I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
I aim to create detailed lessons for KS3 and KS4 science lessons, simplifying content for both teachers and pupils. My lessons include a lot of pupil-centred tasks and modelling activities where appropriate to engage pupils in their learning. As an AQA examiner for the new GCSE trilogy and triple science course I include a lot of 'past paper' style questions in my lessons that match the type of questions students will be asked in examinations.
A double lesson / series of lessons comparing the processes of mitosis and meisosis, suitable for KS3 or a low/ middle ability KS4 class (lesson is tailored towards the new AQA GCSE scheme). The lesson features:
A ‘find someone who’ starter grid activity with 6 questions recapping cells (differences between animal, plant and bacterial cells, roles of cell organelles)
An introduction to the purpose of mitosis including a link to a video showing aphid cloning and an engaging hook into the lesson considering the replacement of skin cells using mitosis
An explanation for the stages of the cell cycle and mitosis using a diagram
Differentiated activities on the stages of mitosis (a simple ‘ordering the stages’ task, a table where pupils must order and draw an image to represent the stages of mitosis and a ‘true/ false’ review grid
Graphs showing the change in DNA content that students must link to the stages of mitosis and meiosis
Review questions on mitosis including a past paper question
An introduction to the purpose of meiosis using key terms that pupils must discuss and a discussion question
An explanation for the stages of meiosis using a diagram
A slide to compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis using images of each cell division
A comparison table of mitosis and meiosis with animated answers
A 6 mark question comparing mitosis and meiosis with animated markscheme
Review questions on the two processes
A KS3/KS4 lesson looking at key genetic terminology, building towards the completion and analysis of genetic diagrams for sickle cell anaemia, huntington's disease and cystic fibrosis. The lesson features:
-A starter task looking at student understanding of the link between genes, chromosomes and DNA in a 'guess who' format
-Powerpoint slides containing explanations for key genetic terminology and a table of definitions that requires students to match the correct key terms for
- Four step-by-step worked examples with animated stages to demonstrate how to complete a genetic diagram/ punnett square. For differentiation i have created a worksheet (in the slides) with scaffolded support
- Two extension questions to explain genetic diagram outcomes
- Slides explaining the symptoms of sickle cell anaemia, huntington's and cystic fibrosis
- Genetic diagram questions for students to complete on inherited diseases
A KS3 lesson explaining the link between genes, chromosomes and DNA. The lesson features:
- A starter task recapping previous learning on cells and sexual reproduction
-A differentiated task describing the link between genes, chromosomes and DNA (features a labelling sheet and powerpoint slides that could be printed out to form information stations)
- A 'what am I' task to assess student understanding of the link between 'genes, chromosomes and DNA'
- A task using sweets to model the 3D structure of DNA and statements that prompt students to explain what the parts of their model represent
- A video looking at the discovery of DNA with corresponding questions
- An evaluation task looking at the contributions of different scientists to the discovery of DNA (fully resourced with cards to be handed out to students in groups)
A KS3/ GCSE lesson describing the reactants and products of photosynthesis and adaptations of structures in the leaf. The lesson features:
- A structured 'information stations' learning task on the structures found in the leaf containing differentiated questions
- Multiple choice questions to assess understanding
- A differentiated question sheet
- A worksheet (could be completed as homework) with mark scheme
Dice revision mats for the entire Edexcel IGCSE biology course.
Work great as a starter, plenary task or revision activity with students working independently or in groups. Students roll a dice twice to determine the question on the grid they must answer.
There are five grids in total - Section 4 and 5 have been grouped together whilst section 2 has been split into 2 grids due to its size.
Please note resources does not come with the answers to the questions
A KS3/KS4 lesson on labelling and describing the difference between plant and animals cells, calculating the magnification of objects viewed under a microscope and rearranging the magnification equation to calculate image size/ actual size.
The lesson features:
A starter activity where students think about what processes all living things must do
A link to a video providing students with a catchy ‘rap’ about the names and parts of a cell
A worksheet that can be easily differentiated (currently has missing words) on labelling cells and describing their function
An extended writing task to describe the difference between plant and animal cells and explain why plant cells need additional organelles. The task comes with a model answer on the powerpoint to allow for peer/ self assessment
Fun introduction to magnification with a ‘guess the object’ game. Students are shown magnified images and must guess what the object is
Scaffolded step-by-step methods and questions for calculating magnification, image size and actual size. On the questions slide for each type of calculation there is a worked example to guide pupils/ for reference
A complete lesson to compare the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The lesson features engaging video clips looking at the effects of aerobic and anaerobic respiration on the body, a foldable resource with instructions to compare the processes, review questions with answers for assessment and an application of knowledge task to explain the lactic acid concentration in the blood of a runner. A 6 mark question is also included to explain changes in the body during exercise
Lesson on the short and long term effects of alcohol on the body. The lesson features:
A mind map starter on effects of alcohol
Provocative images to aid discussion on the effects of alcohol
Blurred vision task
Exam questions
Long and short term effects card sort
Discussion question on the implications of ethics when treating alcohol abuse followed by a silent debate task
