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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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Microscopy - Looking at xylem and specialised cells
Resources to show how you can use microscopes for quick, cheap and easy practicals in your lab. These two resources focus on looking at the structure and function of xylem and other specialised plant cells.
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Using Cress in the Lab
Cress seeds are cheap and easy to grow, and offer a useful way to look at the germination process.
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Using Onions in the Lab
Onions are easy and cheap to source, and make a great resource for looking at cell structure, particularly stomata, and for extracting DNA.
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Using Venus' Fly Trap in the Lab
One of the SAPS Star Plants, Darwin called the Venus' Fly Trap 'one of the most wonderful plants in the world'. Great for teaching about adaptation and interdependence.
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Using Garlic in the Lab
Garlic can provide a useful and easy-to-source resource for the biology lab, for looking at topics including mitosis and the cell cycle.
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