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 OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Scaling up’ scheme of work.
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.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This bundle contains 68 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the complete Year 8 course, units include:
Biology:
B2.1 Health & lifestyle
B2.2 Adaptation & Inheritance
B2.3 Ecosystem Processes
Chemistry
C2.1 The Periodic Table
C2.2 Metals & Acids
C2.3 Separation Techniques
C2.4 The Earth
Physics
P2.1 Electricity & Magnetism
P2.2 Energy
P2.3 Motion & Pressure
The resources were designed with the Year 8 Activate course in mind, it contains over 24 weeks worth of lesson content!! You can find more lesson bundles aimed for the KS3 and KS4 science curriculum at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
All lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, videos & animations, progress checks and more than two opportunities, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks!
This bundle contains 57 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the complete Year 7 Activate Course, units include:
Biology:
B1.1 Cells
B1.2 Structure & Function of Body Systems
B1.3 Reproduction
Chemistry
C1.1 Particles & Their Behaviour
C1.2 Elements, Atoms & Compounds
C1.3 Chemical Reactions
C1.4 Acids & Alkalis
Physics
P1.1 Forces
P1.2 Sound
P1.3 Light
P1.4 Space
The resources were designed with the Year 7 Activate course in mind, it contains over 24 weeks worth of lesson content!! You can find more lesson bundles aimed for the KS3 and KS4 science curriculum at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
All lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, videos & animations, progress checks and more than two opportunities, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks!
This bundle of resources contains 13 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Cell-level systems’ unit for the NEW OCR Gateway Biology specification.
Lessons include:
Plant and animal cells
Prokaryotic cells
Light microscopy
Electron microscopy
DNA
Transcription & Translation
Enzymes & Enzyme Reactions
Aerobic Respiration
Anaerobic Respiration
Photosynthesis
Products of Photosynthesis
Factors affecting Photosynthesis
Interaction of Limiting Factors
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Cell-level lsystems’ scheme of work.
The lesson begins with a recap from the last lesson, children are shown images of pieces of equipment which could be used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Students can discuss, and write down in their books, a simple method using the equipment pictured. They can then self-assess their answers using the answer provided on the PowerPoint.
Children will now be given a worksheet which describes an experiment carried out to test the effect of carbon dioxide concentrations on the rate of photosynthesis. Students will need to plot a graph to represent the results, and then answer questions about this data.
Lastly, students will be introduced to the idea of the inverse square law - when you double the distance from a light source, the light intensity falls by a factor of four. Students will then need to use this to answer some questions in their books.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Cell-level lsystems’ scheme of work.
The lesson begins by students thinking about the raw materials needed for plants to photosynthesise and which factors might limit the rate. The three factors which students will need to learn about are then revealed - carbon dioxide, light intensity and temperature. Three limiting factor graphs are then shown for each of these factors and students need to have a go at explaining what the graphs are showing, as a class discussion. Pupils will then need to complete a fill-in-the-blank task and self- their assess their work using the answers provided.
Next pupils are shown a green leaf and a variegated leaf and are asked to think>pair>share which leaf they believe will have a higher rate of photosynthesis, and why. This then leads to pupils learning that less chlorophyll means less photosynthesis will take place, which could lead to stunted growth.
The next part of the lesson focuses on pupils being able to use practical equipment to set up an investigation which measure the effect of light intensity on rate of photosynthesis. Pupils will firstly be given some images of equipment they could use and are asked to come up with a potential method for this investigation. After this pupils are then shown a video where they have to answers questions about the variables in this investigation.
The plenary is a silent 5 task where pupils need to answer questions about what they learnt this lesson on their own in their books.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Cell-level lsystems’ scheme of work.
Pupils will learn about the products made during photosynthesis and how these are used plants. In particular the uses of protein, cellulose, starch and fats & oils. At a higher level pupils will consider the advantages and disadvantages of energy storage molecules such as fats, oils & starch.
Pupils will have an opportunity to use information points around the room to complete a levelled worksheet on this topic which will be peer assessed at the end of the lesson. Extension opportunities are available if finished.
Once this first activity has been self or peer assessed pupils will then have the opportunity to conduct an experiment to investigate the presence of starch in normal and variegated leaves. Students will also learn about investigations that can be carried out to prove that chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and light are needed for photosynthesis to take place.
The last activity pupils will complete are two exam-style questions on the topic of the lesson, this can then be self-assessed.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Cell-level lsystems’ 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 think about the structure of the leaf, and how it is adapted for its function of photosynthesis. Students will watch a video about these various adaptations, and will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching. This task can then be self-assessed using the answers provided in the PowerPoint presentation.
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 lesson is designed for the NEW OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology, ‘Cell-level systems’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW GCSE specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Firstly pupils are asked to consider why organisms may not be able to continuously carry out aerobic respiration. They can discuss in pairs and then as a class and be introduced to the idea of anaerobic respiration. They will fill then complete a fill-in-the-blank task to sum up this process.
Pupils will then watch a video where they will answer questions about anaerobic respiration, their answers can be checked against the mark scheme provided.
Now pupils are introduced to the idea of oxygen debt, they are given an information card in pairs (for lower ability classes you may want to tag read this as a class) and then pupils will need to answer questions about this information. They can talk about in partners, once finished they can self or peer assess their work.
Finally the different products of anaerobic respiration that are made in different organisms are highlighted, it is touched upon in the video but this is clear slide to show anaerobic respiration in plants, bacteria and yeast.
