keywords, one in red and one in blue. They are also single or double bordered which means that the sets can still be identified when printed in greyscale.
The card sort has been designed so that minimum cutting is required!
Keywords: Solution, soluble, insoluble, saturated, dissolve, solubility, solvent, solute
Designed for use in our nursery school.
A single page page profile that includes the four broad areas of need and support : Communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health, and sensory and/or physical needs.
For information a detailed explanation of these is given in Chapter 6, Schools, in the 0-25 SEND Code of Practice, from paragraph 6.28.
A set of questions and answers written to go with a class watching the ‘Messengers’ episode (Ep 4) of Brian Cox’s ‘Wonders of the Universe’ series. Links into topics Light and Sound. Helps to keep engagement throughout the film. A good lesson for end of term or a cover lesson.
Reluctant toilet user? This may help
Description:
“Toilet Time Tales,” a creative and engaging resource designed to make toilet training an exciting journey for both parents and children. This innovative story prompt combines imagination, visual aids, and the essential process of using the toilet to create a positive and interactive experience for your child.
Key Features:
Interactive Visual Prompts: “Toilet Time Tales” is packed with colourful and captivating images that spark your child’s imagination. Each image represents a unique element of a story, waiting to be woven together with your child’s creative input. From friendly wizards embarking on adventures to magical worlds waiting to be explored, these images transform the toilet space into a canvas for storytelling.
Parent-Child Bonding: Toilet training can sometimes be a challenging phase for both parents and children. “Toilet Time Tales” brings you together with your child in a shared storytelling experience, fostering a sense of connection and cooperation. As you create stories together, your child’s anxieties about using the toilet can transform into moments of laughter and enjoyment.
Empowerment and Choice: This resource empowers your child by allowing them to take an active role in the storytelling process. By giving them choices on characters, settings, and actions, you help them regain a sense of control over a potentially stressful situation. This newfound sense of agency can translate into increased confidence in using the toilet independently.
Customizable Stories: The modular nature of “Toilet Time Tales” ensures that each session can be tailored to your child’s preferences. Whether they’re in the mood for a daring space odyssey or a magical underwater quest, the images can be rearranged to create countless story variations. This flexibility keeps the experience fresh and exciting, encouraging regular toilet use.
Positive Reinforcement: As your child engages in storytelling during toilet breaks, they’ll associate these moments with fun and creativity. This positive reinforcement can alleviate any resistance or reluctance towards using the toilet, gradually transforming it from a chore to a fun part of their routine.
How to Use:
Begin Storytelling: Invite your child to select an image and start telling a story based on it. Encourage them to use their imagination to describe characters, settings, and events.
Take Turns: As the story progresses, take turns adding new images and ideas to the narrative. This interactive exchange keeps both you and your child engaged and invested in the story.
Celebrate Creativity: Embrace the unexpected twists and turns your child’s imagination brings to the story. Celebrate their creativity and enthusiasm, making each storytelling session a memorable experience.
This resource empowers both parents and children to conquer toilet training challenges together through creativity, imagination, and a strong sense of connection.
Developed for specifically to help achieve the Unit 4 elements of the Forest School Leader (Level 3) “Plan initial 6 forest School programme sessions, showing links to own client groups learning and development objectives and needs”
I created this excel sheet because our local authority ask for two SEND Plans to evidence that there have been two cycles of the graduated approach as part of the EHCAR documentation (although I acknowledge that there is no such requirement in the SEND Code of Practice).
Using this table you can detail the intent, implementation and impact of the different interventions/resources used to date.
A set of questions to use either in a targeted manner, or as a whole class AfL using whiteboards, or simply as raised hands questioning. Ranked according to Blooms taxonomy
Keywords: cell transport, diffusion, cell transport and osmosis