I am a secondary school & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology. I am also an experienced AQA GCSE Biology Examiner. My resources contain a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons aimed at meeting specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE course and KS3 Activate course.
All of my lessons include at least one opportunity for self-assessment, a range of activities to suit students of all abilities, a set of differentiated starter questions and a plenary.
I am a secondary school & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology. I am also an experienced AQA GCSE Biology Examiner. My resources contain a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons aimed at meeting specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE course and KS3 Activate course.
All of my lessons include at least one opportunity for self-assessment, a range of activities to suit students of all abilities, a set of differentiated starter questions and a plenary.
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology 'Cells' SoW.
For more resources designed for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology, Chemistry an Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils completing a comprehension task, they will need to read details on the history of the microscope and answer questions into their books. Once finished pupils will need to then self-assess their work using the answers provided in the PowerPoint presentation.
Pupils are then introduced to the idea of 'resolution' - the definition for which they need to know so pupils could write this down in their books.
The next part of the lesson will focus more on maths skills related to microscopy, pupils will firstly need to calculate the overall magnification of a microscope using the objective lens and eyepiece lens magnifications. The next skill pupils will learn is to change units of measurement from cm > mm > um > nm.
The next calculation pupils will need to know is how to calculate the actual size of a specimen being observed down a microscope. Pupils will be introduced to the calculation and then given a couple of example questions, pupils can attempt to have a go at these themselves. The following slide goes through step-by-step how you would calculate the answers to these questions.
The plenary is a 'Silent 5' task where pupils will need to answer questions based upon what they have learnt during the lesson.
This resource is designed to meet specification points in the new AQA Trilogy Biology ‘Cells’ SoW.
For more resources designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with pupils shown a picture of an amoeba and one of a polar bear, they will need to discuss the difference between the organisms in terms of how they take in oxygen from their environment. Once you have shared a few ideas from the pupils with the class you can show the pupils the difference between the two organisms - amoeba can rely on simple diffusion whereas larger multicellular organisms need specialised exchange surfaces.
Pupils are then shown three examples of exchange surfaces - alveoli, small intestine and leaves of plants - they will need to think about how these structures might be adapted to exchange materials efficiently. You could have a short class discussion to develop these ideas.
Once you have again discussed these factors with the class you can reveal the next slide which outlines the 4 main features of an efficient gas exchange surface.
Pupils will then be given a worksheet and they will need to move around the room reading posters of information about villi and alveoli to complete the worksheet. This should take approximately 20 minutes, once finished pupils can peer-assess their work using the answers provided with the PowerPoint presentation.
The plenary is an Exit Card pupils will complete and pass to you on the way out of the door, this requires pupils to write down 3 key words, one fact and a question to test their peers knowledge of what they have learnt about in the lesson today.
This resource meets specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology ‘Cells’ SoW.
For other resources designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by getting pupils to think about what diffusion is and then giving them the scientific definition for the process. Pupils will then need to read statements about the stages of diffusion, look at diagrams demonstrating these stages and match them together in their books. This activity will be self-assessed using the answers in the PowerPoint presentation.
Pupils will then need to think > pair > share about the factors they think will affect the rate of diffusion. Once they have come up with their own ideas and shared them as a class you can show them the animation provided to demonstrate how concentration of particles and size affects the rate of diffusion. Pupils are then asked to consider how temperature might affect the rate, you can demonstrate this affect using the link to another animation which demonstrates this effect.
Pupils will then complete a fill-in-the-blank task to demonstrate their knowledge of how these different factors affect the rate of diffusion, which can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
Pupils will then look at the importance of diffusion in living organisms and specifically the types of adaptation organism might have to speed up the rate of diffusion. The final activity is a past-paper questions, when completed pupils will self-asses using the mark scheme.
The plenary activity is quick past-paper question to complete and mark.
This is lesson is designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy Biology specification, specifically the 'Cells' SoW.
Please find more resources for the NEW Trilogy GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry specifications in my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by identifying the differences between osmosis, diffusion and active transport. Pupils will then watch a video and answer questions about the process of active transport whilst watching. Once finished pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
Pupils will then sort statements about the three types of movement - diffusion, osmosis, active transport - into three columns, pupils will then self-assess their work.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the importance of active transport to living organisms, pupils will be introduced to two examples - mineral ion uptake in plants and absorption of glucose in humans. Pupils will then need to answer questions on this topic.
