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
Pupils will firstly need to brainstorm ideas about the uses of aluminium, they can discuss their ideas with their partners and complete a mind map in their books. Some examples can then be revealed using the PowerPoint slide and pupils can check how many they got right, filling in any they may have missed.
Pupils will then watch a video on the extraction of aluminium, students will need to answer a set of questions using the information provided in the video. Their work can be self-assessed using the answers provided. Students will then need to summarise what they have learnt so far by completing a fill-in-the-blank task, students can check their work agaisnt the mark scheme provided.
Next, students will be given a diagram of the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, pupils will need to complete this diagram by selecting the correct captions from a list provided on the board. Students can then check their work against the answers provided in the PowerPoint.
The next task is a progress check, students will need to answer questions to assess their knowledge of what they have learnt so far this lesson. Pupils can then self or peer-assess their work using the answers provided.
The plenary task is a 3-2-1 task, pupils will need to write 3 facts, 2 key words and one question to assess their peers knowledge of the topics covered 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 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 KS3 Year 8 Science course, specifically the C2 1.4 unit on ‘The Earth’.
For more lessons designed for KS3 and KS4 please visit my shop at: /teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience.
The lesson begins with an introduction to the structure of the Earth and a description of each of the layers found within the centre of the Earth. Students will now complete a ‘Memory Test’, students will need to memorise the information shown about the structure of the Earth. They will then be given a blank worksheet to copy down as much information as they can remember, this will the be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
The next part of the lesson focuses on the composition of elements found in the Earth’s crust, students will firstly be shown a table which shows % composition of different elements found in the Earth’s crust. Students will then watch a video demonstrating the steps involved with drawing a pie chart. Students will then need to use the skills acquired to carry out the necessary calculations and draw a pie chart, using the data provided. Once complete, students can then self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
Lastly, students will learn about the gases which are found within the Earth’s atmosphere and how these have changed over time. Students will compare the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere today to the Earth’s atmosphere 3 billion years ago. Firstly, they are asked to describe the changes which have occurred over the 3 billion years and secondly they will need to draw a pie chart to represent the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere today.
The plenary task is an anagram challenge, students are given five anagrams of key words learned this lesson. They will need to unscramble them to figure them out, the answers to this task is included in the PowerPoint.
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 :)
PowerPoint and task cards aimed at a KS3 class (initially planned for Year 9) to complete a poster, written assignment and a model for a specific area of Science to present in a Science Fair.
For each of the task cards a detailed list of requirements for each part of the project is included, with ideas for extension work to earn more points and homework ideas as well.
I used this resource straight after my students had completed their end of year test as a fun and engaging activity, when complete pupils presented their projects to the class and I awarded certificates for best written assignment, best poster, best model and best overall project.
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 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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Rates of Reaction’ 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 ‘Think > Pair > Share’ task whereby students need to consider what it means for a reaction to be in ‘equilibrium’ . After a class discussion, the definition of a reversible reaction (in a closed system) to be at equilibrium is revealed to the class, which they can note down in their books.
This is further explained using a set of diagrams to depict what happens to the concentration of reactants and products during the course of a reversible reaction. Students can sketch a graph into their book to show how the equilibrium of a reversible reaction is reached.
The next task focuses on ‘Le Chatelier’s Principle’, students are firstly introduced to the idea that the equilibrium of a reversible reaction can be altered by changing the conditions of that reaction, i.e. an increase in temperature. Students will then be shown a set of demonstrations (video links included) for each they will need to note down their observations, identify the conditions which are changing and match the correct reaction to the correct word equation. Pupils will complete a worksheet for this task, which will be assessed using the mark scheme provided.
For the next part of the lesson, students will watch a video on the effect of pressure on equilibrium and answer a set of questions. These questions can be self-assessed using the answers provided on the PowerPoint.
Students will now ‘Think > Pair > Share’ the effect of an increase in temperature on the equilibrium of a reversible reaction, the answer is then revealed to pupils using an example. Pupils will now complete a ‘Quick Check’ task where they will be required to answer a set of questions about the reversible reactions and the effect of altering conditions on dynamic equilibrium. Pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided on the PowerPoint.
Finally, students will need to complete a summary sheet on the effect of pressure and temperature on the equilibrium of a reversible reactions, students can self assess their work using the answers provided.
The plenary task requires pupils to write down three sentences to summarise what they have learnt in today’s 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 5 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Earth’s Resources’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
Finite & Renewable Resources
Water Treatment
Extracting Metals from Ores
Life Cycle Assessments
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Rates of Reaction’ 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 video on catalyts, pupils will need to watch this and use the information provided to answer a set of questions. This work can then be self-assessed using the answers provided on the PowerPoint. This is followed by students sketching a reaction profile diagram into their books to show the effect of a catalyst on the activation energy of a reaction.
In the next task pupils will be given some information on catalysts, they will need to read through this and use this to complete a place-mat of questions. Once completed, students can either self-assess or peer-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
Pupils will now work through a set of levelled questions on catalysts using data which is provided, pupils can then self-assess their work using the answers provided on the PowerPoint.
The final task is a true or false activity, pupils are given a set of statements which they need to decide are true or false. They can write their answers down on mini white boards so it is easier to assess the whole class.
The plenary activity requires pupils to talk to their partner, for a few minutes, about what they have learnt 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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Chemical calculations’ SoW and specifically designed for higher tier GCSE chemistry students.
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 starts with students learning how to calculate the concentration of a solution in mols/dm3 when you know the mass of the solute in the solution. Students learn the steps necessary to complete this calculation, they can then complete a set of problems. This work can be self-assessed using the answers provided in the PowerPoint presentation.
