I am a secondary school & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology. I am also an experienced AQA GCSE Biology Examiner. My resources contain a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons aimed at meeting specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE course and KS3 Activate course.
All of my lessons include at least one opportunity for self-assessment, a range of activities to suit students of all abilities, a set of differentiated starter questions and a plenary.
I am a secondary school & A-level Science teacher, specialising in Biology. I am also an experienced AQA GCSE Biology Examiner. My resources contain a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons aimed at meeting specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE course and KS3 Activate course.
All of my lessons include at least one opportunity for self-assessment, a range of activities to suit students of all abilities, a set of differentiated starter questions and a plenary.
This lesson is designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy ‘organisation’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils being introduced to what an enzyme is, what it looks like and it’s role in the body.
Pupils will then watch a video and will need to answer questions (provided) whilst watching the video, they can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
Next pupils are shown a diagram of an enzyme’s lock & key mechanism in action, they will need to draw their own diagram of this process and include labels to show what is happening.
Next, pupils are introduced to the factors that can affect the rate of enzyme action. They are given a set of data on how temperature affects the rate of reaction. Pupils will need to plot this data onto a graph, they are then given a set of labels which they will need to match to certain points on their graph to describe what is happening.
In the next task pupils will need to complete sentences to explain the data that the graph is displaying, pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
The very last task requires pupils to look at the effect of pH on the rate of enzyme action, pupils will need to think about the pH needed for enzymes in the stomach to work. They can discuss this question or come up with an answer themselves.
The plenary task is a fill-in-the-blank task for pupils to complete in their books, this can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
Any questions please let me know by leaving a comment, and any feedback is much appreciated :)!
This lesson is designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy ‘Organisation’ SoW within the Biology specification.
The lesson starts by a recap on knowledge covered in KS3, pupils are asked to put tissues, cells and organs in order according to size and complexity. Once the answer is revealed pupils are then given definitions of cells, tissues and organs and are will need to answer some questions about the differences between the three structures.
Pupils are then given the definition of an organs system and will then need to complete a brainstorm of the different types of organ systems they can think of. On the next slide pupils can self-asses their work using the list of organ system examples.
In the next activity, pupils will be given a list and diagrams of different organs, they need to write down which organs they think are present in the digestive system, respiratory system and the water transport system in plants. Once completed pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
The next activity is for pupils to match the correct name of an organ system to the description of its function. Following self-assessment of this task pupils will need to complete a quick recap fill-in-the-blank task.
For the last activity pupils are given a card sort of names and diagrams for cells, tissues and organs. They will need to sort these into three columns and they can then self-assess their work.
The plenary task is a poster challenge - pupils get into groups and complete a poster of information on the topic of organisation as quickly as possible.
Thank you for looking :) any questions please leave a comment and I will get back to you! And any feedback would be appreciated.
This lesson is designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy Specification, particularly for the 'Cells' SoW.
For more lessons designed for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a definition for osmosis and defining the difference between solvent and solutes. Pupils are then asked to think > pair > share about what they think a partially permeable membrane might be.
In the next activity, pupils are given a definition for concentrated and dilute solutions and are shown three different diagrams, they need to decide whether they are showing pure water, a concentrated or a dilute solution.
Now pupils are introduced to isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions. They are firstly shown what happens to animals cells in each of these solutions using an animation. Pupils will then need to match the type of solution to it's description and also complete a cartoon strip to explain what happens to animal cells in each of these solutions, a list of key words is provided.
Students will then think about the importance of osmosis to plants and will need to match diagrams of plant cells in isotonic/hypertonic/hypotonic solutions to the correct description.
The last activity is an exam-style question on osmosis, pupils can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task is for pupils to write 5 summary sentences about what they have learnt so far using the list of key words provided.
Thanks for looking :) please leave any feedback if you purchase!
This lesson is designed to meet specification points for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology ‘Cells’ SoW.
For more resources designed to meet specification points for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils being introduced to the idea of stem cells, what they are and why they are important. Pupils will then watch a video about stem cells, the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells and their importance in medical research and treatments. Pupils will answer questions whilst watching the video and can self-assess their work using the answers provided once it has finished.
Pupils will then need to summarise what they have learnt so far by completing a fill-in-the-blank task, this can be copied off the board or summarised in their book.
The next activity is on stem cells in plants, pupils will be given some information on the board and will then need to answer questions about this information.
The next activity will focus on the social, moral and ethical implications of using stem cells for medical research purposes. Pupils will need to read opinion/fact cards about the use of stem cells and firstly will need to discuss the pros and cons of using stem cells for medical research. The second task is for pupils to sort the information cards into ‘fact’ or ‘opinion’ columns - this can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The final plenary task is an exam-style question about use of stem cells, pupils can then self-assess their work.
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology 'Cells' SoW.
For more resources designed for the new AQA GCSE Trilogy Biology, Chemistry an Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by pupils completing a comprehension task, they will need to read details on the history of the microscope and answer questions into their books. Once finished pupils will need to then self-assess their work using the answers provided in the PowerPoint presentation.
Pupils are then introduced to the idea of 'resolution' - the definition for which they need to know so pupils could write this down in their books.
The next part of the lesson will focus more on maths skills related to microscopy, pupils will firstly need to calculate the overall magnification of a microscope using the objective lens and eyepiece lens magnifications. The next skill pupils will learn is to change units of measurement from cm > mm > um > nm.
The next calculation pupils will need to know is how to calculate the actual size of a specimen being observed down a microscope. Pupils will be introduced to the calculation and then given a couple of example questions, pupils can attempt to have a go at these themselves. The following slide goes through step-by-step how you would calculate the answers to these questions.
The plenary is a 'Silent 5' task where pupils will need to answer questions based upon what they have learnt during the lesson.
This resource is designed to meet specification points in the new AQA Trilogy Biology ‘Cells’ SoW.
For more resources designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with pupils shown a picture of an amoeba and one of a polar bear, they will need to discuss the difference between the organisms in terms of how they take in oxygen from their environment. Once you have shared a few ideas from the pupils with the class you can show the pupils the difference between the two organisms - amoeba can rely on simple diffusion whereas larger multicellular organisms need specialised exchange surfaces.
Pupils are then shown three examples of exchange surfaces - alveoli, small intestine and leaves of plants - they will need to think about how these structures might be adapted to exchange materials efficiently. You could have a short class discussion to develop these ideas.
Once you have again discussed these factors with the class you can reveal the next slide which outlines the 4 main features of an efficient gas exchange surface.
Pupils will then be given a worksheet and they will need to move around the room reading posters of information about villi and alveoli to complete the worksheet. This should take approximately 20 minutes, once finished pupils can peer-assess their work using the answers provided with the PowerPoint presentation.
The plenary is an Exit Card pupils will complete and pass to you on the way out of the door, this requires pupils to write down 3 key words, one fact and a question to test their peers knowledge of what they have learnt about in the lesson today.
This resource meets specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology ‘Cells’ SoW.
For other resources designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by getting pupils to think about what diffusion is and then giving them the scientific definition for the process. Pupils will then need to read statements about the stages of diffusion, look at diagrams demonstrating these stages and match them together in their books. This activity will be self-assessed using the answers in the PowerPoint presentation.
Pupils will then need to think > pair > share about the factors they think will affect the rate of diffusion. Once they have come up with their own ideas and shared them as a class you can show them the animation provided to demonstrate how concentration of particles and size affects the rate of diffusion. Pupils are then asked to consider how temperature might affect the rate, you can demonstrate this affect using the link to another animation which demonstrates this effect.
Pupils will then complete a fill-in-the-blank task to demonstrate their knowledge of how these different factors affect the rate of diffusion, which can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
Pupils will then look at the importance of diffusion in living organisms and specifically the types of adaptation organism might have to speed up the rate of diffusion. The final activity is a past-paper questions, when completed pupils will self-asses using the mark scheme.
The plenary activity is quick past-paper question to complete and mark.
This is lesson is designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy Biology specification, specifically the 'Cells' SoW.
Please find more resources for the NEW Trilogy GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry specifications in my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by identifying the differences between osmosis, diffusion and active transport. Pupils will then watch a video and answer questions about the process of active transport whilst watching. Once finished pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
Pupils will then sort statements about the three types of movement - diffusion, osmosis, active transport - into three columns, pupils will then self-assess their work.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the importance of active transport to living organisms, pupils will be introduced to two examples - mineral ion uptake in plants and absorption of glucose in humans. Pupils will then need to answer questions on this topic.
The plenary is a exam-style question on active transport, pupils can again self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new AQA Trilogy GCSE Biology ‘Bioenergetics’ scheme of work.
The lesson begins by pupils being introduced to the term ‘photosynthesis’ and then being asked to consider the raw materials that plants need in order for photosynthesis to occur. Pupils are then given three minutes to write down everything they have learnt about photosynthesis so far, with an extension task to write the word equation for the reaction.
In the next part of the lesson pupils are introduced to the word equations and are challenged to write a balanced symbol equation for this reaction.
Mid-lesson plenary involves a set of exam-questions (total marks = 9 marks) which they can complete in silence and then peer or self-assess using the mark scheme provided.
Pupils are then introduced to the concept of endothermic and exothermic reactions, they are given the definition for an endothermic reaction and are then asked to ‘think, pair, share’ with a partner about what an exothermic reaction might be and whether photosynthesis is endothermic or exothermic. After 5 minutes, pupils are given the answers and they can mark their work.
The final activity is for pupils to watch a video on the scientific investigation conducted by Van Helmont, pupils watch the video and answer questions on a worksheet which can then be self or peer-assessed using red pens.
Pupils can choose their plenary activity - either writing quiz questions on the topic of the lesson or summarising what they learnt by writing a twitter message along with #keywords.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, thank you for purchasing :)
This is a lesson designed to meet specification points for the new Biology Trilogy 'Bioenergetics' scheme of work.
The lesson begins by focusing on the location of the main organs in the plant, students are then asked to match the name of the organs to their function. Once this work is self-assessed pupils will watch a video which will outline some of the adaptations a plant has that enables it to carry out photosynthesis.
Pupils are then introduced to the major tissues in the leaf of a plant and are given some information on the location, structure and function of these tissues. Using this information pupils are required to complete a worksheet labelling a cross-section of a leaf. Once finished, pupils can use the mark scheme within the PowerPoint presentation to check their work.
Students are then asked to consider why plants and the process of photosynthesis is so important. They are reminded of the fact that plants are needed to harness sunlight energy and synthesise organic molecules like glucose which not provides energy to the plant but to all organisms further up the food chain.
The final activity is a past-paper question worksheet that pupils should complete in silence, once finished they can either self-assess or peer-assess using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary is for students to summarise what they have learnt in the lesson by writing 3 facts, 2 key words and posing 1 question to their peers.
All resources are found at the end of the PowerPoint presentation. Thank you for purchasing :)
This is a resource aimed at the NEW AQA GCSE Biology specification, developed to meet learning outcomes within the 'Infection & Response' unit.
This lesson is part of a 12 lesson bundle for the NEW 'Infection & Response' Unit, found in my TES shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by describing the process by which a bacteria may become resistant to an antibiotic.
Pupils will then watch a storyboard animation which demonstrates this process visually. Pupils can then use this animation to create their own storyboard, including diagrams and captions, to represent the process of natural selection in bacteria which leads to antibiotic resistance.
The focus of the lesson is then on MRSA, a few real-life headlines are given as an example of an antibiotic resistant bacteria. Pupils will brainstorm what sorts of methods hospitals employ to reduce the spread of such 'super bugs'.
The final activity is for pupils to completed questions on antibiotic resistance and how to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA. The mark scheme for the questions are included on the Power Point presentation for students to mark their own work or peer-assess.
The plenary is a recap on the learning outcomes, pupils will need to assess whether they are R/A/G.
This is a resource for the new AQA GCSE Biology ‘Infection and Response’ module.
The lesson begins with an introduction to the structure of fungi and protists and some of the diseases they can cause in plants and animals.
Pupils can then stick a piece of information in their books which outlines the rose black spot fungal disease of plants and the protist disease of malaria in humans. Pupils should use this information to work their way through the levelled tasks on the board. You can then go through the answers to these questions and pupils can self-assess or peer-asses their work.
The mid-lesson progress check is an activity where pupils match definitions to the correct key words, pupils can self-assess their work.
In the next activity pupils can create a pamphlet/poster aimed at patients going abroad to a country where they could be at risk of contracting malaria. Pupils can work through the tasks for each of the parts of the ABCD approach in order to complete this poster. Pupils can then peer-assess their work.
