11 -14 (KS3)

A fun way to demonstrate gravitropism, by making the roots of a seedling grow through a maze.

Tree Rings - The Science of Dendrochronology

The science of tree rings is known as dendrochronology. By studying cut sections of tree trunks you can determine the age of the tree, how fast it grew and what the climatic conditions were like during this time. This is a complete teaching package that can be used with pupils, with a case study of a forested area in North Staffordshire where trees were cut down. It is suitable for pupils at key stages 2 and 3.

A Leaf in Time - A Popular Introduction to Photosynthesis

Using photosynthesis as the link, this beautifully produced book looks at a range of topics of interest to pupils especially at Y5 and 6 (animals and plants are interdependent, process of photosynthesis, greenhouse effect, energy conservation)

Distance learning resources

Here you will find a selection of resources that have been carefully selected with your students in mind. The resources contain a mixture of videos, animations, practicals and some which are intended for learning outside where possible. Grouped by the anticipated age of the students, we have tried to be mindful of availability of equipment in order to undertake these activities. Over the coming weeks we will be adding to this bank of resources so watch this space.

Ins and Outs of Water - biology, chemistry and physics for 11-14 students

This collection of resources for 11-14 students uses the topic of plants to address important scientific ideas in biology, chemistry and physics. While investigating how plants have evolved to grow and flourish in many different environments, the students can cover topics including pure and impure substances, energetics, forces, physical changes and more. The resources involve a mixture of independent investigations, engaging and hands-on practicals, and activities to identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding.

Plant Needs - biology, chemistry and physics for 11-14 students

This collection of resources for 11-14 students uses the topic of plants to address important scientific ideas in biology, chemistry and physics. While investigating how plants have evolved to grow and flourish in many different environments, the students can cover topics about atoms, elements and compounds, energy, and the particle model. The resources involve a mixture of independent investigations, engaging and hands-on practicals, and activities to identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding.

Seed Dispersal - physics and biology at Key Stage 3

This collection of resources for 11-14 students uses the topic of plants to address important scientific ideas in biology and physics. While investigating how plants have evolved to disperse their seeds in different environments, the students can cover topics about forces, pressure in fluids, and forces and motion. The resources involve a mixture of independent investigations, engaging and hands-on practicals, and activities to identify misconceptions and strengthen understanding.

Can you beat the Giant Redwood? Investigating xylem

In this lively starter activity to introduce the topic of xylem, students are posed the question ‘Can you beat a Giant Redwood?’. Giant Redwoods can reach 100m tall and have to transport the water they absorb through their roots up through the trunk to the very top of the tree. How do they do this?

Key Stage 3 Outline Scheme of Work

Plants and KS3 Science provides teachers with ideas and resources where ‘plants’ provide contexts for learning in some KS3 topics or parts of topics. And this doesn’t just mean the biology topics. Plants can provide intriguing contexts for learning chemistry and physics. These contexts include innovative applications of science, media coverage of science, and working with science and careers in science.

Tackling tropisms: gravitropism and phototropism

This set of demonstrations into the effects of tropisms on seedlings is both simple and extendable. Seeds sown on damp cotton wool in (plastic) Petri dishes are grown either flat, or stuck vertically to a wall. Students enjoy the dramatic effect of sticking Petri dishes to the wall, and you will have well-grown seedlings within a week, showing the different effects of gravitropism and phototropism.

Tropisms - how do plants grow in space?

This short activity uses recently published research into plant behaviour, conducted on the International Space Station, to get your students thinking more about tropisms.

Sugar, starch or cellulose? What carbohydrates do plants make?

This resource tackles the learning objective ‘“Carbohydrates can be found in a range of plant organs”. This is activity 4 in the ‘Photosynthesis: A Survival Guide’ scheme. Pupils can test a variety of plant products for different sorts of carbohydrates, including glucose, starch and cellulose. These plant products can be fresh fruit and vegetables, but it is also interesting to test materials such as cotton wool and egg boxes, which contain a high proportion of cellulose. This is another good opportunity to get students engaged in practical work related to photosynthesis and will stretch their understanding of the carbohydrates.

Investigating photosynthesis and respiration using a carbon dioxide probe

This resource looks at photosynthesis and respiration through using a datalogger and carbon dioxide probe to measure amounts of carbon dioxide under different conditions. For schools with a carbon dioxide probe and a datalogger, this resource outlines a lesson plan making use of it to look at the different amounts of carbon dioxide detected as students enter the room, when a Bunsen burner is lit and when placed beside a plant in the dark or the light. For those without access to this equipment, the accompanying student sheet and Powerpoint gives an example graph that can be used for discussion and analysis.

Photosynthesis: what are chloroplasts?

In this resource, part of the 'Photosynthesis - A Survival Guide' scheme for 11-14 pupils, students investigate chloroplasts and starch production. Students observe chloroplasts directly under the microscope using a plant such as Elodea pondweed. Following this they take a thin section of potato tissue and stain it to show starch grains. Students then use their knowledge to hypothesise how variegated leaves might affect a plant’s growth.

Investigating leaf adaptations - why do nettles sting?

In this activity, students investigate a selection of plant leaves to discover how they are adapted to deter herbivores, looking specifically at stinging nettles and docks.

Investigating the anti-cancer properties of plants: Introducing STEM Careers

This resource, aimed at 11-14 (KS3) students, is part of the SAPS Careers in Science series, a set of resources to support science teachers in integrating STEM careers information with practical activities. Students are introduced to Dr Jess Chu, a young scientist researching Malaysian rainforest plants to see if they have antioxidant, anti-cancer or antibacterial properties. Students then carry out their own investigations into the presence of vitamin C, an antioxidant, in the different parts of different plants.

Investigating the difference between organic and non-organic food: Introducing STEM Careers

In this investigation for KS3 (11-14), students design a fair test by carrying out a blind trial into the difference between organic and non-organic herbs. This resource is part of the SAPS Careers in Science series.

Video clip - Chloroplasts and starch

This BBC video clip introduces chloroplasts and the accumulation of starch grains. This can be used as an introduction to the importance and then the structure of the chloroplast. Older students can then discuss the internal structure of the chloroplast and relate it to the different stages in photosynthesis.

Video clip - Light and starch production

This BBC video clip demonstrates the classic experiment to show that light is needed for the production of starch. The process can be discussed in terms of what is being done to the leaf at each stage and why the demonstration is so elegant. Pupils can then do their own leaf shading and iodine tests. This can then be extended into tests on leaves which have also been deprived of carbon dioxide.

Video clip - Van Helmont's experiments on plant growth

This BBC video clip demonstrates Van Helmont's classic experiment to investigate the puzzle of how plants grow. The clip also raises issues about the use of scientific evidence to support conclusion and can be used to emphasise that firm conclusions can only be drawn when clear evidence is found.

Articles tagged as "11 -14 (KS3)"