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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.

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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.
The BLOOD VESSELS (OCR A-level Biology)
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The BLOOD VESSELS (OCR A-level Biology)

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This fully-resourced lesson explores how the structure of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins relate to their functions. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 3.1.2 © of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. This lesson has been written to build on any prior knowledge from GCSE or earlier in this topic to enable students to fully understand why a particular type of blood vessel has particular features. Students will be able to make the connection between the narrow lumen and elastic tissue in the walls of arteries and the need to maintain the high pressure of the blood. A quick version of the GUESS WHO game is used to introduce smooth muscle and collagen in the tunica media and externa and again the reason for their presence is explored and explained. Moving forwards, it is quite likely that some students will not be aware of the transition vessels that are the arterioles. This section begins with an understanding of the need for these vessels because the structural and functional differences between arteries and capillaries is too significant. The action of the smooth muscle in the walls of these vessels is discussed and students will be challenged to describe a number of situations that would require blood to be redistributed. The middle part of the lesson looks at the role of the capillaries in exchange and links are made to diffusion to ensure that students can explain how the red blood cells pressing against the endothelium results in a short diffusion distance. The remainder of the lesson considers the structure of the veins and students are challenged to explain how the differences to those observed in arteries is due to the lower blood pressure found in these vessels. It is estimated that it will take at least 2 hours of allocated A-level Biology teaching time to cover the detail included in this lesson
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Topic 3 REVISION (Atoms, elements and compounds)
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Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Topic 3 REVISION (Atoms, elements and compounds)

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This is an engaging revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 3 (Atoms, elements and compounds) of the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) specification. The lesson covers the content in both the core and supplement sections of the specification and therefore can be used with students who will be taking the extended papers as well as the core papers. The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include: CORE State the relative charges and approximate relative masses of protons, neutrons and electrons Define proton number (atomic number) as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom Define nucleon number (mass number) as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom Define isotopes as atoms of the same element which have the same proton number but a different nucleon number Describe the build-up of electrons in ‘shells’ and understand the significance of the noble gas electronic structures and of the outer shell electrons. Describe an alloy, such as brass, as a mixture of a metal with other elements Describe the formation of ions by electron loss or gain Describe the formation of ionic bonds between elements from Groups I and VII Describe the giant covalent structures of graphite and diamond Relate their structures to their uses, e.g. graphite as a lubricant and a conductor, and diamond in cutting tools SUPPLEMENT Describe the formation of ionic bonds between metallic and non-metallic elements Explain the differences in melting point and boiling point of ionic and covalent compounds in terms of attractive forces The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which include quiz competitions such as “The name’s BOND” where they compete to be the 1st to name the type of bond being described whilst crucially being able to recognise the areas of this topic which need their further attention. This lesson can be used as revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams
Cardiac cycle (OCR A-level Biology)
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Cardiac cycle (OCR A-level Biology)

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This detailed and fully-resourced lesson describes and explains the pressure changes in the heart and arteries and the role of the valves movements in the cardiac cycle. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 3.1.2 (f) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and also covers the use of the equation stroke volume x heart rate to calculate cardiac output The start of the lesson introduces the cardiac cycle as well as the key term systole, so that students can immediately recognise that the three stages of the cycle are atrial and ventricular systole followed by diastole. Students are challenged on their prior knowledge of the structure of the heart as they have to name and state the function of an atrioventricular and semi-lunar valve from an internal diagram. This leads into the key point that pressure changes in the chambers and the major arteries results in the opening and closing of these sets of valves. Students are given a description of the pressure change that results in the opening of the AV valves and shown where this would be found on the graph detailing the pressure changes of the cardiac cycle. They then have to use this as a guide to write descriptions for the closing of the AV valve and the opening and closing of the semi-lunar valves and to locate these on the graph. By providing the students with this graph, the next part of the lesson can focus on explaining how these changes come about. Students have to use their current and prior knowledge of the chambers and blood vessels to write 4 descriptions that cover the cardiac cycle. Moving forwards, the students are introduced to the stroke volume and meet normative values for this and for resting heart rate. This will lead into the calculation for cardiac output and a series of questions are used to test their ability to apply this equation as well as to calculate the percentage change which is a commonly assessed mathematical skill. This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on the topics detailed in module 3.1.2 (Transport in animals)
Primary non-specific defences (OCR A-level Biology)
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Primary non-specific defences (OCR A-level Biology)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the primary non-specific defences against pathogens in animals. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 4.1.1 (d) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and describes the following defences: skin key steps of the blood clotting process release of histamine in the inflammatory response expulsive reflexes mucous membranes There are clear links to topics in modules 2 and 3 in each of these defences so time is taken to consider these during the descriptions. For example, the presence of keratin in the cytoplasm of the skin cells allows the student knowledge of the properties of this fibrous protein to be checked. Other topics that are revisited during this lesson include protein structure, formation of tissue fluid, key terminology and roles of inorganic ions in biological processes. There is also a section of the lesson which refers to the genetics behind haemophilia and students are challenged to apply knowledge to an unfamiliar situation. This will prepare them for this topic when covered in module 6.1.2 All of the exam-style questions and tasks have mark schemes that are embedded in the PowerPoint and a number of them have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work.
In situ and ex situ conservation (OCR A-level Biology A)
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In situ and ex situ conservation (OCR A-level Biology A)

