all picks
Access to over 2,000 downloadable research-informed online lectures, lecture slides, images, animations, films, all licensed for educational use focused around plants.
A pack of lesson plans that can be downloaded, together with video clips from the BBC children's science show that are linked to each lesson. The pack has worksheets and suggested activities for KS3 and 4.
A pack of lesson plans and linked video clips from the lectures, which can be used to teach a variety of science concepts.
Access to over 2,000 downloadable research-informed online lectures, lecture slides, images, animations, films, all licensed for educational use focused around plants.
Access to over 2,000 downloadable research-informed online lectures, lecture slides, images, animations, films, all licensed for educational use focused around plants.
In this practical, students use algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis
Video which demonstrates the process for cauliflower cloning - showing tissue cultures and micro-propagation.
A pack of lesson plans that can be downloaded, together with video clips from the BBC children's science show that are linked to each lesson. The pack has worksheets and suggested activities for KS3 and 4.
A pack of lesson plans and linked video clips from the lectures, which can be used to teach a variety of science concepts.
Access to over 2,000 downloadable research-informed online lectures, lecture slides, images, animations, films, all licensed for educational use focused around plants.
A pack of lesson plans that can be downloaded, together with video clips from the BBC children's science show that are linked to each lesson. The pack has worksheets and suggested activities for KS3 and 4.
Linnean Society practical activities on discovering DNA - well set out resources, also has links to biotechnology.
Multimedia guide to cancer biology
The process of mitosis is explained in text, animation, video and by a rap.
A description of diffusion using text, animation and rap. The defintion of diffusion is clearly stated. Examples of where diffusion occur in the human body are also given.
A description of osmosis using text, animation and a rap. The defition is clearly given.
A description of the process of meiosis using text and an animation. The steps are clearly described.
A video clip and summary of the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
A short video clip which explains the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
A short video clip which explains the process of diffusion.
A short but excellent video clip which introduces DNA, protein synthesis and the HGP.
A short video clip which explains Darwin's theory of evolution.
A short video clip that explains the process of evolution.
A bried description of sexual and asexual reproduction.
A short video clip in which a plant scientist is interviewed about the various factors that affect plant growth and germination.
A short video clip describes the process of photosynthesis and shows a practical in which pondweed is seen photosynthesising at different light intensities. Key points are listed below the clip.
A description of diffusion using text, animation and rap. The defintion of diffusion is clearly stated. Examples of where diffusion occur in the human body are also given.
A description of osmosis using text, animation and a rap. The defition is clearly given.
HIgher level text and an animation of active transport (in the context of homeostasis). Linked pages include diffusion, osmosis and enzymes.
A short video clip which explains food chains and interdependence.
A short video clip which explains some of the consequences of pollution.
A short video clip explaining the carbon cycle.
A description of the relative numbers of organisms in predator-prey cycling, why this process occurs and an animation to show it.
A site that revises the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate change.
A short video clip shows a group of students growing bacterial cultures on agar plates.
MRSA and TB resistance are covered. Linked pages include pathogens, transmission of disease and antibiotics.
Adaptations of the polar bear, showshoe hare and Arctic plants.
An index page to over 100 categorised video clips from BBC series featuring animal and plant adaptations and behaviours.
A very detailed website from the Bradshaw Foundation which shows how mankind migrated out of Africa.
A bried description of sexual and asexual reproduction.
An overview of GM including the process, key examples and the differences between this and cloning. Linked pages include cloning in animals and plants.
There is no discussion of ethical issues here.
This practical activity is well set-out and explained. It allows students to investigate adaptation by modelling beak type and the ability to take advantage of available food sources. The work clearly links with Darwin’s observations on finch beaks, and so can be used to illustrate adaptation and natural selection. Students instructions and teacher guidance are included.
Free posters from the Linnean Society to download (or order printed copies) on biodiversity, conservation, classification and evolution.
Historical perspective on the impact of Charles Darwin, Alfred Russell Wallace, Henry Walter Bates and Robert Brown.
This experiment compares the rates of photosynthesis in three aquatic plants: pondweed, green algae and duckweed. Although sometimes tricky, when it works well the experiment demonstrates how effective plants can be at photosynthesis. A presentation and short video clip introduces the topic and sets the scene for the investigation. Instructions and teacher guidance for carrying out the practical work are included.
SAPS resource demonstrating how to extract oil from plants - instructions for students to complete the practical work.
This practical activity gives students an opportunity to sample and identify life in a pond. The investigation looks at the effect of water pH on the organisms that live in the pond. A presentation and short video clip introduces the topic and sets the scene for the investigation. Instructions and teacher guidance for carrying out the practical work are included.
This practical activity allows students to model the growth of algae in ponds, within the school laboratory. By adjusting levels of phosphates and nitrates, students can see how a small increases in nutrients can lead to an increase in algae and summer algal blooms. This can be harmful to other organisms living in the pond. A presentation and short video clip introduces the topic and sets the scene for the investigation. Instructions and teacher guidance for carrying out the practical work are included.
Free posters from the Linnean Society to download (or order printed copies) on biodiversity, conservation, classification and evolution.
Activity to measure diversity within a habitat.
The resource details a student investigate into the effect of different preservatives on frozen peas. It helps students to understand that food decay is caused by the action of microbes, and therefore preservatives work by reducing microbe activity. Teacher notes, apparatus list, safety guidance and student instructions are included.
This practical activity enables students to investigate the preference of worms to soils with and without an added soil improver. It is a simple procedure, with scope for extended statistical analysis of the results, and makes an interesting alternative to the classic woodlice and choice chamber activity. Details of worm suppliers are included, as are teacher notes, apparatus list and safety guidance.
Free posters from the Linnean Society to download (or order printed copies) on biodiversity, conservation, classification and evolution.
