AQA Biology nervous control

A pair of lessons covering AQA GCSE Biology Specification 4.5.2.1: The Structure and Function of the Nervous System. These lessons are fully resourced and designed to build understanding from the organisation of the nervous system through to reflex actions and synaptic transmission.

Lesson 1: Required Practical – Reaction Times

Included activities:
Recall starter
Retrieval questions on cells, tissues and organs
Review of variables and experimental design
Required practical method
Variable identification activities
Quick check on the structure of the brain and nervous system
Method-writing exam-style question
Data analysis and interpretation tasks
Application questions linked to reaction times
Plenary review

Lesson 2: Reflex Actions and Synapses

Included activities:
Recall starter
Explicit instruction on reflex actions
Question activity exploring reflexes in babies
Investigation and discussion of reflexes in adults
Review of the structure of a reflex arc
Reflex arc worksheet
Review and retrieval questions
Definition and key vocabulary activity
Introduction to synapses and nerve transmission
GCSE-style application and exam questions
Plenary review

All answers included