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This lesson describes the in situ and ex situ methods of maintaining biodiversity, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with both. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been primarily designed to cover point 4.2.1 (h) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification but the lesson has been carefully planned to enable links to be made to some related topics which are found later in the course such as classification, evolution through natural selection and the Founder effect. Hours of research has gone into the planning of this lesson to source interesting examples that increase the relevance of the biological content concerning in situ conservation, and these include the Lizard National Nature Reserve in Cornwall, the Lake Télé Community reserve in the Republic of Congo and the marine conservation zone in the waters surrounding Tristan da Cunha. Students will learn how this form of active management conserves habitats and species in their natural environment, with the aim of minimising human impact whilst maintaining biodiversity. The main issues surrounding this method are discussed, including the fact that the impact of this conservation may not be significant if the population has lost much of its genetic diversity and that despite the management, the conditions that caused the species to become endangered may still be present. A number of quick quiz competitions are interspersed throughout the lesson to introduce key terms and values in a fun and memorable way and one of these challenges them to use their knowledge of famous scientists to reveal the surname, Fossey. Dian Fossey was an American conservationist and her years of study of the mountain gorillas is briefly discussed along with the issue that wildlife reserves can draw poachers and tourists to the area, potentially disturbing the natural habitat. To enrich their understanding of ex situ conservation, the better known examples of ZSL London zoo, Kew Gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank Project in Wakehurst are used. Students will understand how conserving animal species outside of their natural habitat enables human intervention that ensures the animals are fed and given medical assistance when needed as well as reproductive assistance to increase the likelihood of the successful breeding of endangered species. As with the in situ method, the disadvantages are also discussed and there is a focus on the susceptibility of captive populations to diseases as a result of their limited genetic diversity. The final part of the lesson considers how seed banks can be used to ensure that plant species avoid extinction and how the plants can be bred asexually to increase plant populations quickly. Due to the extensiveness of this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2/3 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the tasks and content that is included in the lesson.
Speed and Velocity
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Speed and Velocity

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A fully-resourced lesson which looks at speed and velocity as scalar and vector quantities and then guides students through a range of questions which challenge them to calculate both of these forms of motion. The lesson includes an engaging lesson presentation (44 slides) and differentiated worksheets containing questions. The lesson begins by introducing the terms magnitude and direction so that students can learn how scalar and vector quantities differ. Students will learn that speed is a scalar quantity and velocity is a vector quantity and then be questioned through a crossroads scenario to understand how speed can stay the same but as soon as an object changes direction, the velocity changes. Moving forwards, the students are given the equation to calculate speed and a few simple questions are worked through before they have to do a series of their own questions to find the average speeds for walking, running and cycling. A pair of more difficult speed questions are then attempted which challenge the students to convert from metres per seconds to miles per hour and to calculate the speed of a bicycle by calculating the distance travelled by the sensor on the wheel. This task is differentiated so that students who need some assistance will still be able to access the work. A quiz competition is then used to introduce students to the range of equations which contain velocity and then having been given them, they have to rearrange the formula to make velocity the subject and apply to some further questions. The final task of the lesson brings all the work together in one final competition where students have to use their new-found knowledge of speed and velocity to get TEAM POINTS. Progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals to allow the students to check their understanding and any misconceptions to be addressed immediately. This lesson has been written for GCSE students and links between the other topics on the curriculum but could be used with KS3 students who are finding the topic of speed too simple and are needing a challenge
Conservation of energy and energy stores
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Conservation of energy and energy stores