The plenary is a exam-style question on active transport, pupils can again self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology ‘Bioenergetics’ scheme of work.
The lesson begins by pupils being introduced to the term ‘photosynthesis’ and then being asked to consider the raw materials that plants need in order for photosynthesis to occur. Pupils are then given three minutes to write down everything they have learnt about photosynthesis so far, with an extension task to write the word equation for the reaction.
In the next part of the lesson pupils are introduced to the word equations and are challenged to write a balanced symbol equation for this reaction.
Mid-lesson plenary involves a set of exam-questions (total marks = 9 marks) which they can complete in silence and then peer or self-assess using the mark scheme provided.
Pupils are then introduced to the concept of endothermic and exothermic reactions, they are given the definition for an endothermic reaction and are then asked to ‘think, pair, share’ with a partner about what an exothermic reaction might be and whether photosynthesis is endothermic or exothermic. After 5 minutes, pupils are given the answers and they can mark their work.
The final activity is for pupils to watch a video on the scientific investigation conducted by Van Helmont, pupils watch the video and answer questions on a worksheet which can then be self or peer-assessed using red pens.
Pupils can choose their plenary activity - either writing quiz questions on the topic of the lesson or summarising what they learnt by writing a twitter message along with #keywords.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new Biology Trilogy 'Bioenergetics' scheme of work.
The lesson begins by focusing on the location of the main organs in the plant, students are then asked to match the name of the organs to their function. Once this work is self-assessed pupils will watch a video which will outline some of the adaptations a plant has that enables it to carry out photosynthesis.
Pupils are then introduced to the major tissues in the leaf of a plant and are given some information on the location, structure and function of these tissues. Using this information pupils are required to complete a worksheet labelling a cross-section of a leaf. Once finished, pupils can use the mark scheme within the PowerPoint presentation to check their work.
Students are then asked to consider why plants and the process of photosynthesis is so important. They are reminded of the fact that plants are needed to harness sunlight energy and synthesise organic molecules like glucose which not provides energy to the plant but to all organisms further up the food chain.
The final activity is a past-paper question worksheet that pupils should complete in silence, once finished they can either self-assess or peer-assess using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary is for students to summarise what they have learnt in the lesson by writing 3 facts, 2 key words and posing 1 question to their peers.
All resources are found at the end of the PowerPoint presentation. Thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson aimed at the new GCSE Physics specification, it meets specification points for the 'Energy' module. For more lessons within this series please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by students considering how energy is transferred to useful or wasted energy stores and the concept of energy dissipation is introduced. The first activity involves students filling in a worksheet to identify the useful and wasted energy transfers in different systems, this is then self-assessed using the answers on the PowerPoint.
Pupils are then given the opportunity to describe the energy transfers of a pendulum, particularly thinking about why a pendulum eventually comes to a stop. Pupils can self-assess their work using the mark scheme on the PowerPoint.
Pupils are then introduced to energy 'efficiency' and how they can use the wasted and useful energy values of a system to calculate the efficiency of this device. Pupils are firstly given some easier calculations to try which can be modelled on the board, answers are provided.
Pupils can then complete the worksheet of calculations, which they can self-assess using the answers on the Power Point slide. For the last activity pupils are required to copy and complete a table, filling in missing values of either the efficiency, the wasted energy or useful energy values of different devices. Pupils can again self-assess using the answers provided.
The plenary activity is a past-paper exit card, I get pupils to hand the completed worksheet to me as they leave and I will mark it and hand it back to them for the next lesson with a grade and improvements.
Thanks for purchasing, please let me know if you have any feedback :).
Worksheets are found at the end of the PowerPoint slide and all answers are provided so pupils can peer or self-assess their work throughout the lesson.
This is a resource aimed at the NEW AQA GCSE Biology specification, developed to meet learning outcomes within the 'Infection & Response' unit.
This lesson is part of a 12 lesson bundle for the NEW 'Infection & Response' Unit, found in my TES shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by describing the process by which a bacteria may become resistant to an antibiotic.
