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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Chemical changes, electrolysis and energy changes’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The first task is a recap on the differences between endothermic and exothermic reactions, students will need to complete a fill-in-the blank task which can then be self-assessed using the answers provided.
Next, students are introduced to reaction profiles with a diagram to demonstrate what is happening during an exothermic chemical reaction. Students will then be asked to use mini-whiteboards to draw a reaction profile for an endothermic reaction, they can check their ideas using the answer provided in the PowerPoint. The next slide shows the reaction profiles for both an endothermic and exothermic reaction, as well as an explanation of the energy changes which take place during these types of reaction. Pupils can take notes from this slide, including sketching a diagram of the two reaction profiles.
The next task is for pupils to complete is a progress check to assess their understanding of what they have learned so far, once complete pupils can self-assess or peer-assess their work using the answers provided.
Next, pupils will watch a video on activation energy, they will need to answer a set of questions using the information provided in the video. Pupils can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided in the PowerPoint.
The next part of the lesson focuses on bond breaking/making and bond energies. Firstly, students are shown (using a diagram to demonstrate) what happens, in terms of energy changes, when bonds are broken or when bonds form during a chemical reaction. Students can then summarise what they have learnt so far by completing a fill-in-the-blank task, this task can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
Lastly, students are introduced to bond energies and are shown how to calculate the energy change for a chemical reaction using a worked example. Students will then need to complete a worksheet on bond energy calculations. The mark scheme for the worksheet is included in the PowerPoint for pupils to self-assess or peer-assess their work.
The plenary task requires pupils to identify a WWW and EBI from the lesson, listing what went well/what they have fully understood and what they could do better next time.
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 ‘Inheritance, variation and evolution’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a focus on mutations and how they contribute towards genetic variation within a population. Pupils can tag read some information provided in the board and then answer questions in their books, this work can be self-assessed against the mark scheme provided.
The next activity involves pupils watching a video about natural selection, using the video they will need to answer questions which again can be self-assessed using the success criteria provided.
Pupils will then be shown a slide which demonstrates, with the example of giraffes, how natural selection can ensue within a population of organisms over time. Pupils will then be given a cartoon strip to show how natural selection occurs, they can draw diagrams of any organism they wish to choose and will need to fill in the blanks for the captions below each stage in the process. This work can be self-assessed one complete.
The next task pupils need to complete is a card sort describing the steps involved with how head lice become resistant to head lice shampoos, pupils can discuss in pairs to complete this task. Once complete the answers will be revealed, for higher ability pupils they can draw this as a flow diagram in their books as an extension.
The final activity is a past-paper question, pupils can complete this in their books. For higher ability pupils you could demand silence and ask for it to be completed at the back of their books as a revision activity, for lower ability pupils you may allow discussion with a partner.
The plenary activity involves pupils being provided with the answers to 5 questions, pupils need to think of 5 questions which may link to these answers.
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 12 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Homeostasis’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
Lessons include:
1. Principles of homeostasis
2. The human nervous system
3. Reflex actions
4. The endocrine system
5. The control of blood glucose levels
6. Treating diabetes
7. The role of negative feedback
8. Human reproduction
9. The menstrual cycle
10. Controlling fertility
11. Infertility treatments
12. REQUIRED PRACTICAL: Reaction Time
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Inheritance, variation and evolution’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins with an introduction to fossils, a definition of a fossil and a task for pupils to think > pair > share how the remains of dead organisms could be preserved for millions of years. After a short classroom discussion about the ideas pupils have come up with, pupils can move on to the next task. Pupils will each be given a different piece of information on the ways in which fossil remains can be preserved. Pupils can move around the room and discuss their cards of information and use each others to take notes on these processes.
Pupils will then watch a video on how fossils are formed, using this video pupils will need to answer questions in their books. This work can be self-assessed using the marking criteria provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on why fossils do not provide a complete record of evolution. After this has been explained, using the information and images provided on the PowerPoint slide, pupils can complete some quick check questions on what they have learnt this lesson. Once complete pupils can mark their work using the answers provided.
The final task is for pupils to complete a table to demonstrate the evolution of the horse, they will each be given a card of information on a particular stage of evolution. They can use each other to complete the full picture of how the horse evolved, completing their own table in chronological order.