Plenary is a quick quiz pupils can complete at the back of their books.
Other lessons from the ‘Infection and Response’ unit can be found in my TES shop.
Thanks :)
This is a resource which meets specification points within the NEW AQA GCSE Trilogy 'Cells' Sow.
Other lessons designed for the new 'Cells' SoW and other new Trilogy Biology and Physics SoW can be found in my TES shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by identifying the purpose of mitosis - growth and repair. Pupils will then be given a double-sided worksheet, the first side corresponds to the first 5 mins 51 seconds of the video included in the PowerPoint slide. Pupils will need to watch the video and answer the questions on the sheet, they are in order but for lower ability classes you may want to stop the video and guide pupils through the work. Self-assess this work using the answers provided in the PowerPoint before moving on with the video.
The next part of the video guides pupils through what happens during Mitosis - Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase. Pupils have diagrams of the the processes on the back of their worksheet, they will need to use the video to name the stages and describe what is happening. Self-assess work using the answers that are provided in the PowerPoint.
The next activity, pupils are given real images of a cell going through mitosis and descriptions of the stages, they need to cut and stick the stages and the pictures in the correct order to complete a flow diagram. Pupils peer or self-assess their work using red/green pens.
**Past-paper question provided as an extra activity for higher-ability pupils - pupils answer the question in their books and peer-assess using the mark scheme**
Plenary - pupils write a text message or a tweet to their friend to tell them what they have learnt about this lesson.
All resources are included, as well as mark schemes for when pupils self/peer-assess their work.
Please leave a review with feedback :) thanks!
This is a lesson which meets specification points in the NEW AQA GCSE (2016) 'Cells' SoW.
Other lessons from this SoW and other AQA GCSE Trilogy Sow for the new specification can be found in my TES shop.
This lesson begins by watching a video about the structure of cells and where to find the genetic information, pupils will watch the video and answer questions (provided in the PowerPoint presentation.)
Pupils will then be presented with a labelled diagram of a cell, nucleus, chromosome and gene. Pupils will be required to analyse the diagram for a few minutes (you can include a stop clock on the board). The screen will then be changed and pupils will be given a blank copy of the diagram which they will need to complete from memory - pupils can then peer-assess their work.
In the next activity, pupils are shown diagrams of a cell with a nucleus visible, DNA, a gene and a chromosome. Pupils can either create a flow chart by cutting and sticking the diagrams in order from largest to smallest and then labelling them. Alternatively, they could draw their own diagrams and label them. Pupils can then self-assess their work using red pens.
The next activity, pupils are given a series of words and definitions, they will need to match the key words up to the correct definition. Pupils then self-assess their work.
Their are two option for the plenary activity, for lower ability classes pupils will be required to fill in the blanks in a paragraph describing the structure and function of genetic information and where it is found within the cell. The second plenary is a past-paper question, pupils can answer this in their books and then peer-assess using red pens.
All resources are included, please leave a review with feedback :). Thanks!
This is a lesson aimed at the new AQA GCSE Biology (2016) - ‘Cells’ SoW.
The lesson begins by identifying examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, pupils can begin to think about the structural differences between these two types of cells.
Next, pupils are given a worksheet plus an additional card of information on either the structure or function of a bacteria cell. Pupils will need to walk around the room and trade the information on their card with others to fully complete a labelled diagram of a bacteria cell and descriptions of the functions for each structure.
Once completed pupils can peer or self-assess their work using the information within the PowerPoint slide.
The next activity requires pupils to apply their knowledge of the structure of bacteria (prokaryotic) cells and compare this to the structure of eukaryotic cells, pupils need to construct a list/table in their books to identify the similarities and differences between these two cells. Pupils can then self-assess their work against the list provided in the PowerPoint slide.
The next activity is an assessment activity, pupils will need to complete the past-paper question in their books and again self/peer-assess their work using red pens.
The final activity involves a list of ‘True/False’ statements, to gauge the progress of the class this could be completed by students holding up red/amber/green cards to identify whether they think the statement is true or false.
All resources are included in the PowerPoint presentation, please review to provide me with feedback :). Thank you.
This is a lesson aimed at meeting specification points within the new AQA GCSE (2016) Biology 'Cells' SoW.
For more resources aimed for the new AQA GCSE specification please visit my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Pupils will start by looking at the differences between unicellular and multicellular oganisms and what it means for a cell to be 'specialised'.
