Articles tagged as "11 -14 (KS3)"

The Structure of Flowers

Diagram of a dissected flower with stamens and carpel, in this case a Brassica rapa (fast plant)

The Structure of a Flowering Plant (Brassica rapa)

Diagram of a flowering plant, in this case a Brassica rapa ('fast plant') showing the root and shoot systems.

A science garden: illustrating various topics in biology

Ideas for plants for a science garden to illustrate topics including genetic variation, hybridisation, plant evolution, chimeras and mutation.

Investigating adaptation and defence - spines on holly leaves

Holly trees are well known for their spiny leaves. In this investigation focusing on adaptation and defence, students consider whether there is a relationship between the number of spines on a leaf and its height above the ground.

Student Sheet 3 - Investigating Photosynthesis with Leaf Discs

This teaching resource offers a fun, quantifiable and reliable way for students to get hands-on when investigating photosynthesis, by punching small discs out from leaves and watching them rise and fall as gas is evolved.

Fast plants for finer science - an article from the Journal of Biological Education

An article introducing 'fast plants' (rapid-cycling brassicas) for use in the classroom.

Ecology Practical 1 - Measuring abundance and random sampling

A simple onine ecology practical exercise, giving students an opportunity to practice random sampling to measure the abundance of various different species on an area of grassland, before they carry out practical fieldwork. Students will look at images of quadrats, identify the plants and measure the abundance.

'Algal balls' - Photosynthesis using algae wrapped in jelly balls

This lively practical uses algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis. The algae are 'immobilised' in sodium alginate, and then used for the experiment.

Student Sheet 2 - Growing and caring for rapid-cycling brassicas

'Fast plants', or rapid-cycling brassicas, are a fascinating way to look at all sorts of biology topics, including plant growth, tropisms, floral reproduction, pollination, embryonic development, and genetics. This student worksheet introduces how to care for the rapid-cycling brassicas.

Student Sheet 1 - Planting instructions for rapid-cycling brassicas

'Fast plants', or rapid-cycling brassicas, are a fascinating way to look at all sorts of biology topics, including plant growth, tropisms, floral reproduction, pollination, embryonic development, and genetics. This student worksheet introduces how to plant the rapid-cycling brassicas.

Student Sheet 4 - Pollen Tube Growth

The growth of pollen tubes makes a fascinating practical in the lab, and is easily observed under medium power of a microscope over the course of a double lesson. This resource includes full teaching and technical notes, together with guidance on which pollen grains to use at what time of year, a zip file of sample images and a student's worksheet.

Demonstrating ecosystems with an eco-column

Demonstrate food chains and ecosystems in the classroom, with this eco-column made out of old soft drinks bottles. A great activity for a Science or Gardening Club.

Demonstrating Oxygen Evolution during Photosynthesis using Pondweed

Demonstrating oxygen formation during photosynthesis can be a tricky process. One common way is to gather bubbles of gas given off by an aquatic plant. This teaching resource introduces Cabomba, a pondweed which is much more effective than the traditional Elodea.

Student Sheet 5 - Investigating Seed Germination

A simple experiment to investigate the germination of seed under different conditions, by growing seeds upright in Petri dishes. It allows students to make quantitative measurements of root / shoot growth, length of root hairs, etc, as well as % germination. This technique can also be used for investigations into the effect of acid rain.

Student Sheet 7 - Demonstrating Gravitropism in Seedling Stalks

An intriguing way to demonstrate gravitropism in action over the course of a lesson, using the hypocotyls (stalks) of small seedlings. Students may be surprised to see how quickly the seedlings respond to gravity.

Student Sheet 9 - Growing Radishes in Film Cans

Radishes provide a cheap and reliable way to carry out a number of investigations into plants, including nutrient requirements, effects of growing conditions, etc. This protocol outlines a simple method of growing radishes that can be used in the school lab.

How can I model a plant cell at KS3?

What do you need to model a plant cell? Our team has some ideas to get you started - how creative can you be?

Pollen and other Airborne Particles

Construct your own school pollen trap to isolate and identify the pollen and other airborne particles that contribute to respiratory illness

How Science Works - What do plants need to grow?

This resource takes a lively approach to the advantages of growing plants hydroponically, and looks at the nutrients the plants will need.

How Science Works - Copper Pollution from Mines

This resource considers how pollution from copper mines affects growth of plants, including a data analysis activity and a practical.