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Little Scientists

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I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.

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I teach a number of low ability classes. I want my pupils to do as well as they can. So here are a number of resources that I have developed to help them do that. From writing frames to entire lessons. I am currently making themed topics to rope in pupils, e.g. Disney themes.
QWC Writing Frame with picture prompt - Pesticides
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QWC Writing Frame with picture prompt - Pesticides

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This writing frame is used to help pupils practice with their extended writing questions in Science. It uses smaller steps and leading questions for pupils to be able to answer the large question that they would see in the exam. The frame include keywords that the pupils should use in their answer and a picture in the center, either from the question itself or as a visual prompt. This is really useful for all pupils and ticks that literacy box!
Ocean Acidification
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Ocean Acidification

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This lesson is about the effects on carbon dioxide on our environment. The lesson starts with a literacy starter, pupils use a word cloud to determine the title of the lesson, and can list any words that they are unsure of. Pupils then listen to a podcast about ocean acidification, there are questions so that pupils are focussed during the task. There are then some slides about how ocean acidification happens, looking at combustion (equations) and the formation of carbonic acid (equations). The lesson then focusses on the formation of salts - how carbon dioxide reacts with carbonates in the ocean (equations). Finally, pupils use all the information they have learned to write a response to Nemo's letter about why his home is being destroyed.
Frozen Science - Separation Techniques
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Frozen Science - Separation Techniques

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with the theme of Disney's Frozen. Pupils begin with a "Think, Pair and Share" of how they will obtain fresh water from salt water on a beach. They then go onto do the rock salt experiment, creating a solution and then separating the salt and water, for higher ability classes get them to capture the fresh water, rather than letting it evaporate. Pupils then go onto a chromatography practical. Use a number of different green pens (one being the sample) and get pupils to determine which green pen was used in a scenario. You could also demo distillation of ink. Pupils finally complete the "Purifying a Solid" clue task to revisit key terms. There is also an extended writing homework available.
Jurassic Park - Energy Transfer
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Jurassic Park - Energy Transfer

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This is a Jurassic Park themed lesson aimed at KS3 pupils. Pupils begin by thinking about the types of energy that enter and leave an object, they complete a worksheet for this. Pupils then are reminded about kinetic and potential energy, with examples. Leading on from this, pupils then complete a description of energy transfer on a rollercoaster, and describe the energy types and particular points. Useful and wasted energy is explained to the pupils, with a simplified diagram. Pupils then create similar diagrams for different things seen at a theme park. Finally pupils are then given one Olympic scenario each and have to draw an energy transfer diagram as an exit ticket. There is a homework where pupils use the Jurassic World website to create energy transfer diagrams of activities in different sections. There is also an online homework used as an extension of the rollercoaster task (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park-basics).
Frankenweenie - Series Circuits
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Frankenweenie - Series Circuits

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with a theme of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie. Pupils begin by looking at a diagram of a circuit and discussing why it would not work. Pupils then draw series circuit diagrams from descriptions and decide if the circuit is open or closed. Pupils go onto an interactive website to create circuits and investigate how the number of bulbs and cells affect the brightness of bulbs (I find this more reliable than the actual electrical equipment). Pupils consolidate their learning with a Cloze exercise. Finally pupils design a series circuit that will bring Sparky back to life.
Frankenweenie - Parallel Circuits
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Frankenweenie - Parallel Circuits

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This is a KS3 lesson, for a low ability class. It has a theme of Frankenweenie. Pupils begin by using mini whiteboards to brainstorm how to create a circuit that ensures other light bulbs work if one goes out. They then watch a quick video and use this to write a summary sentence about the differences between series and parallel circuits. Pupils in groups model a parallel circuit, for a lower ability class you can do this as a class. Pupils are given components, and the remainder are electrons and are given plastic balls to represent energy. Pupils then complete a Cloze exercise. Finally pupils do a comprehension task about parallel and series circuits, and as an extension draw circuits for Christmas Tree lights and a house.
Jurassic Park - Types of Energy
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Jurassic Park - Types of Energy

