This is one of my all time favourite lessons to teach, i’ve had great feedback from my students and would love to inspire more it’s free for that reason alone. Heart dissection lesson in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a higher ability class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes powerpoint timers, slide animations, embedded video’s and mini review. NB: If you are unable to play embedded videos please view slide notes for link. This is NOT a required practical lesson. This is well worth doing with a separate science group. You may decide to do this practical before theory i’ve taught the theory in a previous lesson. AQA spec link: 4.2.2.2 Relevant chapter: B4 Organising animals and plants. AQA Biology combined edition textbook-Page 54-55 Students are required to know the following; Students should know the structure and functioning of the human heart and lungs, including how lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange. The heart is an organ that pumps blood around the body in a double circulatory system. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs where gas exchange takes place. The left ventricle pumps blood around the rest of the body. Knowledge of the blood vessels associated with the heart is limited to the aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein and coronary arteries. Knowledge of the names of the heart valves is not required.

To celebrate 100+ positive reviews I would like to share a great homework on the brain . This covers WS 1.5 in the AQA specification 'Evaluate the benefits and risks of procedures carried out on the brain and nervous system.

This worksheet has been created in accordance to the NEW AQA specification (2016) for the Homeostasis and Response Topic and is to be used with students studying triple sciences (Biology ONLY) A small part of the specification requires students to be aware of the role of new technologies in corrective eye surgery. I created a comprehension task for my high ability year 11 students, it requires students to read a scientific article and answer a series of questions. This is an excellent stretch and challenge activity that exposes students to advanced scientific terms as well as new science. It can easily be set as a homework task. Answers can be found in the article. I was very pleased with the outcome of this activity, I loved that it opened a huge discussion in my class, please share your thoughts on this resource once you’ve had a go with your own students :) AQA specification reference: 4.5.2.3 New technologies now include hard and soft contact lenses, laser surgery to change the shape of the cornea and a replacement lens in the eye.

Unit 2-Practical scientific procedures and techniques Learning aim D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work. How did i teach this? This assignment allows students to review the skills they attained in this unit. It also reiterates the importance of H&S as well as professional practice. Before setting the assignment i first taught three lessons covering the content in Pearson BTEC national-Applied science-Student book 1. Due to the complexity of this assignment i provided my students with a template which covered the P/M/D criteria (please see attached). This prevented students from going off on a tangent and also ensured they had mentioned the key skills for both assignment B and C. I’ve also attached a specification and the assignment brief to tie it altogether nicely. Hope it helps you with marking also!

Measure the population size of a common species in a habitat. Use sampling techniques to investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of this species. This lesson was conducted outdoors hence why a powerpoint was not created. This investigation has two parts: Investigating the population size of a plant species using random sampling Investigating the effect of a factor on plant distribution using a transect line. AQA spec link: 4.7.2.1 Relevant chapter: B16 Adaptations, interdependence and competition. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 262-263 In doing this practical students should cover these parts of the apparatus and techniques requirements. AT 1 – use appropriate apparatus to record length and area. AT 3 – use transect lines and quadrats to measure distribution of a species. AT 4 – safe and ethical use of organisms and response to a factor in the environment. AT 6 – application of appropriate sampling techniques to investigate the distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem via direct use in the field. AT 8 – use of appropriate techniques in more complex contexts including continuous sampling in an investigation.

A great homework based on photosynthesis, can be set over a weekend. Students are also required to access knowledge from previous topics (B4).

C2-The periodic table-Group 7-halide displacement lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a mixed ability year 9 class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Please note: this lesson is on halide displacement ONLY, visit the following link for group 7-the halogens lesson https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-new-specification-group-7-the-halogens-c2-4-12257790 Includes: slide animations, embedded videos, and homework with answers as well as a interactive review task. If for any reason the video link does not work, a URL has also been included in the notes. For further enquiries please email paperfriendlyresources@gmail.com Also available via instagram: Paperfriendlyresourcesuk AQA spec link: 4.1.2.6

The artificial control of fertility (contraception) lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1) for my separates class (Year 10-KS4). Includes: slide animations, embedded video and practice questions (homework) with mark scheme. This resource is suitable for combined science students. AQA spec link:5.3.5 Relevant chapter: B11.7-The artificial control of fertility . AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 172-173. *The new specification requires students to know the following; Students should be able to evaluate the different hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception. Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception. These include: • oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature • injection, implant, or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years • barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg • intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone • spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm • abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct • surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.

I have designed a mitosis and meiosis revision exam question pack, total marks /20. Contains a range of short and longer answer questions also requires students to interpret diagrams. This is a great piece of homework or mini class test, that can allow you to determine whether your students can distinguish between these two processes. I've attached the mark scheme separately as it's a great self/peer-assessed activity (reduce the marking load).

Discovering drugs lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a higher ability class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: slide animations, embedded videos and practice questions with answers on slides. EDITED-PPT has been edited noticed a few spelling mistakes! Included a crossword also. AQA spec link: 3.1.9 Relevant chapter: B6 Preventing and treating diseases. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 102-103 Specification requires students to know the following; Students should be able to describe the process of discovery and development of potential new medicines, including preclinical and clinical testing. Traditionally drugs were extracted from plants and microorganisms. • The heart drug digitalis originates from foxgloves. • The painkiller aspirin originates from willow. • Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming from the Penicillium mould. Most new drugs are synthesised by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the starting point may still be a chemical extracted from a plant.

