These free teaching resources and biology practical investigation ideas are referred to within the AQA A2 Biology specification.

Many other practical investigations and resources to support your teaching are available throughout the SAPS website. Please go to Secondary Resources for a filterable index of other resources available.

U4

Limiting factors in photosynthesis

• Practical - Photosynthesis using algae wrapped in jelly balls
• Practical - Effect of light colour & intensity on the rate of photosynthesis
• Practical - Measuring the rate of photosynthesis 
   

Fieldwork - quadrats and abiotic factors

• Ecology Exercise 1 - Measuring abundance and random sampling 
• Ecology Exercise 2 - The distribution of species across a footpath

U5

Tissue culture

• Practical: Tissue culture - cloning cauliflowers 

Gene technology

• Video clip - The case for genetically modified crop plants

• Video clip - Genetic engineering to increase productivity in rice

Selective breeding and genetics

• Video clip - Norman Borlaug and selective breeding of wheat 

• Video clip - Muriel Weldale and complex gene interactions 

• Video clip - William Bateson and patterns of inheritance

• Video clip - The discovery of gene switches in maize

Extended Project Qualification

We have a large number of resources, including ideas for practical investigations, for the extended project qualification in the student section of the website.

Planning an investigation or extended project

Project and practical investigation ideas