Pupils will complete some exam-style questions to assess their knowledge of this topic, can be answered in the back of their books to fully test them! Pupils can then mark their own work using the mark scheme provided.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology ‘Cell-level systems’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW GCSE specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with an introduction of the process of aerobic respiration including the word equations that pupils will need to learn. Next is a video, pupils will need to answer questions whilst watching the video, once it is finished they can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
Pupils are then introduced to the idea that aerobic respiration is exothermic and look specifically at the ultra-structure of the cell and which parts are important for respiration, this activity is a match up activity that pupils can complete and then mark.
A mid-plenary is a true or false task and the final activity is a levelled worksheet pupils will complete using information cards on how animal and plant organisms use the energy released by respiration. Once finished they can self-assess using the mark scheme on the PowerPoint slides.
Pupils have a choice of two activities to complete for their plenary - either an anagram challenge or a summary sentence using a list of key words.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed to meet specification points for the NEW OCR GCSE (Gateway) Biology 'Cell-level systems’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils being introduced to what an enzyme is, what it looks like and it’s role in the body.
Pupils will then watch a video and will need to answer questions (provided) whilst watching the video, they can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
Next pupils are shown a diagram of an enzyme’s lock & key mechanism in action, they will need to draw their own diagram of this process and include labels to show what is happening.
Next, pupils are introduced to the factors that can affect the rate of enzyme action. They are given a set of data on how temperature affects the rate of reaction. Pupils will need to plot this data onto a graph, they are then given a set of labels which they will need to match to certain points on their graph to describe what is happening.
In the next task pupils will need to complete sentences to explain the data that the graph is displaying, pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
The very last task requires pupils to look at the effect of pH on the rate of enzyme action, pupils will need to think about the pH needed for enzymes in the stomach to work. They can discuss this question or come up with an answer themselves.
The plenary task is a fill-in-the-blank task for pupils to complete in their books, this can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
Any questions please let me know by leaving a comment, and any feedback is much appreciated :)!
This is a lesson which meets specification points within the OCR Gateway Science - B1 -Cell-Level Systems SoW.
This lesson starts with a description, and diagram, of how DNA is copied via the process of transcription. Students will watch a short animation on the PowerPoint which further outlines this process, they will then need to complete a fill-in-the-blank task. This can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
Next, children will look at the structure of DNA and mRNA and compare the two, they will complete a table which outlines the similarities and differences between these two molecules. This can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The latter part of the lesson is on translation, children will be given a description and shown a short animation of the process of translation. After this, a video will be shown and students will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching. The answers to this task are included in the PowerPoint, and children will need to self-assess their work once it is complete.
The final activity is an exam-style question on DNA.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This is a lesson which meets specification points within the OCR Gateway Science - B1 -Cell-Level Systems SoW.
The lesson begins with a recap on the genetic structures found within an organism, students will need to order the organisms in terms of size. Students can then self-assess their work, using the answers provided.
Next, students are taught about the structure of DNA, using detailed diagrams. Children will have a few minutes to study the structure of a DNA nucleotide, it will then be covered up and they will need to try and recreate the diagram, including key words. This task can then be self-assessed.
Students will now be shown a video, which outlines the way in which nucleotides are bound together by complimentary base-pairing. Whilst watching the video, students will need to answer a set of questions. The answers to this video are on the next slide, so students can either self-assess or peer-assess their work.
The last task is a ‘quick check’ activity, which includes some summary questions on the topic of this lesson.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW OCR GCSE (Gateway Science) Biology B1 ‘Cell-level systems’ SoW.
This lesson begins with a review of magnification and resolving power, as well as defining the two main advantages of the electron microscope.
The following slides offer detailed notes on the parts of the electron microscope and their functions. Students will then fill in a table in their books using information notes which have been posted around the room. A self-assessment slide follows!
To consolidate the lesson, students will complete an exam-style question and self-assess to the following slide.
The plenary task is a series of answers for students to write the questions for.
All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new OCR GCSE (Gateway Science) Biology B1 - ‘Cell-level systems’ SoW.
For more resources 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.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the structure of a light microscope, and how to use it to view a specimen, including different ways in which stains can be used in light microscopy. Students will watch a video, and will need to answer questions in their books, before self-assessing their work.
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 is a lesson aimed at the new OCR GCSE Gateway Science B1 - ‘Cell-level systems’ 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 which meets specification points within the OCR Gateway Science - B1 -Cell-Level Systems 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 bundle of resources contains 12 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the 'Inheritance, Variation & Evolution’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
Lessons include:
Types of reproduction
Variation
Meiosis
Selective Breeding
Genetic Engineering
Inherited Disorders
Gene Expression & Inheritance
DNA & Protein Synthesis
Ethics of gene technologies
Evolution by natural selection
Evidence of evolution
Evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria
Evolution & Extinction
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This task is designed for the NEW AQA A-Level Biology.
Included in this resource is a ‘revision placemat’ for Cells. Concepts covered include: cell structures in animal and plant cells and their functions, cell adaptations, eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic cells, and mitosis. Pupils will also discuss photomicrograph measurements, osmosis, and active transport. There are 13 revision questions in total.
Pupils may use their books if necessary but should test their knowledge by attempting to answer all questions from memory first.
The solution for this activity is also included so you can check their answers, or they may self-assess.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
For more resources designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA A-Level specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This task is designed for the NEW AQA A-Level Biology.
Included in this resource is a ‘revision placemat’ for Infection and Response. Concepts covered include: risk factors, pathogen spread, and a bacteria vs. a virus. Pupils will discuss bacterial, viral and fungal infections, their symptoms spread and treatment. They will also discuss antibiotic resistance, and mineral ions in plants. There are 12 revision questions in total.
Pupils may use their books if necessary but should test their knowledge by attempting to answer all questions from memory first.
The solution for this activity is also included so you can check their answers, or they may self-assess.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
For more resources designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA A-Level specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience