A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
This bundle of 4 revision lessons have been designed to provide the students with lots of opportunities to evaluate their understanding of the topics found in module 4 of the OCR A-level Biology A specification.
The bundle includes lessons which cover the three sub modules 4.1.1 (Communicable diseases), 4.2.1 (Biodiversity) and 4.2.2 (Classification and evolution) as well as a lesson to cover all of module 4 (Biodiversity, evolution and disease).
As this module is often taught near to the end of the AS year, it doesn’t always receive the time that the other modules do. With this in mind, each of the lessons has been written to include a wide range of activities that allow the important details to be covered and any misconceptions addressed.
This revision lesson has been designed to challenge the students on their use of a range of mathematical skills that could be assessed on the six OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science papers. The mathematical element of the GCSE Combined Science course has increased significantly since the specification change and therefore success in those questions which involve the use of maths can prove to be the difference between one grade and another or possibly even more.
The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities that include exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes and explanations so that students can assess their progress. Other activities include differentiated tasks, class discussion points and quick quiz competitions such as “It doesn’t HURT to CONVERT”, “YOU DO THE MATH” and “FILL THE VOID”.
The following mathematical skills (in a scientific context) are covered in this lesson:
The use of Avogadro’s constant
Rearranging the formula of an equation
Calculating the amount in moles using mass and relative formula mass
Calculating the relative formula mass for formulae with brackets
Using the Periodic Table to calculate the number of sub-atomic particles in atoms
Changes to electrons in ions
Balancing chemical symbol equations
Empirical formula
Converting between units
Calculating concentration in grams per dm cubed and volumes of solutions
Calculating size using the magnification equation
Using the mean to estimate the population of a sessile species
Calculating percentages to prove the importance of biodiversity
Calculating percentage change
The BMI equation
Calculating the acceleration from a velocity-time graph
Recalling and applying the Physics equations
Understanding prefixes that determine size
Leaving answers to significant figures and using standard form
Helpful hints and step-by-step guides are used throughout the lesson to support the students and some of the worksheets are differentiated two ways to provide extra assistance.
Due to the detail of this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 3 hours of GCSE teaching time to cover the tasks and for this reason it can be used over a number of lessons as well as during different times of the year for revision
At the end of topic 3, or in the lead up to mocks or final A-level exams, students can use this lesson to assess their understanding of topic 3 content. The lesson consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, which have been written to challenge the students on the detail of their knowledge, as well as a PowerPoint which contains the answers, explanations and key points related to the specification. The PowerPoint also contains other topic 3 knowledge checks on content which isn’t directly questioned in the multiple-choice assessment, and prior knowledge checks to encourage the students to recognise the links to topic 1 and 2.
The following topics are challenged by the multiple-choice questions:
Surface area to volume ratio
Gas exchange (in animals and plants)
Digestion and absorption
Mass transport in animals
Mass transport in plants
This revision lesson provides students with the opportunity to assess their understanding of nucleic acids and protein synthesis (topic 6). The lesson includes a multiple-choice assessment of 10 questions and a PowerPoint containing the answers, where each answer slide shows the exact specification code to enable students to note the areas which may require extra attention. The PowerPoint also contains additional questions to challenge content from topic 6 of the CIE A-level biology specification (2025 - 2027 update) that isn’t directly covered by the 10 questions, and prior knowledge checks to encourage students to make links to content from topics 1 - 5.
This lesson has been designed to be used at the end of topic 6, and in the build up to mocks and the final A-level assessments.
This lesson challenges the students on their knowledge of the content of module 2.1.2 using a multiple-choice assessment of 15 questions. This sub-module of the OCR A-level biology A specification concerns biological molecules and understanding of this content is fundamental to the understanding of a lot of the topics that follow. The answers to the 15 questions are embedded into the accompanying PowerPoint, which also has KEY POINTS, and other knowledge checks to challenge the content that wasn’t directly assessed by the 15 questions.
This lesson has been designed to be used for revision purposes when students reach the end of module 2.1.2 or in the lead up to mock examinations or even final A-level examinations.
This bundle of 18 lessons uses a range of exam questions, tasks, activities and quiz competitions to engage students whilst they assess their knowledge of the topics in modules B1-6, C1-6 and P1-6 of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification. All of the lessons are fully resourced to take away that worry about how to get students to effectively revise in the lead up to assessments.
This bundle of 5 REVISION lessons has been designed to include a range of activities which will engage and motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content in topics 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 which can be covered in Paper 1. The activities include exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions. These lessons are suitable for use at the end of a topic, in the lead up to mock exams or in the lead up to the actual GCSE Biology Paper 1 exam.
This is a fully-resourced REVISION lesson that consists of an engaging PowerPoint (87 slides) and associated worksheets that challenge the students on their knowledge of the content of Topic 1 (Lifestyle, Health and Risk) of the Edexcel A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) specification. A wide range of activities have been written into the lesson to maintain motivation and these tasks include exam questions (with answers), understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions.
The lesson has been designed to include as much which of the content from topic 1, but the following specification points have been given particular attention:
The differences between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides, including glycogen and starch (amylose and amylopectin).
Be able to relate the structures of monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides to their roles in providing and storing energy
Know how monosaccharides join to form disaccharides (sucrose, lactose and maltose) and polysaccharides (glycogen and amylose) through condensation reactions forming glycosidic bonds, and how these can be split through hydrolysis reactions.
Know how a triglyceride is synthesised by the formation of ester bonds during condensation reactions between glycerol and three fatty acids.
Understand the course of events that leads to atherosclerosis
Know how factors such as genetics, diet, age, gender, high blood pressure, smoking and inactivity increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
Know the benefits and risks of treatments for CVD
Understand the blood-clotting process and its role in CVD
Understand how the structures of arteries and veins) relate to their functions.
Understand the importance of water as a solvent in transport, including its dipole nature.
This lesson can be used at numerous points over the duration of the course, as an end of topic revision aid, in the lead up to the mocks or in the lead up to the actual A-level exams.
This is a fully-resourced REVISION lesson that consists of an engaging PowerPoint (154 slides) and associated worksheets that challenge the students on their knowledge of topics B1 - B4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification and can be assessed on PAPER 1.
A wide range of activities have been written into the lesson to maintain motivation and these tasks include exam questions (with answers), understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions.
The lesson has been designed to include as much which of the content that can be assessed in paper, but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Structure of a bacterium
The functions of the components of blood
Specialised cells
Active transport
Osmosis
Structure of DNA
Mitosis and the cell cycle
Functions of the organelles of animal and plant cells
Electron microscopy
Calculating size
Arteries and veins
The risk factors of CHD
CHD treatments
The structure of the heart
Bacterial, fungal and viral diseases
The mathematic elements of the Combined Science specification are challenged throughout the resource.
Due to the size of this resource, it is likely that teachers will choose to use it over the course of a number of lessons and it is suitable for use in the lead up to the mocks or in the lead up to the actual GCSE exams.
This bundle of 8 engaging and motivating lesson presentations and associated worksheets have been designed to encourage students to assess their knowledge of the content of the Biology topics within the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification.
The lessons use a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to cover the content in the following topics:
B1 Key concepts in Biology
B2 Cells and control
B3 Genetics
B4 Natural selection and genetic modification
B5 Health, disease and development of medicines
B7 Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
B8 Exchange and transport in animals
B9 Ecosystems
The range of exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions that have been written into this revision lesson will help to motivate and engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 1.3 (Digestion and the digestive system in humans) of the WJEC GCSE Biology specification. The resource includes a detailed and engaging Powerpoint (51 slides) and an associated worksheet, which has been differentiated to help differing abilities to access the work.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
The movement of food by peristalsis
The role of carbohydrase, protease and lipase enzymes in digestion
The tests for the presence of starch and glucose
The roles of the stomach and small intestine in digestion
The function of bile in the break down of fats
The need for a balanced diet and implication for health of excess sugar and salt in foods
Each of the 11 revision lessons which are found in this bundle have been written to include a range of activities that will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content in the AS modules of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. The following modules are covered:
2.1.1: Cell structure
2.1.2: Biological molecules
2.1.3: Nucleic acids
2.1.4: Enzymes
2.1.5: Biological membranes
2.1.6: Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
3.1.2: Transport in animals
3.1.3: Transport in plants
4.1.1: Communicable diseases
4.2.1: Biodiversity
4.2.2: Classification and evolution
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 5 (Enzymes) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (25 slides) and associated worksheet.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
Define enzymes as proteins that function as biological catalysts
Explain enzyme action with reference to active site, substrate and enzyme-substrate complex
Explain the specificity of enzymes
Explain the effect of changes of temperature on enzyme activity
Explain the effect of changes of pH on enzyme activity
Describe what happens to an enzyme when it is denatured
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been designed with the aim of motivating and engaging the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 2 (Organisation of the organism) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (53 slides) and an associated worksheet.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
The function of the organelles found in animal and plant cells
The features of specialised cells which allow them to perform their function
The mitochondria and the production of energy for use in cell activities
Calculating size and magnification by converting between millimetres and micrometres
Tissues, organs and organ systems
This revision resource includes exam questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions, all of which have been written to motivate and engage the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content found in topic 4 (Biological molecules) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. This revision resource contains an engaging PowerPoint (36 slides) and associated worksheets.
The range of activities have been designed to cover as much of the Core and Supplement content as possible but the following sub-topics have been given particular attention:
List the chemical elements that make up carbohydrates
State how starch, glycogen, cellulose, proteins and fats and oils are made from their specific smaller molecules
Describe the use of the iodine and Benedicts solution test
Explain how the specific sequence of the amino acids in a protein controls the shape and the effect this has on an enzyme and antibodies
Describe the structure of DNA
Recognise that water is an important solvent which is involved in a large number of roles in the human body
In addition, links have been made to other topics such as hormones and organelles so that students can see the importance of making links between Biological topics
This revision resource has been designed to cover the content in both topic 11 (Gas exchange) and topic 12 (Respiration) of the CIE IGCSE Biology specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The topics have been combined because of the huge crossover and the aim was to encourage students to see those connections and to make the Biological links. The resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (77 slides) and associated worksheets, some of which have been differentiated to provide assistance for those students who need it.
Included in the resource are exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions which try to cover as much content as possible with the following areas receiving particular attention:
The internal and external structure of the trachea
The structure of the alveoli to allow efficient gas exchange
The role of the ribs, intercostal muscles and diaphragm in ventilation
The differences in composition between inspired and expired air
Aerobic respiration in seeds
The uses of energy in the body of humans
Anaerobic respiration and the oxygen debt
This resource contains a large emphasis on the mathematical element of the Biology course. Students are guided through key skills such as percentage change and then challenged to apply
This revision resource contains an engaging and informative PowerPoint (49 slides) and a differentiated worksheet that will enable the students to assess their understanding of the topic B2 (Cells) content of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification for examination in June and November 2020 and 2021. The following topics have been given particular attention in this lesson:
The structure and function of red blood cells
Diffusion as the movement of molecules from a high concentration to a low concentration
The structure of root hair cells to allow absorption of minerals and water from the soil
Osmosis investigations
The effect on plant cells of immersion in solutions of different water potentials
The function of the organelles found in animal and plant cells
The structure and function of specialised cells
This resource is ideal for revision purposes during or at the end of the topic and in the lead up to mocks or the actual IGCSE exams
This concise, engaging revision lesson has been designed to include activities that will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of topic B3 (Biological molecules) of the CIE IGCSE Combined Science specification. An understanding of biological molecules is fundamental to the understanding of a lot other Biology topics and this lesson has attempted to make the links between the different areas.
The range of activities which include exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions have been written to cover as much of the content as possible but the following topics have received particular attention:
The chemical elements in carbohydrates
The formation of starch and glycogen from glucose
The iodine test for starch
Lipids are formed of fatty acids and glycerol
Investigational skills
The ethanol emulsion test for lipids
This resource includes a PowerPoint (27 slides) and a worksheet with a task about the digestion of milk fat so students can recognise the components of lipids
This lesson describes how mutations to the genes that control mitosis can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of cancerous tumours. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources are part of the final lesson in a series of 3 lessons which have been planned to cover the content of topic 2.2 (All cells arise from other cells) of the AQA A-level biology specification.
The first 2 lessons in this series of lessons described the events of the mitotic cell cycle and the calculation of the mitotic index and interpretation of the calculated value, and this lesson has been designed to check on their understanding and to build on the existing knowledge. The lesson begins with a task using numbers from biology to reveal the term, controlled, which leads into the recognition that mitosis is a controlled process that’s controlled by genes. Moving forwards, the students will understand that mutations to these genes and the formation of alleles can cause the cell division to become uncontrolled and this leads to the formation of tumours. Students will learn that there are benign and malignant tumours and that the latter are cancerous. The topic of tumours is covered in more detail in topic 8, but the key details are introduced here. The example of the BRCA genes is used to describe treatments that aim to control the rate of cell division and the importance of diagnosing cancer early to try to prevent the spread to other tissues.
This fully-resourced lesson has been designed to cover the content of specification point 5.3.3 (Maintaining water and nitrogen balance in the body) as found in topic 5 of the AQA GCSE Biology specification. This resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (59 slides) and accompanying worksheets, which have been differentiated so that students of different abilities can access the work. The detail of the content and this resource means that it is likely to take more than 1 lesson to go through the tasks.
The resource is filled with a wide range of activities, each of which has been designed to engage and motivate the students whilst ensuring that the key Biological content is covered in good detail. Understanding checks are included throughout so that the students can assess their grasp of the content. In addition, prior knowledge checks make links to content from earlier topics such as homeostasis, osmosis and active transport.
The following content is covered in this lesson:
The importance of controlled water levels for cellular function
The ways that water is lost and removed from the body
The formation of urea by deamination
Filtration of the blood by the kidney
Selective reabsorption of useful molecules from the kidney to the blood
The effect of ADH on the permeability of the tubules of the kidney
Dialysis and transplant as possible treatment options for kidney failure
As stated at the top, this lesson has been designed for GCSE-aged students who are studying the AQA GCSE Biology course, but it can be used with A-level students who need to go back over the key points before looking at the function of the nephron in more detail