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 contains 20 lesson PowerPoints which are highly detailed to ensure that the topic 7 content is covered at the depth required for A-level Biology. The lessons have been intricately planned to contain a wide variety of tasks that will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the current material and to make links to other lessons in this topic as well as to the previous 6 topics.
The tasks, which include exam-style questions with mark schemes, guided discussion time and quick quiz competitions, cover the following points in the respiration, muscles and the internal environment topic of the Edexcel International A-level Biology specification:
The overall reaction of aerobic respiration
The many steps of respiration are controlled and catalysed by a specific intracellular enzyme
The roles of glycolysis in aerobic and anaerobic respiration
The role of the link reaction and the Krebs cycle in the complete oxidation of glucose
The synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation
Know the way in which muscles, tendons, the skeleton and ligaments interact in movement
The structure of skeletal muscle fibre
The structural and physiological differences between fast and slow twitch muscle fibres
The contraction of skeletal muscle in terms of the sliding filament theory
The myogenic nature of cardiac muscle
The coordination of the heartbeat
The use of ECGs in the diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythms
The calculation of cardiac output
The control of heart rate and ventilation rate by the cardiovascular control centre and the ventilation centre in the medulle oblongata
The role of adrenaline in the fight or flight response
The meaning of negative feedback and positive feedback control
The principle of negative feedback in maintaining systems within narrow limits
The meaning of homeostasis and the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium in exercise
The gross and microscopic structure of the mammalian kidney
Selective reabsorption in the proximal tubule
The control of mammalian plasma concentration
Switching genes on and off by DNA transcription factors and the roles of peptide and steroid hormones
Due to the detail included in this lesson bundle, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 months of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the content
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in the bundle, then download the skeletal muscle, coordination of the heartbeat, role of adrenaline and control of mammalian plasma concentration lessons as these have been uploaded for free
This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick differentiated tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within Topic C2 (Inorganic chemistry) of the Edexcel iGCSE Chemistry specification which has its’ first assessment in 2019.
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Group 1 (alkali metals)
Group 7 (halogens)
Gases in the atmosphere
Reactivity series
Extraction and uses of metals
Acids, alkalis and titrations
Chemical tests
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 assessment. The detail of this lesson means that it could be used over a number of lessons at school so that each topic is covered in sufficient depth.
This lesson bundle contains 17 detailed and fully-resourced lessons which cover the following specification points in topic 3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification:
Topic 3.1
The relationship between the size of an organism or structure and its surface area to volume ratio
The development of systems in larger organisms as adaptations that facilitate exchange as this ratio reduces
Topic 3.2
Adaptations of gas exchange surfaces as shown by gas exchange in single-celled organisms, insects, bony fish and the leaves of dicotyledonous plants
The gross structure of the human gas exchange system
The essential features of the alveolar epithelium as a surface over which gas exchange takes place
The mechanism of breathing to include the role of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles
Topic 3.3
During digestion, large molecules are hydrolysed to smaller molecules
Digestion in mammals by amylases, disaccharidases, lipase, endopeptidases, exopeptidases and dipeptidases
Mechanisms for the absorption of the products of digestion by cells lining the ileum of mammals
Topic 3.4.1
The structure and role of haemoglobin in the loading, transport and unloading of oxygen
The effects of carbon dioxide concentration on the dissociation of oxyhaemoglobin
The general pattern of blood circulation in a mammal
The gross structure of the human heart
Pressure and volume changes and valve movements during the cardiac cycle
The structure of the arteries, arterioles and veins
The formation of tissue fluid and its return to the circulatory system
Topic 3.4.2
Xylem as the tissue that transports water
The cohesion-tension theory of water transport
Phloem as the tissue that transports organic substances in plants
The mass flow hypothesis for the mechanism of translocation in plants
If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons included in this bundle, then download the following lessons which have been uploaded for free
Alveolar epithelium
Absorption in the ileum
Arteries, arterioles and veins
Formation of tissue fluid
Translocation
This lesson describes how communication occurs between cells by cell signalling. The PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover point 5.1.1 (b) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification and focuses on the use of the nervous system for communication between the CNS and effectors and the release of hormones to bring about responses.
As this is one of the first lessons to be delivered in module 5, this lesson has been specifically planned to prepare students for the upcoming topics of neuronal and hormonal communication. Students begin by learning that cell signalling governs the basic activities of cells and coordinates multiple cell actions. Moving forwards, the next part of the lesson focuses on the nervous system and students will learn that an electrical impulse will be conducted on a somatic or an autonomic motor neurone depending upon the type of muscle to be stimulated. This provides some introductory information for modules 5.1.3 and 5.1.5. The remainder of the lesson describes how the hormones that are secreted by the cells of endocrine glands allow communication with target cells and the different actions of peptide and steroid hormones is considered.
This detailed lesson describes the principles of DNA sequencing and has been designed to cover the first part of point 6.1.3 (a) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. Fred Sanger’s chain termination method is used as the example to guide the students through the details of each step.