Pupils will then watch a storyboard animation which demonstrates this process visually. Pupils can then use this animation to create their own storyboard, including diagrams and captions, to represent the process of natural selection in bacteria which leads to antibiotic resistance.
The focus of the lesson is then on MRSA, a few real-life headlines are given as an example of an antibiotic resistant bacteria. Pupils will brainstorm what sorts of methods hospitals employ to reduce the spread of such 'super bugs'.
The final activity is for pupils to completed questions on antibiotic resistance and how to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA. The mark scheme for the questions are included on the Power Point presentation for students to mark their own work or peer-assess.
The plenary is a recap on the learning outcomes, pupils will need to assess whether they are R/A/G.
This is a resource for the new AQA GCSE Biology ‘Infection and Response’ module.
The lesson begins with an introduction to the structure of fungi and protists and some of the diseases they can cause in plants and animals.
Pupils can then stick a piece of information in their books which outlines the rose black spot fungal disease of plants and the protist disease of malaria in humans. Pupils should use this information to work their way through the levelled tasks on the board. You can then go through the answers to these questions and pupils can self-assess or peer-asses their work.
The mid-lesson progress check is an activity where pupils match definitions to the correct key words, pupils can self-assess their work.
In the next activity pupils can create a pamphlet/poster aimed at patients going abroad to a country where they could be at risk of contracting malaria. Pupils can work through the tasks for each of the parts of the ABCD approach in order to complete this poster. Pupils can then peer-assess their work.
Plenary is a quick quiz pupils can complete at the back of their books.
Other lessons from the ‘Infection and Response’ unit can be found in my TES shop.
Thanks :)
This is a lesson aimed at the NEW AQA Trilogy 'Particle models of matter' SoW for the new Physics specification.
The lesson begins by recapping on the definitions of melting point, boiling point and freezing point. Pupils will also be asked to consider why salt is added to a pan of water or to roads which may become icy to get them thinking about how impurities can affect the melting/boiling point of a substance.
This then leads on to the introduction of a temperature-time graph demonstrating changes in state, pupils will need to sketch the graph and then match statements to the correct numbered step on the graph.
The next slide introduces the idea of latent heat, this will be explored in more detail in a separate lesson. In the next activity pupils will use data to produce a graph and then answer questions on the data they have produced.
The plenary activity is a past-paper question, mark scheme provided for pupils to peer-assess their work.
This is a resource which meets specification points within the NEW AQA GCSE Trilogy 'Cells' Sow.
Other lessons designed for the new 'Cells' SoW and other new Trilogy Biology and Physics SoW can be found in my TES shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by identifying the purpose of mitosis - growth and repair. Pupils will then be given a double-sided worksheet, the first side corresponds to the first 5 mins 51 seconds of the video included in the PowerPoint slide. Pupils will need to watch the video and answer the questions on the sheet, they are in order but for lower ability classes you may want to stop the video and guide pupils through the work. Self-assess this work using the answers provided in the PowerPoint before moving on with the video.
The next part of the video guides pupils through what happens during Mitosis - Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase. Pupils have diagrams of the the processes on the back of their worksheet, they will need to use the video to name the stages and describe what is happening. Self-assess work using the answers that are provided in the PowerPoint.
The next activity, pupils are given real images of a cell going through mitosis and descriptions of the stages, they need to cut and stick the stages and the pictures in the correct order to complete a flow diagram. Pupils peer or self-assess their work using red/green pens.
**Past-paper question provided as an extra activity for higher-ability pupils - pupils answer the question in their books and peer-assess using the mark scheme**
Plenary - pupils write a text message or a tweet to their friend to tell them what they have learnt about this lesson.
All resources are included, as well as mark schemes for when pupils self/peer-assess their work.
Please leave a review with feedback :) thanks!
This is a lesson which meets specification points in the NEW AQA GCSE (2016) 'Cells' SoW.
Other lessons from this SoW and other AQA GCSE Trilogy Sow for the new specification can be found in my TES shop.
This lesson begins by watching a video about the structure of cells and where to find the genetic information, pupils will watch the video and answer questions (provided in the PowerPoint presentation.)
