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 for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the 'Homeostasis' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
Pupils will start the lessons by considering why a reflex action is important to living organisms and asking pupils to consider any examples they can think of. After revealing the importance of reflex actions and come examples, the slides then move on to look at the pathway an electrical impulse takes along a reflex arc. Pupils will delve a little deeper into this by watching a video, during which they can answer questions. Once this has been completed they can self-assess their work using the answers provided. This process can also be summarised using a copy and complete exercise.
Next, the lesson focuses on synapse, a diagram of a synapse is shown with key details labelled, there is also a link to an animation that can be shown to demonstrate what occurs at the gap between neurons. After this has been demonstrated pupils are then asked to complete some tasks to show their understanding of what occurs at a synapse.
The next activity involved a set of statements which are muddled up, pupils need to put them into the correct order to correctly describe the steps involved with a reflex arc. Once this has been completed pupils can assess their work using the model answer provided.
The final activity is a past-paper question which can be printed for pupils or they can complete in their own books, this needs to be self or peer assessed once complete.
The plenary task is for pupils to pick a task - either to summarise the work from the lesson using a list of key words or for pupils to come up with questions for the list of answers that are provided.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Homeostasis’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by looking an organism - a cat- and asking pupils to think about the types of stimulus the cat might respond to in it’s environment, plus which organs it needs to sense these stimuli. Pupils will brainstorm their ideas and then self-assess their work once the answers are revealed, additionally they will answer an exam question on this topic.
Next, pupils focus on the effectors and their role in the nervous system. Pupils will be provided with a description of the role of muscles and glands as effectors and will then need to complete an exam question to assess their knowledge, mark scheme provided for either peer or self-assessment.
The next part of the lesson will focus on neurons, firstly a diagram of a neuron cell is shown and pupils need to think about how this cell is similar and different to a normal animal cell. Pupils may discuss this in pairs and try and come up with an answer before the mark scheme is revealed. Sensory and motor neurons are now introduced via an animation, pupils can look at the pathway the electrical impulse travels as it moved around the nervous system. Pupils will use this to then copy and complete a summary to describe this process, when completed this can be self-assessed.
The final activity is for pupils to copy and complete a table to sum up the main functions of each part the human nervous system either by using a card sort or by putting the statements on the board. This can then be peer or self-assessed when complete
The plenary activity is for pupils to summarise the 5 main key words they have learnt that lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Homeostasis’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a definition of homeostasis and pupils will then need to discuss in pairs the conditions that they think need to be controlled by the body. This leads on to revealing these factors and looking specifically at the way in which water can be lost and gained by the body. Pupils the complete a couple of questions on the topic.
Next is a focus on temperature control in the body, pupils need to consider what might happen if the temperature rises too high or falls too low and come up with ideas about how this might affect the body. Having already covered enzymes hopefully they might have some clue about what might happen. You can reveal the answer and pupils then need to complete a small worksheet to summarise these ideas.
Next pupils are challenged to think about what parts of our body control our reactions, pupils are asked to complete a challenge which gets them thinking about coordination and they will then write down any organs they think were involved with this process. The nervous and endocrine system are then introduced, pupils will need to copy and complete summary sentences to describe the main structures and functions of these two systems in controlling the body.
Pupils will then complete an exam question on the differences between nervous and endocrine control, the mark scheme is provided for pupils to mark their work.
Finally pupils look at the role of negative feedback in the body and how this works with the example of temperature control. Pupils will need to sketch a simple graph into their books and use labels provided to demonstrate how this process occurs. Again, the finished diagram is included so pupils can assess their own work.
A plenary activity is to complete an exit card listing key words, facts and to pose a question about the work covered in the lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This is a resource which contains all of the learning outcomes for the new AQA GCSE Biology 'Organisation' SoW.
Pupils should mark whether they feel they very confident (green), a little confident (amber) or not confident at all (red) for their ability to achieve each learning outcome.
This can be used before an end-of-topic test on 'organisation' for pupils to reflect on areas of revision which are most important. It can also be used again after to see whether students have progressed in their understanding of the topic.
This is a resource which contains all of the learning outcomes for the new AQA Biology 'Cells' SoW.