Pupils will then focus on the difference between stem cells in animal and plant cells, they will read a bit of information on this topic and answer questions in their books. Pupils can then peer-assess their work using the answers in the PowerPoint.
In the next task Pupils can either use posters places around the room or they each get given a different card with a different specialised cell and they need to complete a table of information on the structure and function of various specialised cells. These include: palisade cell, white blood cell, nerve cell, red blood cell, ciliated epithelial cell, sperm and egg cell.
The last activity pupils will need to complete a past-paper question to assess their knowledge. Pupils can then self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This is a lesson which meets specification points within the AQA Biology Trilogy - Cells SoW.
The lesson begins by pupils using posters around the room to complete a levelled worksheet on the structure and function of animal and plant cells. Pupils will then peer-assess their work, providing feedback of the grade each pupil achieved and ways to improve their work.
Pupils will then complete a 'revision' task in the back of their books, they will need to stick in a sheet and match the structure to the function. Pupils can self-assess their work.
The final task, an assessment task, involves pupils answering a past-paper questions. They should try and do this with their book closed to test their knowledge of what they have learnt this lesson.
Pupil can then either peer-assess or self-assess their work.
All resources are included, please review with any feedback :)
This bundle of resources contains 16 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Infection & Response’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
Health & Wellness (2 lessons)
Pathogens & Disease
Preventing infections
Defence mechanisms
Antibiotics & painkillers
Vaccination
Bacterial & viral diseases
Fungal & protist diseases
Cancer
Antibiotic Resistance
Drug Trials
Smoking
Alcohol
FREE HIGHER TIER LESSONS INCLUDED:
14. Growing Bacteria
15. Monoclonal Antibodies
16. Plant diseases and responses
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, mid-lesson progress checks, 6-mark exam questions and more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks. A few of the lessons contain extra resources at the end of the PowerPoint presentations which could be used as homework material.
This is a resource for the NEW AQA GCSE Biology 'Infection & Response' unit.
Please find further resources designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Pupils will firstly consider some traditional medicines such as digitalis for dropsy, willow trees for aspirin and penicillin mould.
Pupils then consider the time and money taken to conduct a drug trial, as well as the stages that are involved. Pupils will watch a video to determine the definition of a placebo and a double-blind trial, pupils should also use the video to identify how clinical scientists maintain a fair test during a clinical trial.
The next part of the lesson pupils will be introduced to what happens during the pre-clinical trial phase and the three stages of the clinical trial phase. Once students have learnt this they will need to match the key words to the definitions. They will also be given a set of 6 statements which they need to write in order, as a flow diagram, in their books to represent the stages of the drug trialling process. Pupils can then self-assess their work.
There is a 6-mark question on what they have learnt this lesson. To really test pupils' knowledge they should try and complete this in the back of their books, perhaps giving them a set of key words as prompts. For a less able class, they should be able to use their notes from the lesson. Pupils can peer-assess their work using the marking criteria on the PowerPoint slide.
All of the resources can be found on the PowerPoint slide, there is also extra resources at the end which could be used in an extra lesson or as a homework activity.
Other lessons from the 'Infection and Response' unit can be found in my TES shop :)
This is a lesson for the new AQA GCSE Biology Specification, it particularly meets specification points from the 'Infection & Response' unit.
This lesson is part of a 12 lesson bundle for the NEW 'Infection & Response' Unit, found in my TES shop - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by pupils thinking about the type of risk-factors that increases someone's chances of developing cancer. The lesson then goes on to introduce the definition of cancer and identifies some of the parts of the body that cancer can most commonly affect.
Pupils are then given, in pairs, the definition of malignant and benign tumours, they will need to teach their peer the definition of this word for their peer to write down - not just read it and copy it from the piece of paper!
The slide will outline what happens if the cancer metastasises, there is a video demonstrating how cancer can spread from one part of the body to another.
The next activity pupils are given a grid with symbols/diagrams on, pupils will need to identify the risk-factors of cancer that these diagrams represent. Some are a little more difficult than others, I have included the names of the more difficult ones on the board but you can it more/less challenging to suit the ability of your class. Once finished pupils can self-assess their work using red pens.
For the plenary pupils will answer a past-paper question and then peer-assess their work.