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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Video clip - The work of Calvin and Benson on photosynthesis
This BBC video clip looks at the work of Benson and Calvin investigating photosynthesis in the 20th century. This can be used as an introduction for higher level students to the light independent reactions of photosynthesis and the Calvin-Benson cycle.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Video clip - The discovery of gene switches in maize
This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces maize as a source of genetic variation, for use as an introduction to the principles of gene interactions and gene switching and the importance of collecting enough data to ensure reliability
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Video clip - Linnaeus and the first system of classification of plants
This video clip from the BBC (from the TV series Botany: A Blooming History) introduces the ideas underpinning classification, through the work of Carl Linnaeus. The emphasis is upon using observations in order to group organisms. It can be replicated in the classroom using flowers, shells, leaves etc.as an introduction to the making and using of keys.
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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.
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