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This is the first lesson of the Energy topic. It is designed for KS3 and has a Jurassic Park theme, where pupils design a new theme park for Richard Hammond. The start pupils look at images and try and come up with a title for the lesson. Pupils then do a number of jigsaw puzzles to make them to start thinking about the different types of energy and where they can be found. Pupils then create a mnemonic to help them remember all the types of energy. Pupils then create posters for Mr Hammond on the different types of energy he will see in his new park, using ideas from theme parks they already know. Finally pupils do a scavenger hunt using QR codes to answer some question to check their learning (internet access is not needed for this)
Jurassic Park - Insulation
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Jurassic Park - Insulation

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This is a KS3 lesson with a Jurassic Park theme. Pupils begin by brainstorming ways that heat is lost in a house. They then do a QR hunt to research different types of insulation in buildings, I put mine up around the school or room in the places you would find that particular type of insulation. Pupils then write a letter to John Hammond describing how he could reduce heat loss in his park. Finally pupils attempt a QWC question using a writing frame.
Ghostbusters Science - Pitch and Volume (Frequency and Amplitude)
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Ghostbusters Science - Pitch and Volume (Frequency and Amplitude)

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This is aimed at a low ability KS3 class, and has a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils enter the room and begin by doing a wordsearch. The teacher, using a diagram, explains how to read a wave from an oscilloscope, including keywords. A oscilloscope can also be used to demonstrate the different sounds and waves produced. Pupils then do a mini-experiment using a ruler, to investigate pitch and amplitude, to ensure that they understand the meaning of these words. Pupils then use a template the draw wave diagrams. There is then a task where pupils read descriptions of sound and match these to wave diagrams. Finally in teams pupils complete a small quiz. There are two homeworks available, which I let them chose between, both are experiments that they can do at home.
Gostbusters Science - Travelling Sound
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Gostbusters Science - Travelling Sound

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This is a low ability KS3 lesson, with a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils begin by creating a word cloud using keywords and using the size of the word to represent their understanding of that word. 4 experts are chosen to run 4 demos, sound travelling in a solid, liquid, gas and vacuum. Take these pupils aside and explain to them each demo and make sure they understand the information enough to explain to other pupils. While you are doing this, the other pupils are completing a data analysis task. Pupils then do go to each demo and get it explained to them - completing the worksheet. Pupils then write a letter explaining how to trap a ghost so it cannot communicate with other ghosts. This is then peer assessed.
Ghostbusters Science - How is Sound Produced?
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Ghostbusters Science - How is Sound Produced?

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This is for a low ability KS3 group, with a Ghostbusters theme. Pupils begin by using images to determine the title of the lesson. They then listen to sounds and try to describe them (link in notes section of ppt). Pupils then do a circus activity where there are a number of ways to make sound and try to decide the common factor. Pupils then line up facing forwards and teacher demonstrates how sound travels. Finally pupils try to answer the question "If a tree falls in a forest with no one around to hear it fall, does it make a sound?"
Jurassic Park - Heat Transfer
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Jurassic Park - Heat Transfer

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This is KS3 lesson with a Jurassic Park theme. Pupils start with three pictures and pupils use letters to figure out the title of the lesson (it is set up to look like 4pics1word). Pupils then play Yes/No to find out about the three different ways energy is transferred. Pupils then do 3 mini experiments using instructions cards. Who Wants to be a Millionaire is then available as a plenary. Finally pupils do an exit ticket where they decide on the type of energy transfer in different scenarios, they are to explain their choice. There are two homeworks, a QWC writing frame which is available to purchase on its own and a QR scavenger hunt.
Frankenweenie - Electricity Introduction
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Frankenweenie - Electricity Introduction

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This is designed for a low ability KS3 class and has a theme of Frankenweenie. Pupils start with a Think, Pair and Share activity on how Victor brought Frankenweenie back to life (for a high ability group, I would give them the Frankenstein text) Then use the Van der Graff to show pupils electricity and ask them to define it from this. Pupils then watch a video about what electricity is and complete a gap fill exercise. Pupils then create a flashlight using just a few easy to come by components. Then teach the symbols kinaesthetically, there is a video but I tend to do it myself. Go through this a number of times and finally get pupils to match the symbol with the component.
Jurassic Park - Conservation of Energy / Sankey Diagrams / Efficiency
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Jurassic Park - Conservation of Energy / Sankey Diagrams / Efficiency