The last task is a set of exam-style questions on what pupils have learnt this lesson, they can answer these at the back of their books for an extra challenge. A mark scheme is provided for pupils to assess and correct their work once it is complete.
The plenary task is for pupils to summarise what they have learnt this lesson as three facts, three key words and a question to test their peers.
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: /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 bundle of resources contains 8 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Structure & Bonding’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
States of matter
Forming ions
Ionic bonding
Giant ionic lattices
Covalent bonding
Simple and giant covalent structures
Metallic bonding & giant metallic structures
Nanoparticles
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 bundle of resources contains 6 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the 'Rates of Reaction’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
Rates of reaction
Reversible reactions
Rate of reaction: The effect of catalysts
Rate of reaction: The effect of concentration & pressure
Dynamic equilibrium & altering conditions
Collision Theory: The effect of temperature & surface area.
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This lesson is designed for the KS3 Year 8 Science course, specifically the P2 1.2 unit on ‘Energy.
The lesson begins with an introduction to the law of the conservation of energy, students are told that energy cannot be created or destroyed but it can be stored and transferred. Next, students are introduced to the five main energy stores, students are asked to match the correct names to the photos displayed. This task can then be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
Next, students are introduced to the ways in which energy can be transferred - via light waves, sound waves and electricity. They will be shown an energy transfer diagram, depicting the energy transfers which take place within a torch. Once students have seen the complete diagram, they will then have a go at completing it themselves, using the statements provided. This task can the be marked against the mark scheme provided.
Students will then complete two further energy diagrams to display the energy transfers taking place within a candle and TV. The answers to this task are also included in the PowerPoint presentation so students can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
Lastly, students will complete an investigation into the height a ball bounces back up to after it has been dropped from a height. Students will work in groups of three, following the instructions provided on the PowerPoint to complete the results table provided. Students will then need to answer a set of questions using the data they collected from the investigation. This can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task requires students to complete one of the sentence starters, to summarise what they have learned 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 lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Ecology’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with an introduction to evolutionary trees, pupils will be shown how to interpret evolutionary trees and understand the common ancestry between species of organisms. Pupils will then be shown the difference between convergent and divergent evolution.
The next part of the lesson will focus on the work of Woese et al, pupils will watch a video and try to answer questions about Woese and his work, this can be assessed using the answers which can be revealed once the video has been watched. Pupils can then watch a second video, using this video they will then try to complete profile cards for three domains as proposed by Woese – archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Pupils can again check their work against the answers provided in the PowerPoint slide.
Pupils will then be given some information on Woese and his work, students will need to use this information along with what they have learnt so far in the lesson to complete a newspaper article on his work and infamous discovery.
The next part of the lesson looks again at evolutionary trees, pupils are shown how to use an evolutionary tree to compare the relationships between organisms. Pupils will then need to complete an exam-style question on evolutionary trees, which can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task is for pupils to come up with questions for a set of answers.
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: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins with a recap on the difference between a stimulus and a receptor and asks students to think>pair>share what the function of photoreceptors might be and where they are found.
Pupils are then shown a diagram of an eye, pupils are asked to consider (from a list of structures provided) which labels might go where, they can discuss in pairs and annotate their own diagram if they know for sure. Pupils can then assess their own work when the answers are revealed on the next slide. Pupils must now learn the functions of each of these structures, they will each be given a slip of information about the function of one part of the eye and they should walk around the room and share their information to complete the table in their books. This task can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the pupil reflex, firstly a practical is undertaken whereby pupils block out light from the room and then observe what happens to their partners pupils when they bring a torch to the side of their partners eye. This leads into a description of the pupils reflex, including the role of the circular and radial muscles. Pupils will need to summarise this information by copying and completing the sentences into their book, which can be self-assessed once completed.
The last activity is looking at how light is focused on the retina by the lens, pupils are shown a diagram of how this works. After being given a verbal description they are asked to firstly copy the diagram complete with labels and explain how light is focused on the retina using a list of key words that are provided.
The plenary task is an exam question on what the students have learnt this lesson, pupils should complete this in silence in their books and then red-pen their work using the mark scheme provided once they have finished.
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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Organic Chemistry’ SoW.