Pupils will then be presented with a labelled diagram of a cell, nucleus, chromosome and gene. Pupils will be required to analyse the diagram for a few minutes (you can include a stop clock on the board). The screen will then be changed and pupils will be given a blank copy of the diagram which they will need to complete from memory - pupils can then peer-assess their work.
In the next activity, pupils are shown diagrams of a cell with a nucleus visible, DNA, a gene and a chromosome. Pupils can either create a flow chart by cutting and sticking the diagrams in order from largest to smallest and then labelling them. Alternatively, they could draw their own diagrams and label them. Pupils can then self-assess their work using red pens.
The next activity, pupils are given a series of words and definitions, they will need to match the key words up to the correct definition. Pupils then self-assess their work.
Their are two option for the plenary activity, for lower ability classes pupils will be required to fill in the blanks in a paragraph describing the structure and function of genetic information and where it is found within the cell. The second plenary is a past-paper question, pupils can answer this in their books and then peer-assess using red pens.
All resources are included, please leave a review with feedback :). Thanks!
This is a lesson aimed at the new AQA GCSE Biology (2016) - ‘Cells’ SoW.
The lesson begins by identifying examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, pupils can begin to think about the structural differences between these two types of cells.
Next, pupils are given a worksheet plus an additional card of information on either the structure or function of a bacteria cell. Pupils will need to walk around the room and trade the information on their card with others to fully complete a labelled diagram of a bacteria cell and descriptions of the functions for each structure.
Once completed pupils can peer or self-assess their work using the information within the PowerPoint slide.
The next activity requires pupils to apply their knowledge of the structure of bacteria (prokaryotic) cells and compare this to the structure of eukaryotic cells, pupils need to construct a list/table in their books to identify the similarities and differences between these two cells. Pupils can then self-assess their work against the list provided in the PowerPoint slide.
The next activity is an assessment activity, pupils will need to complete the past-paper question in their books and again self/peer-assess their work using red pens.
The final activity involves a list of ‘True/False’ statements, to gauge the progress of the class this could be completed by students holding up red/amber/green cards to identify whether they think the statement is true or false.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, please review to provide me with feedback :). Thank you.
This is a lesson aimed at meeting specification points within the new AQA GCSE (2016) Biology 'Cells' SoW.
For more resources aimed for the new AQA GCSE specification please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Pupils will start by looking at the differences between unicellular and multicellular oganisms and what it means for a cell to be 'specialised'.
Pupils will then focus on the difference between stem cells in animal and plant cells, they will read a bit of information on this topic and answer questions in their books. Pupils can then peer-assess their work using the answers in the PowerPoint.
In the next task Pupils can either use posters places around the room or they each get given a different card with a different specialised cell and they need to complete a table of information on the structure and function of various specialised cells. These include: palisade cell, white blood cell, nerve cell, red blood cell, ciliated epithelial cell, sperm and egg cell.
The last activity pupils will need to complete a past-paper question to assess their knowledge. Pupils can then self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This is a lesson which meets specification points within the AQA Biology Trilogy - Cells SoW.
The lesson begins by pupils using posters around the room to complete a levelled worksheet on the structure and function of animal and plant cells. Pupils will then peer-assess their work, providing feedback of the grade each pupil achieved and ways to improve their work.
Pupils will then complete a 'revision' task in the back of their books, they will need to stick in a sheet and match the structure to the function. Pupils can self-assess their work.
The final task, an assessment task, involves pupils answering a past-paper questions. They should try and do this with their book closed to test their knowledge of what they have learnt this lesson.
Pupil can then either peer-assess or self-assess their work.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This is a resource which meets specification points from the NEW AQA GCSE Physics 'Energy' SoW.
Other lessons from this SoW can be found in my TES Shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils considering which of the energy resources are renewable or non-renewable. Pupils will then use the posters, which can be placed around the room or on pupils desks, to complete a table which identifies how the energy resource generates electricity and the advantages and disadvantages of each energy resource.
Pupils are then given a list of statements about all power stations which they need to cut and stick (or write) into two columns - advantages or disadvantages. **To challenge higher ability pupils this could be completed at the back of students books, so they cannot use information from the previous task**. Pupils can then peer-assess their work.