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A fully-resourced lesson that includes a detailed and engaging lesson presentation (33 slides) and question worksheets which are diifferentiated. Together these resources guide students through the tricky topic of the conservation of energy by transfers between energy stores which can often be poorly understood. This lesson has been written for GCSE students, but the law can be taught from an earlier age so this would be suitable for higher ability KS3 lessons. The lesson begins by introducing the key term, energy stores. The understanding of this term is critical for this topic and other lessons on energy transfers and therefore some time is taken to ensure that this key points are embedded into the lesson. Students will learn that stores can be calculated due to the fact that they have an equation associated with them and some of these need to be recalled (or applied) at GCSE. Therefore, the first part of the lesson involves two engaging competitions where students are challenged to recall part of an energy store equation or to recognise which energy store an equation is associated with. Students are given the information about the remaining energy stores, such as chemical and electrostatic. Moving forwards, the main part of the lesson explores the law of the conservation of energy and shows students how they need to be able to apply this law to calculation questions. Students are shown how to answer an example question involving the transfer of energy from a gravity store to a kinetic energy store. A lot of important discussion points come up in this calculation, such as resistive forces and the dissipation of energy, so these are given the attention they need. Students are then challenged to apply their knowledge to a calculation question on their own - this task has been differentiated two ways so that all students can access the learning. The final slide of the lesson looks at the different ways that energy can be transferred between stores but those are covered in detail in separate lessons.
Controlling body temperature
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Controlling body temperature

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A fully-resourced lesson which includes a detailed and engaging lesson presentation (36 slides) and an assistance worksheet for those students who feel that they need extra assistance with the final description. This lesson looks at how body temperature is controlled in humans through a homeostatic mechanism and includes details of a negative feedback loop. The lesson begins with a three pronged task where students have to use the clues to come up with the word homeostasis and the number 37 and then see if they can make the link in the human body. Time is taken to ensure that students recognise why maintaining the temperature around this set-point is so crucial in terms of the effectiveness of enzymes in reactions. There is a real focus on key terminology throughout such as thermoreceptors and hypothalamus and guidance is given on how to use these terms accurately. Discussion points and progress checks are written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students are encouraged to challenge the Biology whilst being able to assess their understanding. They are shown how to write a detailed description of the response to an increase in temperature so they are able to form their own description of the response to a fall in temperature. This lesson has been written for GCSE students but is perfectly suitable for older students studying thermoregulation at A-level and want to revisit the knowledge.
OCR Gateway A GCSE Chemistry C3 (Chemical Reactions) REVISION
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OCR Gateway A GCSE Chemistry C3 (Chemical Reactions) REVISION

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An engaging lesson presentation (77 slides) and associated worksheets that uses a combination of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within unit C3 (Chemical reactions) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Chemistry specification. The topics that are tested within the lesson include: Formulae of elements and molecules Formulae of ionic compounds Conservation of mass Chemical equations Half equations The mole Exothermic and endothermic reactions The pH scale Hydrogen ions and pH Electrolysis of molten salts Electrolysis of solutions Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “E Numbers” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
The role of haemoglobin and dissociation curves (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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The role of haemoglobin and dissociation curves (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This detailed lesson describes the role of haemoglobin in the transport of respiratory gases and compares the dissociation curves for foetal and adult haemoglobin. The PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover points 4.5 (i), (ii) and (iv) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification. The structure of haemoglobin was covered during topic 1, so the start of the lesson acts as a prior knowledge check where the students are challenged to recall that it is a globular protein which consists of 4 polypeptide chains. A series of exam-style questions are then used to challenge them to make the link between the solubility of a globular protein and its role in the transport of oxygen from the alveoli to the respiring cells. Moving forwards, the students will learn that each of the 4 polypeptide chains contains a haem group with an iron ion attached and that it is this group which has a high affinity for oxygen. Time is taken to discuss how this protein must be able to load (and unload) oxygen as well as transport the molecules to the respiring tissues. Students will plot the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and the S-shaped curve is used to encourage discussions about the ease with which haemoglobin loads each molecule. At this point, foetal haemoglobin and its differing affinity of oxygen is introduced and students are challenged to predict whether this affinity will be higher or lower than adult haemoglobin and to represent this on their dissociation curve. The remainder of the lesson looks at the different ways that carbon dioxide is transported around the body that involve haemoglobin. Time is taken to look at the dissociation of carbonic acid into hydrogen ions so that students can understand how this will affect the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in an upcoming lesson on the Bohr effect.
Biodiversity & Simpson's Index of Diversity (CIE A-level Biology)
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Biodiversity & Simpson's Index of Diversity (CIE A-level Biology)