The lesson begins with a focus on the common ingredients of the process such as DNA polymerase, DNA nucleotides and primers. Links are made to module 2.1.3 where nucleic acids were initially met through a series of prior knowledge check questions. Time is then taken to explain why these short lengths of synthesised nucleotides are necessary and this will support students when primers are met in the PCR and genetic engineering. Moving forwards, students will recognise how the modification to the nucleotide means that the chain terminates once a modified nucleotide is added into the sequence and that these have been radioactively labelled. Gel electrophoresis is introduced and an outline of the process given to provide knowledge to build on when this is encountered later in the module. A series of exam-style questions allow students to assess their understanding of this potentially difficult topic before students are encouraged to consider the limitations of the method so they are prepared to meet the new methods in upcoming lessons.
A number of quiz competitions run throughout the lesson to maintain engagement and to introduce terms and values in a memorable way
An engaging lesson presentation (60 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 B2 (Organisation) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification point 4.2)
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Principles of organisation
The human digestive system
The heart and blood vessels
Blood
Coronary heart disease
The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases
Plant organ systems
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “SPOT the SUBSTANCE" and “Where’s LENNY” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An engaging lesson presentation (54 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 the Chemistry unit C7 (Organic chemistry) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification point C5.7)
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes
Fractional distillation and petrochemicals
Properties of hydrocarbons
Cracking and alkenes
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “What FRACTION of this is correct” and “Are you on FORM” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
This bundle of 20 fully-resourced lessons have been designed to allow students who are studying the AQA GCSE Combined Science course to assess their understanding of the topics found within the following units of the specification:
B1: Cell Biology
B2: Organisation
B4: Bioenergetics
B5: Homeostasis and response
B6: Inheritance, variation and evolution
B7: Ecology
C1: Atomic structure and the periodic table
C2: Bonding, structure and properties of matter
C3: Quantitative chemistry
C4: Chemical changes
C5: Energy changes
C6: The rate and extent of chemical change
C7: Organic chemistry
C8: Chemical analysis
C9: Chemistry of the atmosphere
P1: Energy
P2: Electricity
P4: Atomic structure
P5: Forces
P6: Waves
These lessons use a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to engage and motivate the students
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 topics found within modules B1, B2 and B3 of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Biology specification as will be covered in Biology paper 1
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Cell structures
What happens in cells
Respiration
Photosynthesis
Supplying the cell
The challenge of size
The nervous system
The endocrine system
Maintaining internal environments
Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require further attention
A short lesson which includes a lesson presentation (27 slides) and a hint worksheet and looks at redox reactions that involve oxygen and electrons. When focussing on oxygen, the lesson uses the example of extracting metals by reacting them with carbon to show how the metal is reduced and the carbon is oxidised. Key terminology such as reducing agents are also discussed. The important topic of electrolysis is used when teaching about the redox reactions that involve electrons and students are reminded about half equations.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK) but is suitable for other ages
A fully-resourced lesson which guides students through the method involved in calculating the empirical formula and includes a concise, clear lesson presentation (21 slides) and practice questions. Students are given a template to use as they are introduced to the questions and then encouraged to work without it as the lesson progresses. The students are shown how empirical formula questions can be made more difficult and hints are given so that students are able to tackle them and access all of the marks available.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK)
An engaging lesson presentation (33 slides) which walks students through the main steps in the extraction of iron from its ore. The lesson begins by challenging the students to recall the reactivity series of metals and specifically the position of iron in relation to carbon so they recognise that it can be extracted by reduction with carbon. Key skills from other Chemistry topics are tested during the lesson such as writing chemical formulae and redox reactions. The rest of the lesson involves a step-by-step guide where students are given a passage and a symbol equation with something missing which they have to complete. This task ensures that students recognise the products, formulae and state symbols at each stage. A number of quiz competitions are used during the lesson to maintain engagement and progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students can assess their understanding.
This lesson has been written for GCSE students and fits in nicely with other resources that are uploaded (extracting metals and extracting aluminium).
An engaging, practical-based lesson presentation (34 slides), accompanied by a practical worksheet and differentiated questions worksheet, which together guide students through the different calculation questions which involve the half-life. The lesson begins by introducing the students to the definition of a half-life and then showing them an example with I-131 so they can visualise how the half-life doesn’t change (and that radioactivity is measured in Bq). Moving forwards, the students will follow the given instructions to create the results to plot a decay curve and will be shown how to use this curve to determine the half-life of an isotope. The remainder of the lesson focuses on the different calculation questions that can be found on exam papers and uses a step by step guide to help them to handle the increasing difficulty. Students will be challenged to apply their new found knowledge to a set of 5 questions and this worksheet has been differentiated two ways so that those who need extra assistance, can still access the learning. Progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students can constantly assess their understanding.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students (14 - 16 years old in the UK)
This bundle of 4 lesson presentations and associated resources cover a lot of the mathematical skills that can be tested in Science. Since the move to the new GCSE specifications, the mathematical element has increased significantly and these lessons act to guide students through these skills. Students are shown how to convert between units, rearrange to change the subject of the formula and to use significant figures and standard form.
