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Can a Venus Fly Trap count?
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Using this in the classroom
The
Venus Fly Trap makes a great example of an extreme adaptation for the
classroom, and a really nice way for students' to recreate some of
Darwin's experiments for themselves, as given in the teaching notes
above.
However, science teacher Chris Graham also suggests using
it as a striking example of osmosis in action. (Controlled ion fluxes
create osmotic movement of water molecules toward the outer-most surface
of the leaf, resulting in the expansion of the outer cell surfaces,
causing a distortion which then snaps the trap shut.) He begins with
some well-known practical demonstrations of osmosis in cells (using red onion) and osmosis in tissues (using potato cylinders), and finishes by using the Venus Fly Trap to demonstrate osmosis at the level of the whole organism.
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New Resource - CSI Trees (GCSE, A-level, RHS Level 3)
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A sickly tree might not look like much of a crime scene, but the influx
of pathogens on plants is causing increasing concern in the UK. In this
new resource, students take on the role of plant pathologists, asking
questions to determine the cause of a tree's death, and deciding which
tests should be carried out. This resource was developed by teacher
Sarah Owen-Hughes after attending the Gatsby Plants Summer School 2013 -
see below for more about the Summer School 2014.
Download the resources
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Our forests - natural environments or man-made?
This
thought-provoking magazine article from the BBC discusses the various
approaches to managing the spread of diseases across our forests. Should
we actively try to create resilient ecosystems, or should we leave it
to nature? A good one to print off and share with students in the
classroom.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24239440
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Online lecture - Unlocking the secrets of C4 photosynthesis
If
your attention has been caught by our photosynthesis poster and the
accompanying article, why not hear one of the key researchers in the
field share his experience? Dr
Julian Hibbert's lecture at the Gatsby Plants Summer School 2011 is now
available to view online from the Gatsby TREE online teaching resource
collection. (Free registration required)
Watch Dr Julian Hibberd's lecture online
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Opportunities - Join the SAPS team for two fully-funded CPD events
We've
got two CPD opportunities coming up over the next year. Curriculum
Harvest (Cambridge, 12th-13th Feb 2014) will bring together teachers and
plant scientists for two days of cutting edge science and resource
development. And - get it in your diary now - the annual Gatsby Science
Summer School will take place in early July 2014. A chance to spend 4
marvellous days with fellow teachers, biology undergraduates, and some
of the UK's leading scientists, to revitalise your enthusiasm for
science. Drop us an email if you're interested in finding out more.
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The future of A levels - have your say
A
levels are being reformed and consultations on the changes are now open
for your comments. The DfE is asking what the content of A levels
should include and Ofqual is asking about their assessment.
Think
that the subject knowledge and practical skills in A level Biology need
to change? Respond to the DfE consultation by Friday 20 December 2013.
More information here
Have
views on the assessment of practical skills in A level Biology? Respond
to the Ofqual consultation by Friday 17 January 2014. More information here
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We'd
like to know what you think about our newsletter. What would you like
more of? Would you like us to continue our series of videos next term?
Let us know, with an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Best wishes,
The Administratort, Dan Jenkins and Ginny Page
The Science and Plants for Schools team
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