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This lesson explains that biodiversity is considered at three levels and describes how the Simpson’s Index of Diversity is used to calculate the biodiversity within a habitat. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 18.1 (a, b & f) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and also covers the meaning of ecosystems and niche as well as some other important ecological terms that are related such as abiotic factors and population. A quiz competition called BIOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY SNAP runs throughout the lesson and has been included to engage the students whilst challenging them to recognise key terms from their definitions. This quiz will introduce species, ecosystems, biodiversity, endemic, heterozygote, distribution and natural selection and each of these terms is put into context once introduced. A series of exam-style questions to challenge the students to explain how the distribution of fish is affected by abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Once biodiversity is revealed through the quiz competition, the students will learn that they need to consider biodiversity within a habitat, within a species and within different habitats so that they can be compared. The rest of the lesson uses step by step guides, discussion points and selected tasks to demonstrate how to determine species richness and the Simpson’s index of diversity. The heterozygosity index is also introduced as a means to consider genetic variation. Students are challenged with a range of exam-style questions where they have to apply their knowledge and all mark schemes are displayed and clearly explained within the PowerPoint to allow students to assess their understanding and address any misconceptions if they arise This is a detailed lesson with a lot of tasks (some of which are differentiated), so it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to cover all of the content
Blood glucose concentration (CIE International A-level Biology)
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Blood glucose concentration (CIE International A-level Biology)

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This fully-resourced lesson is highly detailed and covers all of specification points 14.1 (h, i and j) of the CIE International A-level Biology specification which states that students should be able to describe how blood glucose concentration is regulated using negative feedback mechanisms that release insulin or glucagon and outline the role of cyclic AMP. A wide range of activities will maintain motivation and engagement whilst the content is covered in detail to enable the students to explain how the receptors in the pancreas detect the concentration change and how the hormones attaching to receptor sites on the liver triggers a series of events in this effector organ. This is a topic which has a huge amount of difficult terminology so time is taken to look at all of the key words, especially those which begin with the letter G so students are able to use them accurately in the correct context. The final part of the lesson looks at the role of the secondary messenger, cyclic AMP, and describes how this is involved when glucagon and adrenaline attach to receptors on the liver. The action of adrenaline is also considered and linked to the breakdown of glycogen to glucose during glycogenolysis. This lesson has been written for students studying on the CIE International A-level Biology course and ties in with the other uploaded lessons which cover the content of topic 14.1 (Homeostasis in mammals)
The main stages of MEIOSIS (OCR A-level Biology A)
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The main stages of MEIOSIS (OCR A-level Biology A)

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This lesson describes the main stages of meiosis, focusing on the events which contribute to genetic variation and explains its significance in life cycles. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 2.1.6 (f) & (g) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and includes description of crossing over, independent assortment, independent segregation and the production of haploid gametes In order to understand how the events of meiosis like crossing over and independent assortment and independent segregation can lead to variation, students need to be clear in their understanding that DNA replication in interphase results in homologous chromosomes as pairs of sister chromatids. Therefore the beginning of the lesson focuses on the chromosomes in the parent cell and this first part of the cycle and students will be introduced to non-sister chromatids and the fact that they may contain different alleles which is important for the exchange that occurs during crossing over. Time is taken to go through this event in prophase I in a step by step guide so that the students can recognise that the result can be new combinations of alleles that were not present in the parent cell. Moving forwards, the lesson explores how the independent assortment and segregation of chromosomes and chromatids during metaphase I and II and anaphase I and II respectively results in genetically different gametes. The key events of all of the 8 phases are described and there is a focus on key terminology to ensure that students are able to describe genetic structures in the correct context. The final part of the lesson looks at the use of a mathematical expression to calculate the possible combinations of alleles in gametes as well as in a zygote following the random fertilisation of haploid gametes. Understanding and prior knowledge checks are interspersed throughout the lesson as well as a series of exam-style questions which challenge the students to apply their knowledge to potentially unfamiliar situations. This lesson has been specifically planned to lead on from the previous two lessons on the cell cycle and the main stages of mitosis and constant references are made throughout to encourage students to make links and also to highlight the differences between the two types of nuclear division
Specialised and efficient exchange surfaces (OCR A-level Biology)
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Specialised and efficient exchange surfaces (OCR A-level Biology)

