Articles tagged as "14 -16 (KS4)"

Hydroponics

This practical activity outlines how to grow plants hydroponically in the classroom. It aims to give students an understanding of the basic growth needs of plants. It also shows how hydroponics can be utilised to provide food to humans as our population expands.

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.

Video clip - Leaf structure, stomata and the absorption of carbon dioxide

This BBC video clip introduces the role of stomata, with the surface structure of a leaf observed using increasingly larger magnifications.This can be used as an introduction to leaf structure and then developed into a discussion of the other features of a leaf and how it is adapted for efficient photosynthesis.

Video clip - Production of oxygen in plants

This BBC video clip demonstrates a classic experiment to investigate the production of oxygen by plants in sunlight. The design of Ingenhousz’ experiments can be discussed. The control of variables controlling photosynthesis such as light and heat etc. can be considered, and the way that only one variable can be changed while all others are controlled if firm conclusions are to be drawn.

Video clip - How commercial growers increase crop yield

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) looks at how commercial growers manipulate the limiting factors of photosynthesis to increase crop yield. A lesson 'starter' when discussing limiting factors.

Video clip - Generation of clean fuels

This BBC video clip scientists at the University of Glasgow, whose research focuses on trying to replicate the process of photosynthesis in the laboratory. This can be used to introduce the idea of using natural processes as the basis for scientific innovation (biomimetics). It is also a good way to look at the need for ways to reduce the impact of global warming, and to produce clean fuels.

Video clip - Thomas Fairchild, speciation and evolution

This BBC video clip introduces 18th century botanist and entrepreneur Thomas Fairchild and his pioneering work into speciation. Use in lessons covering evolution and speciation or as an example of artificial manipulation of life. Could contribute to discussions of genetic modification.

Video clip - Classification techniques and the search for useful plants

This BBC video clip looks at the way in which classification techniques are used by research scientists at Kew Gardens in their search for new medicines and other useful plants. A real world use for this is demonstrated using a variety of sage plant with the ability to produce a chemical which may be effective in the treatment of malaria.

Video clip - Vavilov and the establishment of the first seed banks

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, and how his aim to cross different varieties of plants led him to establish the first seed bank. This method of storing genetic material is now internationally important. This video can be used to introduce the ideas of conservation of genetic resources, especially in the context of changes in climate and the damaging effects of human activity.

Video clip - Norman Borlaug and selective breeding of wheat

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces the American scientist Norman Borlaug, the man behind the 'green revolution' credited with saving over a billion people from starvation.

Video clip - Variation, inheritance and the work of Mendel

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces the ideas of inheritance of characteristics, with a discussion of Mendel's research into patterns of inheritance in pea plants. This can also be used to introduce a lesson on the history of science and ideas.

Video clip - The case for genetically modified crop plants

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) looks at the case for genetic modification of crop plants, and could be used for a useful stimulus for a class discussion.

Video clip - Muriel Wheldale and complex gene interactions

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) looks at how geneticists in the early 20th century investigated the puzzle of the inheritance of characteristics. This can be used to introduce more complex patterns of inheritance to more confident students. These can include ideas of co-dominance, epistasis etc.

Video clip - William Bateson and patterns of inheritance

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) continues the story of the pioneers of genetic research, showing how William Bateson used logic and patience to explain patterns of inheritance, and the ideas of dominant and recessive genes. Students can then be given experimental data to interpret and develop the skills of showing simple inheritance patterns using punnet squares.

Video clip - The binomial system of classification

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces the binomial system of classification, through the story of pioneering scientist Carl Linnaeus. Use as a starter for a lesson on the different levels of naming and classification of living organisms.

Video clip - Plant adaptations to overcome environmental limitations

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces the idea of limiting factors in photosynthesis, and the way in which plants are adapted to their environments. Students can watch the clip and pick out the factors which would limit the rate of photosynthesis. This can then lead to experimental work.

Video clip - Genetic engineering to increase productivity in rice

This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) discusses the importance of genetic engineering for feeding a growing population, introducing a group of research scientists working on rice. It can be used in the context of global warming and the ecology of LEDCs. It can also be used to discuss limiting factors and photosynthesis.

Microscopy - Amazing African Violets

Take a look at all sorts of specialised cells and structures, including stomata, trichomes, xylem and pollen grains, with this cheap, easily available and versatile plant. You can even see cytoplasmic streaming. This resource includes a worksheet, powerpoint and two videos.