This is an engaging revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick differentiated tasks and quiz competitions to allow students to assess their knowledge of the topic of moles and related topics as covered in the GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Combined Science courses. An understanding of moles and their associated calculations is critical for the success of a student in these two courses.
The following topics are covered in this revision lesson:
Avogadro’s law and constant
Mole calculations involving Avogadro’s constant
Mole calculations involving the formula, moles = mass x molar mass
Mole calculations involving the constant and the formula
Moles in balanced symbol equations and identifying molar ratios of reactants or reactants to products
Calculating masses in reactions
Gas calculations (molar volume)
Concentration of solutions (in mol per decimetre cubed)
Students will be engaged through the range of activities which includes quiz competitions such as “Fill the VOID” where students have to complete some equations which have pieces missing and also “In the BALANCE” where students have to balance equations in order to work out the number of moles on each side of the reaction. This lesson can be used at any time during the year as a revision material, in the lead up to mocks or as a final revision lesson before the GCSE terminal exams.
This engaging lesson presentation (58 slides) and associated worksheets uses exam questions with displayed mark schemes, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the topics found within module B4 of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Biology specification. The topics which are specifically tested within the lesson include:
Ecosystems, Competition and interdependence, Pyramids of biomass, Efficiency of biomass transfer, The carbon cycle and Decomposers
Students will enjoy the competitions such as "Number CRAZY" and "Take the HOTSEAT" whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need their further attention
A detailed lesson which uses a step by step guide to take students through titration calculations. The lesson begins by looking at jey terminology such as the “rough” and “titre”, which are discussed and explained so that there isnt any confusion. Time is taken to go over key steps in the method, such as using the molar ratio from the equation, so that students are prepared for these if they encounter in an assessment.
This lesson has been designed primarily for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK) but is suitable for older students covering this at A-level
A fully-resourced lesson which looks at the structure of DNA in the detail which is required at GCSE level (14 - 16 year olds in the UK). The lesson includes an engaging lesson presentation (35 slides) and associated worksheets. The main aim of the lesson is to ensure that students recognise key terminology that comes with this topic such as nucleotide and (nitrogenous) bases. Engaging tasks have been written into the lesson, in order to maintain the motivation, such as when students are introduced to complimentary base pairing through a version of the gameshow “Take me Out”. Additional knowledge is provided at appropriate times in the lesson to stretch and challenge the more able. There are regular progress checks throughout the lesson so that students can assess their understanding of the structure.
As stated above, this lesson has been written for GCSE students but could be used with younger students and also with A-level students as a means of a recap before they learn about this in greater detail.
This is an engaging and fully-resourced 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 2 (Cells and control) of the Edexcel GCSE Biology 9-1 specification.
The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include:
Describe mitosis as part of the cell cycle, including the stages interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase and cytokinesis
Describe the importance of mitosis in growth, repair and asexual reproduction
Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two daughter cells, each with identical sets of chromosomes in the nucleus to the parent cell, and that this results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid body cells
Explain the importance of cell differentiation in the development of specialised cells
Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of stem cells in medicine
Describe the structures and functions of the brain including the cerebellum, cerebral hemispheres and medulla oblongata
Explain how the difficulties of accessing brain tissue inside the skull can be overcome by using CT scanning and PET scanning to investigate brain function
Explain the structure and function of sensory receptors, sensory neurones, relay neurones in the CNS, motor neurones and synapses in the transmission of electrical impulses, including the axon, dendron, myelin sheath and the role of neurotransmitters
Explain the structure and function of the eye as a sensory receptor including the role of the cornea, lens and iris
Describe defects of the eye including cataracts, longsightedness and short-sightedness
Explain how long-sightedness and short-sightedness can be corrected
The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which include quiz competitions such as "Can I have a P please BOB” where they have to recognise the different phases of mitosis from pictures or descriptions. The activities will crucially enable the students to determine which areas of topic 2 will 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.
All 7 of the lessons in this bundle are fully-resourced and have been designed to cover the content as detailed in topic 5.2 (Respiration) of the AQA A-Level Biology specification. The specification points that are covered within these lessons include:
Respiration produces ATP
Glycolysis as the first stage of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
The phosphorylation of glucose and the production and oxidation of triose phosphate
The production of lactate or ethanol in anaerobic conditions
The Link reaction
The oxidation-reduction reactions of the Krebs cycle
The synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation
The chemiosmotic theory
Lipids and proteins as respiratory substrates
The lessons have been written to include a wide range of activities and numerous understanding and prior knowledge checks so students can assess their progress against the current topic as well as be challenged to make links to other sub-topics within this topic and earlier topics
If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the anaerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation lessons as these have been uploaded for free