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This lesson explains the need for specialised exchange surfaces and uses examples to describe the features of an efficient exchange surface. The PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been designed to cover points 3.1.1 (a & b) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and also have been specifically planned to prepare the students for the upcoming lessons in module 3 on gas exchange and mass transport in animals. The students are likely to have been introduced to the surface area to volume ratio at GCSE, but understanding of its relevance tends to be mixed. Therefore, real life examples are included throughout the lesson that emphasise the importance of this ratio in order to increase this relevance. A lot of students worry about the maths calculations that are associated with this topic so a step by step guide is included at the start of the lesson that walks them through the calculation of the surface area, the volume and then the ratio. Through worked examples and understanding checks, SA/V ratios are calculated for cubes of increasing side length and living organisms of different size. These comparative values will enable the students to conclude that the larger the organism or structure, the lower the surface area to volume ratio. A differentiated task is then used to challenge the students to explain the relationship between the ratio and the metabolic demands of a single-celled and multicellular organisms and this leads into the next part of the lesson, where the adaptations of large organisms to increase this ratio at the exchange surfaces are covered. The students will calculate the SA/V ratio of a human alveolus (using the surface area and volume formulae for a sphere) and will see the significant increase that results from the folding of the membranes. In addition to the ratio, time is taken to discuss and describe how the maintenance of a steep concentration gradient and a thin membrane are important for the rate of diffusion and again biological examples are used in humans and other organisms to increase the understanding. Fick’s law of diffusion is also introduced as a mechanism to help the students to recall that surface area, concentration difference and thickness of membrane govern the rate of simple diffusion. As well as making links to upcoming topics, prior knowledge checks are used to challenge the students on their knowledge of previously-covered modules which include inorganic ions, organelles, cell membrane transport and tissues.
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Topic B5 (Health, disease and the development of medicines)
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Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Topic B5 (Health, disease and the development of medicines)

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This is a fully-resourced REVISION lesson which challenges the students on their knowledge of the content in TOPIC B5 (Health, disease and the development of medicines) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The lesson uses an engaging PowerPoint (79 slides) and accompanying worksheets to motivate students whilst they assess their understanding of this topic. The lesson has been designed in the way that the students have to work their way through a series of wards at the hospital which deals with communicable diseases caused by a range of pathogens and the non-communicable diseases ward such as the cardiac ward where CHD patients are assessed and treated. A range of exam questions, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions back up the engaging lesson and are used to test the following sub-topics: Bacterial, fungal and viral diseases in animals and plants Treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics Preventing and reducing the spread of pathogens Vaccinations The physical and chemical defences of the human body The risk factors of CHD The range of surgical treatments for CHD Calculating the BMI Smoking and cardiovascular diseases The mathematical element of the course is also tested throughout the lesson and students are given helpful hints on exam techniques and how to structure answers. This resource is suitable for use at the end of topic B5 or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams.
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Topic C1 (Key concepts in chemistry) REVISION
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Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Topic C1 (Key concepts in chemistry) REVISION