Pupils should mark whether they feel they very confident (green), a little confident (amber) or not confident at all (red) for their ability to achieve each learning outcome.
This can be used before an end-of-topic test for pupils to reflect on areas of revision which are most important. It can also be used again after to see whether students have progressed in their understanding of the topic.
This bundle of resources contains 10 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
1. Atoms, elements, compounds & mixtures
2. Chemical reactions & equations
3. Separating mixtures
4. The structure of the atom
5. The development of the atomic model
6. Electronic configuration
7. Mendeleev and the periodic table
8. Group 1: The alkali metals
9. Group 7: The halogens
10. Group 0: The noble gases
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, mid-lesson progress checks, exam questions and extra challenge tasks and more than two opportunities, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson starts with a diagram of the electronic configuration of fluorine, chlorine and bromine and pupils need to think > pair > share their ideas about any trends/patterns they can see as they go down the group. The trend in the electronic configuration and what this means in terms of reactivity is then outline on the next slide, pupils are then asked to answer questions about this. The answers to which will be revealed so pupils can check their answers.
To summarise what they have learnt so far pupils can complete a fill-in-the-blank task, then they will watch a video which will identify some of the properties of the different elements found in the halogen group.
Once this work has been self-assessed pupils will then be shown what a displacement reaction is and will be given a worked example to demonstrate how it works. Once you feel confident that pupils have understood when a displacement reaction will take place they can complete some word equations to show the products of such reactions. This can then be marked and any misconceptions addressed.
The plenary task is a true or false task which you could conduct as a class or ask pupils to complete in their books and then mark.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Atomic Structure & Periodic Table’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson starts with an introduction to the group that alkali metals are found in, this then is followed by a video about the metals where pupils will be required to answer questions, these can then be self-assessed.
Next, the PowerPoint slides explain why, in terms of electronic configuration, the alkali metals increase in reactivity as you go down the group. Pupils can summarise this information using a fill-in-the-blank task, which can then be self-assessed.
The reaction with alkali metals can then be modelled (practically you can show a demo of this) and pupils will need to be able to complete the word equation for this reaction, using a worked example of lithium and water pupils will need to fill int he word equations for other alkali metals. This work can be self-assessed.
Pupils will then be given a set of information about the properties of alkali metals and about their reaction with oxygen and chlorine. Using this information pupils will need to complete questions, as well as compete work equations showing the reaction of various alkali metals with either oxygen or chlorine. Again, all answers to this work is provided so pupils can self or peer assess their work…
The plenary task is a true or false task, which pupils could complete on their own at the back of their books.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson on noble gases starts with identification of the position of these gases with the periodic table and a video to highlight some of the examples and properties of these gases. Once pupils have assessed their work from the questions asked during the video pupils will each be given a card with the name of a noble gas and a description of the everyday uses of this gas. Pupils will be given 15 minutes to complete a table to identify the name and uses of each of the noble gases by walking around the room/talking to each other in groups.
Pupils will then complete an assessment task where they will need to identify the name of the alkali metal, halogen or noble gas based on the description. This work can be self-assessed once complete.
The final activity is for pupils to follow success criteria to produce a poster which outlines the information they learnt about Group 1, Group 7 and Group 0 elements. To extend this task, you could ask pupils to present their posters or have pupils walk around the room and give WWW and EBI's for each poster.
The plenary task is for pupils to summarise their work by writing down 3 facts, 2 key words and 1 question.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Atomic Structure & Periodic Table’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson starts with a video about Mendeleev and the development of the periodic table, pupisl should answer questions alongside watching this video. After this work has been self-assessed pupils will be given an information sheet in pairs, this can be tag read as a class for lower ability pupils.
Using this information pupils will need to answer a set of questions, they can complete these tasks in their book and once finished this work can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on metals vs. non-metals, pupils will be introduced to the idea that the periodic table is split into two groups and will then need to use a poster activity to summarise the differences in properties between these two groups. Once this work has been self-assessed, pupils will then be given another set of information about different types of metals and pupils will use this information to complete a worksheet.