Firstly, pupils will need to complete a ‘True or False’ activity on carbohydrates, they will then be shown how polysaccharides are made from monosaccharides via a condensation reaction, as an example of a natural polymer. Pupils will also be provided with information on the structure of starch and glycogen ad how this relates to the function of these two polymers.
Another example of a natural polymer are polypeptides/proteins which are made up of the monomers - amino acids. Again, pupils will be shown how a condensation reaction occurs to link together many amino acids molecules in a long polypeptide chain.
Pupils will now complete a ‘Quick Check’ task to test their knowledge of what they learned so far this lesson, the answers to the questions will be provided in the PowerPoint for students to assess their own work.
The next part of the lesson will focus on DNA as a natural polymer. Firstly, pupils will need to order the structures given in order of size - DNA, gene, chromosome, nucleus, cell. Next, pupils will watch a video on the structure and function of DNA and will need to answer a set of questions. This work can then be self-assessed using the answers provided in the PowerPoint. A diagram is then shown highlighting some of the key structural features of a double-helix DNA molecule, which pupils need to know and remember.
The final task is a ‘Quick Check’ activity on the structure & function of DNA, students will need to answer the questions in their books and then peer or self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task is for pupils to write three quiz questions for pupils to test their peers knowledge of the topic learned in the lesson today.
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 ‘Ecology’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins with a definition on biodiversity, pupils are shown a pie chart of the numbers of different groups of organisms that have been identified to date. The first task is for pupils to consider which numbers correspond to which groups of organisms. Once pupils have discussed in pairs or groups the answers will be revealed, pupils can check their work against the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on how and why scientists quantify biodiversity, pupils are firstly asked why it might be important to map out biodiversity - they can discuss in groups before the answer is revealed on the PowerPoint presentation.
A map of the world depicting certain biodiversity hotspots is then shown to students and they are asked a couple of question about this map, pupils will be required to answer these questions in their books and then self-assess their work using the answers provided.
Pupils are then asked to think > pair > share their ideas on why it is important to maintain biodiversity, in groups pupils may be given an A3 sheet for them to mind map their ideas onto. Once finished each group can feedback their ideas to the class and a larger mind map could be completed on the white board. Some of the key reasons for maintaining biodiversity cant then be detailed on the PowerPoint presentation for students to assess their work.
The last task is for pupils to use information posters placed around the room to answer a set of questions, all on the topic of maintaining biodiversity. Once pupils have spent a good amount of time writing their answers down they should sit in their seats and use the mark scheme provided on the PowerPoint presentation to peer-assess their work.
The plenary activity is for pupils to draw a feedback grid in their partners books and write down one positive comment, one negative comment and a question to test their knowledge.
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 12 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the 'Inheritance, Variation & Evolution’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
Lessons include:
Types of reproduction
Variation
Meiosis
Selective Breeding
Genetic Engineering
Inherited Disorders
Gene Expression & Inheritance
DNA & Protein Synthesis
Ethics of gene technologies
Evolution by natural selection
Evidence of evolution
Evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria
Evolution & Extinction
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Inheritance, variation and evolution’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
The lesson begins by introducing pupils to the definition of a clone and outlining the different cloning techniques they will learn about in this lesson.
Pupils will firstly learn about two techniques used to clone plants - cuttings and tissue culture. Pupils will learn about these two techniques and will need to complete the correct descriptions on a diagram demonstrating the steps involved with taking plant cuttings. Once this is complete the work can be self-assessed.
The second part of the lesson focuses on adult cloning. Firstly pupils are talked through the process of embryo transplants using a diagram. Pupils will be provided with a worksheet with a flow diagram of the embryo transplant process but missing statements to describe the process. Pupils will need to choose the correct statements to go in these boxes, this work can be assessed using the answers provided once complete.
Adult cell cloning is the other example of an animal cloning technique pupils will need to describe. Firstly, pupils will watch a video about Dolly the sheep and the adult cell cloning process, using this video they will need to answer some questions. This can be checked against the answers which will be provided.
For the next activity pupils will be provided with the diagram of the sequence of events involved in the adult cell cloning process, pupils will be required to fill in the blanks to complete the descriptions of the steps involved. Once completed pupils can use the mark scheme to assess their work.