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This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the sub-topics found within Topic C1 (Key concepts in chemistry) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include: Describe how the model of the atom has changed over time with the discovery of the subatomic particles Describe the structure of an atom and know that atoms contain the same number of protons as electrons Calculate the number of protons, electrons and neutrons when given the atomic and mass number Identify elements as metals or non-metals Predict the electron configuration of the first 20 elements Explain how ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons Explain the structure of an ionic compound as an ionic lattice Explain how a covalent bond is formed Be able to draw dot and cross diagrams for simple covalent structures Describe the structure and properties of graphite and diamond Calculate the relative formula mass Explain the law of the conservation of mass Calculate the concentration of a solution Recall Avogadro’s constant and use in mole calculations Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams
The cardiac cycle and structure of the mammalian heart (Edexcel A-level Biology)
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The cardiac cycle and structure of the mammalian heart (Edexcel A-level Biology)

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This fully-resourced lesson looks at the cardiac cycle and relates the structure and operation of the mammalian heart to its function. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 1.4 (i) of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A (Salters Nuffield) specification As the structure of the heart was covered at GCSE, the lesson has been planned to build on this prior knowledge whilst adding the key details which will enable students to provide A-level standard answers. The primary focus is the identification of the different structures of the heart but it also challenges their ability to recognise the important relationship to function. For example, time is taken to ensure that students can explain why the atrial walls are thinner than the ventricular walls and why the right ventricle has a thinner wall than the left ventricle. Opportunities are taken throughout the lesson to link this topic to the others found in topic 1 including those which have already been covered like circulatory systems as well as those which are upcoming such as the initiation of heart action. There is also an application question where students have to explain why a hole in the ventricular septum would need to be repaired if it doesn’t naturally close over time. The next part of the lesson introduces the cardiac cycle as well as the key term systole, so that students can immediately recognise that the three stages of the cycle are atrial and ventricular systole followed by cardiac diastole. Students are challenged to name and state the function of an atrioventricular and semi-lunar valve from an internal diagram. This leads into the key point that pressure changes in the chambers and the major arteries results in the opening and closing of these sets of valves. Students are given a description of the pressure change that results in the opening of the AV valves and shown where this would be found on the graph detailing the pressure changes of the cardiac cycle. They then have to use this as a guide to write descriptions for the closing of the AV valve and the opening and closing of the semi-lunar valves and to locate these on the graph. By providing the students with this graph, the rest of the lesson can focus on explaining how these changes come about. Students have to use their current and prior knowledge of the chambers and blood vessels to write 4 descriptions that cover the cardiac cycle. The final part of the lesson covers the changes in the volume of the ventricle. It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the detail included in this lesson as required by this specification point
Maths in AQA GCSE Combined Science REVISION
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Maths in AQA GCSE Combined Science REVISION

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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 AQA GCSE Combined Science papers. The mathematical element of the AQA 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 “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 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 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.
Biodiversity (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)
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Biodiversity (Edexcel Int. A-level Biology)

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This lesson describes biodiversity and explains how it can be calculated within a species, a habitat and how it can be compared between habitats. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 4.16, 4.17 & 4.18 in unit 2 of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification and the meaning of endemism is also explained. A quiz competition called BIOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY SNAP runs over the course of the lesson and this will engage the students whilst challenging them to recognise key terms from their definitions. This quiz will introduce species, population, biodiversity, endemic, heterozygote and natural selection and each of these terms is put into context once introduced. Once biodiversity has been revealed, the students will learn that they are expected to be able to measure biodiversity within a habitat, within a species and within different habitats so that they can be compared. The rest of the lesson uses step by step guides, discussion points and selected tasks to demonstrate how to determine species richness, the heterozygosity index and an index of diversity. Students are challenged with a range of exam-style questions where they have to apply their knowledge and all mark schemes are displayed and clearly explained within the PowerPoint to allow students to assess their understanding and address any misconceptions if they arise.
Drawing graphs (Scientific skills)
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Drawing graphs (Scientific skills)

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This engaging and detailed lesson presentation (43 slides) uses a step by step guide to take students through the important scientific skill of drawing graphs to represent data and address all the misconceptions and misunderstandings that often accompany this topic. The lesson begins by explaining to the students how to decide whether data should be represented on a line graph or a bar chart and a competition called "To BAR or not to BAR" is used to allow them to check their understanding while maintaining motivation. Moving forwards, students are shown a 6 step guide to drawing a line graph. Included along the way are graphs that are wrong and explanations as to why so that students can see what to avoid. There are continuous progress checks and a homework is also included as part of the lesson. This lesson is written for students of all ages who are studying Science.