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This is a Jurassic park themed lesson aimed at KS3. Pupils begin by identifying energy types and wasted or useful for given objects. Pupils then go onto the learn about the law of conservation and how to draw Sankey diagrams, they also assess a poorly drawn one. Pupils draw a few Sankey diagrams. Pupils then calculate efficiency. Million Pound Drop is then played by the pupils. This is from natashafox85 where you can get it for free (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/energy-efficiency-million-pound-drop-6142890) Finally pupils do a QWC question on the efficiency of light bulbs. This is from my QWC resources which can be found here https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/qwc-writing-frame-with-picture-prompt-comparing-lightbulbs-11178129
Jurassic Park - Energy Sources
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Jurassic Park - Energy Sources

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This is a KS3 lesson, with a Jurassic park theme. Pupils begin by sorting the types of energy sources into groups. They then have to justify their groupings. Pupils then when a quick video (link in picture) and are asked to note down the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources. Pupils are then put into groups and asked to research different types of energy sources (link in notes section of ppt) ready to present to a number of judges (Dragon Den style). The pretence is that they are selling their type of resource to John Hammond to use to run Jurassic Park. Pupils then present this, to make sure all students are engage, there is a table that they fill in with the information that they hear. Finally pupils complete a six mark question using a QWC writing frame on the evaluation of different energy sources.
Combined Biology AQA Required Practical Booklet
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Combined Biology AQA Required Practical Booklet

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This booklet contains all the required practicals for Combined Biology (AQA). It begins with a contents page, which has the list of practicals and the skills the pupils will learn during the practical. The skills have a RAG box so pupils can self assess how well they think they can do the skill. The contents also has a space for the date when the practical was done and a column for exam question feedback. Each required practical has a sheet for pupils to fill in. Each sheet follows the same format. Pupils fill in the risk assessment, results, conclusion and evaluation for each practical. Graph paper is included where needed. Finally, each practical has questions relating to the practical and practice exam questions that are either about the practical or similar practical or ask the pupils to apply what they have learnt from the practical.
Combined Physics AQA Required Practical Booklet
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Combined Physics AQA Required Practical Booklet

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This booklet contains all the required practicals for Combined Physics (AQA). It begins with a contents page, which has the list of practicals and the skills the pupils will learn during the practical. The skills have a RAG box so pupils can self assess how well they think they can do the skill. The contents also has a space for the date when the practical was done and a column for exam question feedback. Each required practical has a sheet for pupils to fill in. Each sheet follows the same format. Pupils fill in the risk assessment, results, conclusion and evaluation for each practical. Graph paper is included where needed. Finally, each practical has questions relating to the practical and practice exam questions that are either about the practical or similar practical or ask the pupils to apply what they have learnt from the practical.
Combined Chemistry AQA Required Practical Booklet
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Combined Chemistry AQA Required Practical Booklet

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This booklet contains all the required practicals for Combined Chemistry (AQA). It begins with a contents page, which has the list of practicals and the skills the pupils will learn during the practical. The skills have a RAG box so pupils can self assess how well they think they can do the skill. The contents also has a space for the date when the practical was done and a column for exam question feedback. Each required practical has a sheet for pupils to fill in. Each sheet follows the same format. Pupils fill in the risk assessment, results, conclusion and evaluation for each practical. Graph paper is included where needed. Finally, each practical has questions relating to the practical and practice exam questions that are either about the practical or similar practical or ask the pupils to apply what they have learnt from the practical.
Jurassic Park Science - Energy Whole Topic
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Jurassic Park Science - Energy Whole Topic

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This unit is for a KS3 class. The pretence of the unit is based on Jurassic park, where pupils design a park for John Hammond, that doesn't involve actual dinosaurs, to gain interest. Lessons include, types of energy, energy transfer, and electric bills..
Star Wars Science - Air Resistance
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Star Wars Science - Air Resistance

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This is a Star Wars themed lesson aimed at KS3. Pupils begin by doing a "Think, Pair, Share" on what will fall faster, an elephant or a feather and how they could make them fall at the same speed. The text is then hyperlinked so a video can be shown, when air is removed from the scenario. Pupils then watch an animation showing a parachutist and the way air resistance changes the forces and acceleration acting upon him. Pupils discuss which parachute will land first using the diagrams. Then pupils then investigate how surface area affects the speed in which a parachute falls. You will need tissue paper, string and a weight - I usually let them drop it from the balcony and down the stairs. Pupils then complete a gap fill exit ticket and draw force arrows on a parachutist. A QWC writing frame is also include for higher ability pupils and/or homework