This practical activity is well set-out and explained. It allows students to investigate adaptation by modelling beak type and the ability to take advantage of available food sources. The work clearly links with Darwin’s observations on finch beaks, and so can be used to illustrate adaptation and natural selection. Students instructions and teacher guidance are included.
A downloadable animation for natural selection which allows you to alter the predators, prey, mutation rate and environmental conditions for a group of rabbits.
This is not a balanced arguement of intensive versus traditional farming.
An interactive test in which people will discover their natural body clock.
A description of stem cells and a brief introduction to treatments that might use them.
An overview of the steps in protein synthesis. Transcription and translation are not mentioned.
A detailed description of transcription and translation, with images showing some of the steps.
A description of cell specialisation in plants, which includes cloning (cuttings), rooting hormones, meristems and phototropism.
A brief description of cell specialisation in animals, which includes the switching on and off of genes.
A description of plant and animal cells including the roles of cell components.
Teachers may want to read the section on ethics before recommending to students.
A page of information on how bacterial cells differ to animal cells.
A set of slides with commentary that describes fertilisation, embryo development and the growth of body tissues. Details look at stem cells and their use in treating conditions such as spinal injury, diabetes and heart disease. A quiz allows students to test their knowledge and an opinions section can be used to stimulate debate on the use of stem cells.
An introduction to classification, from kingdoms to species.
The term 'species' is defined, using dogs as an example.
A description of continuous and discontinuous variation.
An explanation of how inherited and environmental factors can cause variation.
A description of Darwin's theory of evolution.
A very detailed website which fully explains many aspects of classification. Much text and no interaction.
These animated slides come with an audio commentary. They describe Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution through natural selection. Beak type in Darwin’s Finches are used as an example of natural selection and evolution. The use of the fossil record to support evolution is explained. Peppered moth variation and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are used as examples of evolution in action. The controversy caused by Darwin’s theory is discussed and this can be used to illustrate discussion and debate in science.
Descriptions of the main types of insects and information on how to identify them.
Table of information describing the classes and order of insects.
A brief description of the process of phototropism in plants, which includes the role of auxins.
Several linked pages which describe plant structure including xylem, phloem and the leaf.
Several linked pages which describe photosynthesis, limiting factors and the uses of glucose.
A series of linked pages which describe tropism, the role of hormones in this process and how hormones are used in agriculture.
A description of the advantages and disadvantages (including ethical concerns) of using biofuels and detail regarding common examples.
Linked pages which describe asexual reproduction, the process of cloning, stem cells and the ethics of these techniques.
Clear summary covering the structure of the leaf, photosynthesis, limiting factors, stomata (excellent animation) and transpiration. Quite detailed in places, but good students will be able to access exam questions and test. Exam questions (section 3) is a good revision activity.
How can we measure the rates at which photosynthesis takes place?
Linked pages which describe food webs, interdepedence and pyramids of biomass.
A detailed description of parasitism and mutualism, including detailed examples.
A one page summary of the carbon cycle including a slide show.
A one page summary of the nitrogen cycle including a slide show.
Linekd pages describe several of the more common ecological sampling methods, why they are used and the general reasons for sampling.
A description of why some animals are endangered or extinct and how they can be helped, with a focus on whales and fish.
An overview of types of bacteria and the illnesses they cause. Linked pages include viruses, immunity and culturing microorganisms.
A brief description of viruses and some of the diseases they cause. Linked pages include bacteria, immunity and culturing microorganisms.
Direct and indirect methods of transmission are covered. Linked pages include an overview of pathogens and animal/plant defences against infection.
Typical antibiotics are given, as well as their role and function. Linked pages include pathogens and their transmission.
An overview of the use of yeast in making bread and beer. Linked pages include making cheese and yoghurt with microorganisms.
An overview of fermentation. The equation given here has 'energy' as a product. Linked pages include the use of yeast to make bread and beer.
A one page summary of bacteria and viruses and the role they play in disease.
From the NHS website
A set of animated slides with audio commentary that allows students to explore how pathogens cause disease and the body’s subsequent immune response. Transmission of pathogens is discussed using examples of malaria, athlete’s foot and HIV/AIDS. Non-specific immunity, phagocytosis and antibody production in active immunity is covered. Immunisation and vaccination are explained in detail and the implications of immunisation programmes in society considered. An opinions section can be used to debate the benefits and risks of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) combined immunisation.
An overview of animal and plant adaptations. Linked pages provide detail of organisms in hot and cold climates.
A fully detailed and very specific webpage with much detail about Jane Goodall and her work.
A section of the Nobel Prize website which fully details Pavlov's experiment and its significance.
A webpage focussed upon Konrad Lorenz and his work on imprinting. A section of the Nobel Proze website.
Linked pages which describe asexual reproduction, the process of cloning, stem cells and the ethics of these techniques.
A description of cloniing which includes embryo transplants, and adult cell cloning. Linked pages include cloning in plants and GM.
A description of artifical cloning in plants only. Asexual reproduction (of plants) is covered in a linked page.
A description of the process of gene therapy. Problems with this treatment are discussed. Linked pages include genetic testing and the ethics of this.
A description of the advantages and disadvantages (including ethical concerns) of using biofuels and detail regarding common examples.
From the National Human Genome Research Institute. Simply a set of questions and detailed answers.
From a website called Gene Therapy. This page presents a well balanced arguement.
A clever animation from The University of Utah.
This animation is brief and misses out key steps that students may need to know. It is useful as an overview and comparison.
Linked pages which explain what fertilisers are, how they are made and what eutrophication is.
Linked pages describe common examples of air and water pollution, their causes and their effects.
A brief outline of what organic farming is and some of the techniques involved.