The plenary activity is a past-paper question which involves analysing some data on the usage of different power stations between two time periods. The mark scheme is included, pupils can use this to either peer-assess or self-assess their answer.
All resources are included. Please review, I would appreciate any feedback :). Thanks!
This is a lesson aimed at the new Physics specification, it meets specification points within the 'Energy' module.
Other lessons from the 'Energy' module can be found in my TES shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins with a word search that pupils can complete to identify key words related to this lesson. Pupils will then watch a video on specific heat capacity where they will need to identify the factors which may affect a materials SHC.
Pupils are then introduced to the concept of specific heat capacity and you can work through model questions with students to demonstrate how to approach and answer questions (model questions included on the PowerPoint slides).
Pupils then have a go at completing SHC capacity questions on their own, pupils can then self-assess their work. Next activity is a 'Cloze' activity where pupils need to copy and complete sentences, words are provided.
Plenary - pupils are provided with a range of answers, they need to write questions which correspond to these answers.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation. Enjoy and if you have any feedback please leave a review :)!
This is a resource aimed at the NEW GCSE Physics specification on ‘Energy’.
Other lessons from this series can be found in my TES Shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by considering objects with elastic potential energy stores. The calculation for the elastic potential energy store of an object is introduced and pupils can have a go at rearranging it themselves. **If lower ability - you can go through this on the board**
Pupils then copy and complete the table which leads them through the different stages to this calculation, they can then self-assess their work using a red pen.
The next two slides are questions pupils can complete to work out the elastic potential energy stores of various objects, these questions can be self-assessed.
The final activity is a past-paper question task (worksheet provided at the end of the PowerPoint) whereby pupils complete the questions, pass to their peers and peers will mark the work using the mark scheme provided on the PowerPoint. Peers should provide a positive comment, negative comment and something to improve.
All resources for this lesson are included at the end of the PowerPoint presentation.
Thanks & enjoy :)
This lesson is aimed at the new GCSE specification, on the topic of ‘Energy’.
More lessons from this series can be found in my TES Shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Pupils begin by considering what types of objects have a store of kinetic energy and then they can ‘Think, Pair, Share’ - what factors might affect how much kinetic energy an object actually has?
The lesson then moves on to show pupils the calculation to work out kinetic energy, you can work through two model questions with pupils on the board.
Pupils are then given a table where the calculation is broken down into sections. They are given the mass and the speed of an object, they will need to calculate 0.5 x mass in one column and the speed squared in another - from this they can calculate the kinetic energy. Once complete pupils can assess their work using a red pen.
The next part of the lesson introduces how to rearrange the equation and then an activity follows with slightly harder calculations on kinetic energy, where they may be required to use the rearranged equation. Self-assessment of work when complete.
**Higher ability students should now have a go at the past-paper question from the NEW AQA GCSE specimen material, they can complete the question and mark their work using the mark scheme provided**
The plenary is game of ‘equation bingo’ - the students write 6 equations/words/phrases into their books, you describe their meaning and if students have the correct equation/word/phrase they can cross them out of their book. The first person to cross all of them out correctly can shout bingo!
All resources are included in the PowerPoint - enjoy :)
This is a resource designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA GCSE Physics module on ‘Energy’.
Other lessons of this series can be found in my TES Shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
It begins with a discussion on what power is a measurements of, there are hints that can be put on the board for lower ability students. You can then provide students with a definition of power which they can write down in their books.
Pupils then consider the units of power, they can copy and complete sentences on the board which compare watts to joules/second and the difference between watts and kilowatts, joules and kilo joules.
Next is the completion of a formula triangle in their books, higher ability students can figure out how to write this on their own but for lower ability students you may want to guide them through it. The concept of power is then put into context using Mo Farah/Usain Bolt as examples (videos provided).
The next task is a table that students will need to copy off the board, it outlines different appliances and pupils will have to perform calculations to fill in the blanks. Pupils can self-assess their work using red pens, answers are provided on the PowerPoint slide.
The final activity is a worksheet pupils can complete on power, again the answers to this worksheet is provided within the PowerPoint slide for pupils to self-assess the work.
Plenary activity requires pupils to state three key facts from the lesson, 2 key words and pose a question to their peers on the topic of power.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint slide. Thanks & enjoy :)