The plenary activity is a an exit card where pupils will need to summarise what they have learnt by writing down three key words, one fact and one question on a piece of paper which can be handed to the teacher as they leave.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
First task is a true or false task about the structure of an atom just to remind pupils about what they already know about these sub-atomic particles.
Then pupils are played a video about the rules regarding electronic configuration, with which they should fill in a worksheet, either completing sentences or answering questions. Once this is finished pupils will self-assess their work. Next, the rules of how many electrons each shell can hold is demonstrate using diagrams, pupils are given examples to further consolidate this information.
Next, pupils are given a table with different elements listed, they will need to identify the mass number, atomic number, draw and write out the electronic configuration for each element. This can be assessed once it has been completed. The next task is an extension of what has just been completed, pupils are given a worksheet where they need to fill in the electron shells for the first 20 elements as well as write out the electronic configuration. Again, pupils will be provided with the answers to mark this work.
The final two activities focuses on the importance of how many electrons are in the outer shell of an atom of an element and what this means for the reactivity of this element. Pupils will watch a further video and also complete fill-in-the-blank sentences to summarise what they have learnt.
The plenary task is a set of graded questions about atomic structure.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson starts with a video about the developments in the atomic model starting from Greek philosophers to 20th Century scientists. Pupils are given a set of questions to answer whilst watching the video, this work can be self-assess using answers provided.
Next, pupils are given a set of cards with bits of information about different scientists involved in the development of the model of the atom. Pupils should put these cards in order and then use the information on the cards to formulate a timeline in their books, they should use the information on the cards to add labels describing the work of each of the scientists.
Once this work has been marked, pupils are then introduced to the idea of isotopes and ions. Pupils will then watch a video and will need to answer questions whilst watching and also complete a fill-in-the-blank summary sentence about what they have learnt. This work can be assessed using the answers provided.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with an introduction into the sub-atomic particles that make up an atom, pupils will need to fill in a diagram and statements to describe the position of each of these particles. Pupils will then be shown the charges and relative mass of each of these particles for a couple of minutes during a 'memory test' activity, they will then try and copy the information down into their books from memory.
Next is a mid-lesson progress check where pupils will need to answer questions off the board in pairs.
In the next half of the lesson pupils are introduced to the idea of atomic and mass numbers, they are firstly asked to use their periodic table to identify the atomic and mass numbers of certain elements. This work is self-assessed and then pupils are asked to think about how the number of neutrons could be calculated, once revealed pupils are then given a large table to complete to identify the atomic number mass number, plus the number of protons, neutrons & electrons for the first 20 elements.
The plenary task is an exit card where pupils can identify the areas in which they feel confident with this topic and those areas they feel they need more practise with.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a reminder of what a mixture is and a list of key words related to this topics, pupils are asked to think > pair > share ideas about the definition of these key words. After a class discussion pupils are asked to link these terms, with examples, to the correct definition. Once finished they can self-assess this work.
Pupils will then watch a video about different separation techniques and will be required to answer questions whilst watching, after this work is self-assess pupils will explore these methods further by completing a table of information using posters around the room.
The final activity is a practical to show how chromatography works, pupils will complete this practical (should only take 10-15 minutes) and then will be introduced to Rf values, they can use this calculation to work out the Rf values of the dyes they have separated during the practical.
The plenary task is for pupils to summarise what they have learnt during the lesson by using as many key words from the key word list as possible.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a recap on what was learnt last lesson, pupils will answer questions whilst watching a video about atoms, elements and chemical symbols. Next, pupils will be introduced to compound naming rules based upon the elements within that compound, pupils will then use these rules to complete a worksheet. Once finished the worksheet can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on equations, pupils are firstly introduced to the idea of reactants and products of a chemical reaction. Given a worked example students look at how to write a word equation, once they have practise this they can complete their own word equations. This work can be self-assessed using the answers provided in the PowerPoint presentation.
The final activity is an exam-style question, pupils should complete this on their own in silence and be given 7 minutes as it is 7 marks. Once finished they can self or peer-assess their work.
The plenary activity is for students to write a twitter message about what they have learnt that lesson.