The world of the microscope lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a higher ability class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: slide animations, embedded videos and practice questions with answers on slides. I have also included the required practical ppt as It goes hand in hand with this lesson. I would recommend doing the required practical after the plant and animal cells lesson. AQA spec link: 1.1.5 Relevant chapter: B1 Cell structure and transport. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 4-5 Specification requires students to know the following; Students should be able to: • understand how microscopy techniques have developed over time • explain how electron microscopy has increased understanding of sub-cellular structures. Limited to the differences in magnification and resolution. An electron microscope has much higher magnification and resolving power than a light microscope. This means that it can be used to study cells in much finer detail. This has enabled biologists to see and understand many more sub-cellular structures. WS 1.1 Students should be able to carry out calculations involving magnification, real size and image size using the formula: magnification = size of image size of real object Students should be able to express answers in standard form if appropriate. MS 1a, 1b, 2h, 3b WS 4.4 Use prefixes centi, milli, micro and nano.

Stem cells dilemmas lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a higher ability separates class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: slide animations, embedded video, practice questions with answers on slides. AQA spec link: 4.1.2.3 Relevant chapter: B2 Cell division. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 32-33 Specification requires students to know the following; In therapeutic cloning an embryo is produced with the same genes as the patient. Stem cells from the embryo are not rejected by the patient’s body so they may be used for medical treatment. The use of stem cells has potential risks such as transfer of viral infection, and some people have ethical or religious objections. Stem cells from meristems in plants can be used to produce clones of plants quickly and economically. •• Rare species can be cloned to protect from extinction. •• Crop plants with special features such as disease resistance can be cloned to produce large numbers of identical plants for farmers.

Photosynthesis required practical (RP 6). This practical was completed in one lesson, students were asked to construct a graph from their data for homework. AQA spec link: 4.4.1.1 Relevant chapter: B8 Photosynthesis. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 126-127 Students are required to know the following; investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis using an aquatic organism such as pondweed. AT skills covered by this practical activity: AT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Genetic engineering lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for higher ability (trilogy/combined) class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: embedded videos and timers, slide animations, practice questions with answers on slides. NB: If you are unable to play videos a URL link can be found in the slide notes. AQA spec link: 4.6.2.4 Relevant chapter: B13 Variation and evolution. AQA Biology trilogy edition textbook-Page 186-187. Students are required to know the following; Students should be able to explain the potential benefits and risks of genetic engineering in agriculture and in medicine and that some people have objections. Concerns about GM crops include the effect on populations of wild flowers and insects. Some people feel the effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored.

Genetic engineering lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for higher ability (trilogy/combined) class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: embedded videos and timers, slide animations, practice questions with answers on slides, worksheet and an interactive quiz. NB: If you are unable to play videos a URL link can be found in the slide notes. AQA spec link: 4.6.2.4 Relevant chapter: B13 Variation and evolution. AQA Biology trilogy edition textbook-Page 184-185. Students are required to know the following; Students should be able to describe genetic engineering as a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic. Plant crops have been genetically engineered to be resistant to diseases or to produce bigger better fruits. Bacterial cells have been genetically engineered to produce useful substances such as human insulin to treat diabetes. Students should be able to explain the potential benefits and risks of genetic engineering in agriculture and in medicine and that some people have objections. In genetic engineering, genes from the chromosomes of humans and other organisms can be ‘cut out’ and transferred to cells of other organisms. Crops that have had their genes modified in this way are called genetically modified (GM) crops. GM crops include ones that are resistant to insect attack or to herbicides. GM crops generally show increased yields. Concerns about GM crops include the effect on populations of wild flowers and insects. Some people feel the effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored. Modern medical research is exploring the possibility of genetic modification to overcome some inherited disorders. (HT) Students should be able to describe the main steps in the process of genetic engineering. In genetic engineering: • enzymes are used to isolate the required gene; this gene is inserted into a vector, usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus • the vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells • genes are transferred to the cells of animals, plants, or microorganisms at an early stage (egg or embryo) in their development so that they develop with desired characteristics.

Metabolism and the liver lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a higher ability class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes powerpoint timers, slide animations, embedded video's and mini review. NB: If you are unable to play embedded videos please view slide notes for link. AQA spec link: 4.4.2.1 Relevant chapter: B9 Respiration. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 140-141 Students are required to know the following; Students should be able to explain the importance of sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Metabolism is the sum of all the reactions in a cell or the body. The energy transferred by respiration in cells is used by the organism for the continual enzyme controlled processes of metabolism that synthesise new molecules. Metabolism includes: •conversion of glucose to starch, glycogen and cellulose •the formation of lipid molecules from a molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids • the use of glucose and nitrate ions to form amino acids which in turn are used to synthesise proteins • respiration •breakdown of excess proteins to form urea for excretion. All of these aspects are covered in more detail in the relevant specification section but are linked together here.

Food tests (RP 4-separate science). This practical was completed in one lesson, students were asked to construct a graph from their data for homework. How did i deliver this practical? Groups of 3, each group needs a test tube rack, 3 x test tubes and 1 x boiling tube. Goggles must be worn throughout the practical. Circus activity-students visited a station to complete a food test (avoids too many students doing the same test or taking all the reagents). Instead of using a hot water bath for the simple sugars test i lit a bunsen burner and allowed students to heat their solution in a boiling tube, holding it at a slant near the flame using tongs. Students really enjoyed this and the colour change is very sudden. Only one bunsen burner needs to be on for this and can be manned by the teacher to prevent misuse. AQA spec link: 4.2.2.1 Relevant chapter: B3 Organisation and the digestive system. AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 46-47 Students are required to know the following; Required practical 4-qualitative reagents to test for a range of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. To include: Benedict’s test for sugars; iodine test for starch; and Biuret reagent for protein. AT skills covered by this practical activity: AT 2 and 8. This practical activity also provides opportunities to develop WS and MS. Details of all skills are given in Key opportunities for skills development.