Phytomining & Bioleaching | SEND GCSE (HT)

Inclusive SEND science lesson on Alternative Methods of Extracting Metals for Key Stage 4 – one lesson with three pathways for PMLD, SLD / MLD and dyslexic GCSE learners. 44 slides at 28 pt, answers on click, worksheets with answers and 19 pages of print-ready cards. How can plants and bacteria help us get metals? An inclusive KS4 lesson on phytomining and bioleaching for special schools and mixed-ability classes.

Everyone studies the same National Curriculum topic at the right level, so the whole class learns together.

Three pathways in one lesson

• Explore (PMLD / sensory learners): a sensory story with rough rock, leafy plants and shiny copper. Includes an Engagement Model observation record for the adult to complete.
• Build (SLD / MLD, low reading age, EAL): match pictures to words, order phytomining steps and watch iron displace copper – by sticking, pointing, signing or writing.
• Explain (GCSE, dyslexia-friendly): describe phytomining and bioleaching, write the displacement equation and evaluate the methods.

What’s included

• 44-slide editable PowerPoint – every word at least 28 pt, cream background, no italics, one idea per slide, a picture on every teaching slide and answers revealed one click at a time
• Visual timetable with Now / Next, feelings check-in, sensory starter, ‘I can’ objectives, key words with pictures, show-me checks, picture hinge question, exam question with mark scheme and plenary
• Multi-sensory practical: displacing copper with iron and electrolysis of copper sulfate
• 6-page worksheet pack (Word + PDF) in 14 pt with 1.5 line spacing: teacher guide, sensory story and engagement record, Build tasks, Explain tasks, cut-out cards and full answers
• 19-page Printable Cards and Resources pack (PDF) with cut lines: key-word picture cards, word cards, picture cards, matching cards, yes / not sure / no cards, A–D, number and answer cards, visual timetable cards, Now and Next board, feelings board, sorting mat, choice board and A4 posters
• Teaching-team notes: adult roles, resources, safety, misconceptions and Ofsted SEND links

Key words: low-grade ore, copper, phytomining, ash, bioleaching, leachate, scrap iron, electrolysis

Curriculum

• National Curriculum Key Stage 4 Science (Chemistry): using Earth’s resources sustainably
• AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 / Combined Science Trilogy 8464 – 4.10.1.4 Alternative methods of extracting metals (HT)

Ideal for special schools, SEND resource bases, intervention groups, alternative provision and mainstream classes that need adaptive teaching.

Keywords: SEND science, special needs science lesson, PMLD sensory story, SLD, MLD, dyslexia friendly, adaptive teaching, inclusive science, KS4 chemistry, GCSE chemistry, phytomining, bioleaching, copper extraction, low-grade ores, visual timetable, communication cards, Engagement Model