The plenary task is a set of questions about what students have learnt that lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Atomic Structure & Periodic Table' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with student discussing the differences between atoms, compounds & mixtures and writing their ideas down, this is knowledge they should be able to recall from KS3. This is then explored further using an animation with questions that pupils are required to answer. After self-assessment of this task pupils are introduced to the definitions of each: atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures and will need to complete a fill-in-the-blank task to summarise.
Pupils will then be given a selection of diagrams on the board, they will need to determine whether these diagrams are representing elements, compounds or mixtures. Once complete they can self-asses their work using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson introduces students to the idea of the periodic table, pupils will need to stick in a copy of it and then will be given a task sheet which can be completed using the names and symbols of the elements.
The plenary task is a set of questions about what students have learnt that lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Biology GCSE, particularly the 'Infection & Response' SoW for the higher tier.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The first part of this lesson is a recap on the plant diseases students should have already covered within the 'infection & response' unit - rose black stop and tobacco mosaic virus. Plants will then be asked to come up with a brainstorm of the symptoms plants may exhibit when they are diseased. Once pupils have discussed this and tried to come up with some ideas you can reveal some of the common symptoms on the PowerPoint slide, along with images and examples.
The next slide looks at the ways in which plant diseases can be diagnosed, from gardening manuals to monoclonal antibody testing kits.
The next activity focuses on the role of certain minerals in the growth and development of plants, firstly students will draw a table in their book and then they will given a slip of information about one of the mineral ions - nitrates, magnesium or potassium. Pupils will need to walk around the room or swap these slips of paper with people on the same table as them to complete the table, they can then assess their work.
The final part of the lesson focuses on plant defence responses, firstly pupils will be shown some diagrams of plants and their defence methods and will be asked to think > pair > share the potential ways plants can defend against disease.
Pupils will then be given a card sort with different plant defence mechanisms, students need to sort these into three different categories - physical barrier, chemical barrier, defence against herbivore. Once completed pupils can then assess their work using the answers provided.
The final task is an exam-style question on what they have learnt that lesson, pupils of higher ability may want to complete these questions in silence at the backs of their book. Pupils can then self or peer-assess their work.
Plenary activity is to write 3 key words, 2 facts and 1 question about what pupils have learnt that lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Infection & Response’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson firstly begins by looking at what monoclonal antibodies are and how they are produced, using a flow diagram the first slide goes through these details. The next slide is the images from the flow diagram but no description of what is happening, pupils need to match the statements to the correct part of the process. This can then be assessed.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the uses of monoclonal antibodies, firstly pupils are given a set of questions about pregnancy tests which they will need to answer using a video. This can then be assessed using the answers provided.
Pupils are then given a table/asked to draw a table in their book for the different uses of monoclonal antibodies. Pupils will then need to use posters which can be positioned around the room or on desks to fill this table in.
The final activity is a card sort - pupils are given statements about the uses of monoclonal antibodies which are either advantages or disadvantages, pupils will need to write these statements into the correct column in their books. Once finished they can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
The plenary activity is for pupils to choose two questions to answer from a list about the topic of the lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Biology GCSE, particularly for the higher tier for the 'Infection & Response ' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by students being introduced to how bacteria are grown and then students will watch a video on the growth of bacteria, they will need to answer questions and then will assess their work using the answers provided. Using the information learnt from the video pupils will then need to fill out a method sheet to describe how you safely grow microorganisms on agar plates.
Pupils will then complete an exam-style question on what they have learnt so far as a mid-plenary and check their work.
(Optional practical activity: Instructions are given for pupils to now complete the practical to start growing cultures of bacteria on agar plates.)
The last half of the lesson will focus on mathematical skills related to working out the number of bacteria in a population. Pupils will watch a video to help them answer questions and then will need to complete questions by themselves, all answers are provided.
The plenary task is for pupils to summarise what they have learnt this lesson.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)
This bundle of resources contains 9 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Organisation’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
1. Plants tissues & organs
2. Photosynthesis
3. Products of photosynthesis
4. The rate of photosynthesis (limiting factors)
5. Making the most of photosynthesis
6. Aerobic Respiration
7. Anaerobic Respiration
8. The response to exercise
9. Metabolism and the liver
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, mid-lesson progress checks, extra challenge tasks, exam-style questions and more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.