This activity includes fact cards explaining how six different methods of contraception work. It gives some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. I usually display these around the classroom and get the students to rotate between them, memorising them as they go. They then transfer their new knowledge into the outline table provided. Some questions are also posed to gauge their level of understanding of when each type of contraceptive might be appropriate.

Hearing Flow Chart - a quick starter or plenary activity, where students complete the gaps to explain how the ear works. Can either be displayed on the board as a whole class activity, or printed out for individual or paired work. Answers are included.

The human eye. Two pairing activities that can be displayed on the board or printed out as a starter or plenary activity.

Cells literacy task. Students are presented with several pieces of text, which they need to analyse and rearrange into the most appropriate order. They could then interrogate the text to pick out key scientific vocabulary, nouns, verbs etc.

Human reproduction crossword, ideal for end of topic revision, as a knowledge retrieval exercise or as a homework activity.

Microbes around school. As part of a CREST Award some of my students swabbed different surfaces around the school, grew the microbes on agar and recorded their results. This presentation can be used as a starter or plenary activity. I usually print off pictures of the eight different surfaces and get students to work in pairs or small groups to try and order them in terms of number of microbes. We then discuss the results and relate them to the standard of cleaning around the school.

A worksheet to support students completing the classic experiment where they measure (albeit very roughly!) the amount of energy stored in different foods. The sheet gives full instructions for the practical as well as some concluding questions to confirm their level of knowledge and understanding.

Animal reproduction literacy task and crosswords. Students are presented with several pieces of text, which they need to analyse and rearrange into the most appropriate order. They could then interrogate the text to pick out key scientific vocabulary, nouns, verbs etc. They could then use the information in the text to help complete the crosswords, either working alone or with a partner.

Cholera in London Cartoon Strip and Interview - contains a cartoon writing/drawing frame, background information and quotes from key figures involved in the battle against cholera in London in the mid-Victorian era.

A combined comprehension task and crossword on the topic of animal reproduction. Three different versions of the crossword are provided, some with clues missing so that students need to work collaboratively to complete it.

Scientific Investigation Template and Check Sheet - the zipped archive contains an investigation template and guidance notes, which can either be typed into directly or printed off. It also contains a check sheet, for students to confirm that their write-up includes all the important features.