The final activity focuses on the risks and benefits of adult cell cloning, pupils will be given a list of opinions about this cloning technique and they will need sort them into advantages/disadvantages in their books.
The plenary activity is for pupils to pick a task: either write a twitter message about what they have learnt this lesson or unscramble anagrams to spell out 5 key words from 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 bundle of resources contains 12 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Organic Chemistry’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters.
Complete & incomplete combustion
Cracking hydrocarbons
Fractional distillation
Hydrocarbons
Natural polymers & DNA
Polymerisation
Reactions of alkenes
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, extra challenge questions and exam questions plus more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the 'Inheritance, variation and evolution' SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins with a think > share > pair task for pupils to consider the definition of genetic engineering, once pupils have had a discussion about this the answer can be revealed.
Pupils will then be shown a video about the steps involved with genetic engineering, pupils will need to answer questions whilst watching the video. Pupils can then check their work against the answers provided and correct anything they perhaps didn't get during the video.
Pupils will then be given a diagram of the genetic engineering process, specifically using the example of the human gene for insulin being inserted into a bacterium. Pupils will need to copy the diagram into their books and choose the correct statements, from a jumbled list, to go with the correct steps. Pupils can self or peer-assess their work once this task is complete.
The next part of the lesson is on the genetic modification of crops, pupils will firstly watch some videos which outlines various viewpoints of the growth and consumption of GM crops. Pupils should watch the videos and note down any benefits or problems they identify, a class discussion can follow this to ensure all students got the important points.
The benefits of GM crops will then be highlighted to students with the aim to be used to feed the world's starving nations. After pupils have read through this they will be asked to come up statements that a collection of people might make about GM crops - an organic farmer, a charity worker for a world hunger organisation, a GCSE student and a GM scientist.
The final activity is for pupils to complete the exam-style question on genetic engineering, once completed pupils can assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary is for pupils to pick a task - either write a summary sentences including a list of key words or identify the questions for a list of answers.
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 11 lessons which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Cells’ unit for the NEW AQA Biology Specification.
Lessons included:
1. Cells
2. Specialised cells
3. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
4. Microscopy
5. Chromosomes
6. Mitosis
7. Stem cells
8. Diffusion
9. Osmosis
10. Active Transport
11. Exchanging materials
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, mid-lesson progress checks, extra challenge tasks and 6-mark exam questions and more than one opportunity, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks.
This bundle of resources contains 8 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Earth’s Atmosphere’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
The History & Evolution of Our Atmosphere
The Greenhouse Effect
Global Climate Change
Atmospheric Pollutants
The lessons contain a mix of differentiated activities, progress checks, practical investigations, exam questions and more than two opportunities, per lesson, for self/peer red-pen assessment of tasks
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Organisation’ SoW.
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
This lesson begins by identifying what metabolic rate is and then asking pupils to think about what important metabolic reactions take place within organisms. Pupils can discuss and try and come up with a brain storm in their books.
Pupils then learn about the role of the liver by watching a video and answering questions at the same time, once pupils have finished completing this task they can assess their work using the answers provided on the PowerPoint slide.
Next, pupils need to specifically learn about the role of the liver in clearing lactic acid from the body. They will be given an information card and will need to answer some questions using this information, once finished they can mark or peer assess their work.
The final activity is an exam-style question about glycogen in the liver, pupils can answer this question in silence at the back of their books (for higher abilities this would be most suitable) or for lower abilities you may allow them to discuss and answer in pairs. Once completed they can mark their worn work.
The plenary activity is a list of answers, pupils need to come up with the questions to which these words are the answers.
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 homework activity is designed for the KS3 Science Course, specifically Year 8 B2.1 Module on ‘The Periodic Table’
For more lessons designed for KS3 and KS4 please visit my shop at: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience.
This activity contains a set of differentiated questions, it also includes additional extra challenge tasks for higher ability students to complete. This worksheet could be used as a homework or as an extension/revision activity in class.
I have included a comprehensive mark scheme for teacher or self-assessment of the work, there are also details of grade boundaries which I use to RAG pupils work, a full explanation of how I do this is included.
Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know @swift_science_education or swift.education.uk@gmail.com, any feedback would be appreciated :)