Students are then asked to discuss how they might work out the mass of a solute in a solution when they know the volume and concentration of a solution. After a short class discussion, the PowerPoint reveals four steps students should work their way through when approaching a problem such as this one. Students are then given two further problems to have a go at, they should show their working at each step of the calculation. Answers to the questions, as well as working out, is included in the PowerPoint presentation.
Students are then given a worksheet, including a worked example of how to use a titration to calculate the concentration of a unknown substance. Using the worked example as a guide, students should attempt to answer the questions on the worksheet. For lower ability students it will be worth going through the worked example on the board first, those very able students should be able to use the worked example as a guide when answering the other questions
Once this task has been completed students should self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
The last task is a titration practical, their is a worksheet included in the PowerPoint for students to use as guide when completing the practical - including an aim, equipment list, method and results table. Once they have completed the investigation they should be able to use the balanced symbol equation to calculate the concentration of sulfuric acid used in this titration.
The plenary task is for pupils to write down 3 key words, 2 facts and a question to test their peers on what they have learned 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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Chemical Analysis’ SoW.
Firstly, students will conduct an investigation which carries out flame tests to check for the presence of different positive ions. Pupils will need to follow the method provided and record their results in a table in their books, once this task is complete they can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
Pupils will then watch a video on the use of sodium hydroxide solution in the test for positive ions, they will need to answer a set of questions using the information provided in the PowerPoint presentation. The answers to this task are provided in the PowerPoint so students can self-assess their work. Next, pupils will need to complete a flow diagram to demonstrate the steps involved in identifying a range of positive ions by using sodium hydroxide solution, this task can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
To assess their knowledge of flame tests and use of sodium hydroxide solution in identifying positive ions, pupils will need to fill in the blanks in a summary table. This work can be self-assessed using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson will focus on negative ions, firstly students will watch a video and will need to answer a set of questions using the information provided in the video. This work can self-assessed using the answers provided.
Lastly, students will practice writing ionic equations for reactions which lead to the identification of either positive or negative ions before a final set of summary questions. Answers to these tasks are provided for self or peer assessment.
The plenary task is for pupils to write a set of quiz questions to test their peers knowledge of what they have learned during 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 8 whole lessons, along with all additional resources, which meet all learning outcomes within the ‘Chemical Analysis’ unit for the NEW AQA Chemistry Specification.
Lessons include:
Pure substances & mixtures
Analysing chromatograms
Testing for gases
Testing for positive and negative ions
Investigative analysis
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 Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Earth’s Atmosphere’ 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
Firstly, students are shown how to ammonia produced in the Haber process is reacted with different acids to form different ammonium compounds before being used in fertilisers.
Firstly, students will investigate how to produce ammonium sulphate in the lab - they will be provided with a practical worksheet which they will need to work their way through in pairs. This involves a titration, which they should have carried out before, their results can be recorded in the table provided on the worksheet.
Next, pupils will watch a video on the production and use of fertilisers - using the information provided int he video a set of questions needs to be answered. This work can then be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
Lastly, pupils will be given a set of information about how fertilisers are made in the lab compared to being made by chemical industry. Using this information students will need to complete a comparison table which focuses on starting materials, equipment, safety, yield and running costs. This work can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task requires pupils to write three quiz questions to test their peers knowledge on what they have learned during 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 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 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 lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Chemistry GCSE, particularly the ‘Earth’s Atmosphere’ 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 video on the greenhouse effect, pupils will be supplied with some questions to answer whilst watching the video. Once complete this task can then be self-assessed using the answers provided. Pupils will then need to be required to complete a diagram of the greenhouse effect by adding in statements to the correct boxes, this work can also be self-assessed using the mark scheme.
Pupils will now think about the factors which have contributed to the rise in carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Firstly they will need to ‘Think > Pair > Share’ their ideas of why there has been a sharp increase in CO2 over the last 100 years or so, pupils will then share their ideas with the class and some of the factors can be revaled via the PowerPoint presentation.
Pupils will now be given some information on models of global warming, using this information they will need to complete a worksheet. This task can be self/peer assessed using the answers provided on the PowerPoint. The last task is an exam-style question on the topic of the greenhouse effect, again students can self assess their work using the mark scheme.
The plenary task requires pupils to summarise what they have learned this lesson in three sentences.
All resources are included within the PowerPoint presentation, if you have any questions please email me at swift.education.uk@gmail.com. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks!
This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Earth’s Resources’ 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 task whereby pupils need to use their phones/laptops to research the dates in which different metals were discovered. They should complete the table in their books and then write a sentence to summarise the relationship between the date in which the metal was discovered and it’s reactivity.
The first part of the lesson now focuses on extraction of copper from copper-rich ores, two methods are firstly introduced - smelting and extraction using sulfuric acid. Pupils will then be given a set of information on these processes and will need to answer a set of questions, once complete pupils can self-assess their work using the answers provided.
The next part of the lesson will require pupils to undertake a practical investigation whereby they will extract copper from an ore called malachite, an ore which contains copper carbonate. Students will need to follow the instructions provided and will then need to note down their observations of the electrode at which the copper will collect. A summary and explanation of the results will then be provided via the PowerPoint presentation for pupils to check their work.
Lastly, pupils will watch a video about low-grade copper ores and the processes of phytomining and bioleaching for the extraction of copper from such ores. Pupils will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching this video, this work can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary task is for pupils to write a list of key words from what they have learned in the lesson today.
All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please email me at swift.education.uk 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 :)
This homework activity is designed for the KS3 Science Course, specifically Year 7 C1.2 Module on ‘Elements, Atoms & Compounds’
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 :)
This homework activity is designed for the KS3 Science Course, specifically Year 7 C1.4 Module on ‘Acids & Alkalis’
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 :)