Scaffolding learning in science

Worksheets, activities and revision mats to help science students consolidate their understanding of key scientific concepts

Tes Resources Team

Student jumping into learning with Scaffolding Learning In Science resources for secondary biology chemistry and physics

Supporting materials to help struggling students make sense of topics in biology, chemistry and physics

The subject of science plays host to a multitude of theories and laws that explain why and how natural events or processes occur. While some learners thrive on getting to grips with these notions, they can prove challenging for others. For those that struggle to get their heads around some of these ideas, we’ve hand-picked a selection of resources to help you support and extend their learning in different topic areas.

If you're also looking for GCSE revision resources, why not take a look at our GCSE science revision collection?

Biology

Natural selection lower ability
itegallagher

Natural selection lower ability

FREE
(12)
Worksheet I have made using giraffes to help pupils understand natural selection better. To be used in conjunction with textbooks. Credit to Longman's worksheet where I adapted it from.
KS3 Biology homework tasks
amcooke

KS3 Biology homework tasks

£3.00
(2)
Leveled tasks on various biology topics suitable for KS3. Each presentation has 3 slides. Slide 1 is the pupil sheet, slide 2 contains the mark scheme and slide 3 has suitable comments to use give a target on how to improve scientific knowledge. Taken by an OFSTED inspector to give to a school ...
Magnification Calculations Worksheet
l-clapham

Magnification Calculations Worksheet

£2.80
(0)
Support and tips for completing magnification calculations and rearranging formulae. Differentiated through support/scaffolding for HAP/MAP/LAP learners. answer sheets included. Designed to be printed on A4 paper.
Variation learning mat- scaffolded
bio_resources

Variation learning mat- scaffolded

£1.00
(0)
Two sided learning mat I used for the year 7 variation topic. Sentence starters and gap fills to support understanding, along with key words to be used. I used with my lower ability class but can be used for homework too. Covers: DNA Inherited vs environmental variation Continuous vs discontinu...
Revision Lesson and Mat for Inheritance and Selection
TestTubeScience

Revision Lesson and Mat for Inheritance and Selection

£1.00
(0)
This package contains a Revision Mat and an accompanying powerpoint to fill a lesson. The powerpoint includes a quick starter and a short quiz before guiding the class through the Revision Mat area by area to ensure each student gets full support. It also includes a short literacy plenary that can ...
Circulatory System Revision Mats
PROJECT_science

Circulatory System Revision Mats

£2.00
(0)
Two revision mats covering the following circulatory system topics: Blood components (plasma, platelets, red and white blood cells). Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries). Heart structure and function. Comes with a colour and black and white version which can be printed on A4 or...

Chemistry

5.3 Bond Energy Calculations, AQA Chemistry
David Hutton

5.3 Bond Energy Calculations, AQA Chemistry

£1.60
(3)
This superb resource on bond energy calculations can be used for all abilities. It includes a more demanding version in which students need to determine the bonds in the reactants and products, and also a support sheet to help those who find it more challenging. The bond energy calculations resource...
Y7 Acids and Alkalis revision mat (Activate 1)
beckybutlin

Y7 Acids and Alkalis revision mat (Activate 1)

FREE
(17)
Any feedback would be much appreciated :) A revision mat summarising the key learning points from Activate 1 topic of Acids and Alkalis. Fill in the blanks; labelling pH scale; short answer questions on dilute/concentrated and neutralisation; product and reactants match up and word equations; e...
The History of the Atomic Model support sheet
jlmorgan100

The History of the Atomic Model support sheet

FREE
(10)
Support worksheets covering the history of the atomic model and Rutherford's alpha scattering experiment. The worksheets are designed to be visual to promote an in depth understanding of the changing ideas about the atom. They have allowed some of my lower prior attainment students to gain a better ...
Ionic Bonding Support Sheet
Sarah Smith

Ionic Bonding Support Sheet

FREE
(3)
Support sheet for lower ability sudents. Print out to A3 to allow more room to draw electrons. It helps if they have colours to draw the electrons on different atoms. This worked really well with my bottom 9's.
Periodic Table Support Worksheet
jlmorgan100

Periodic Table Support Worksheet

FREE
(3)
A support worksheet covering the organisation of the periodic table. The resource was written to cover the key points of the AQA 9-1 specification. Used with a foundation / higher class (C/D borderline in old money). Answers provided. Feedback welcome.

Physics

Matter calculations support sheets
AndrewJCN

Matter calculations support sheets

FREE
(3)
5 printable worksheets to support students with calculations on specific heat capacity, latent heat and density calculations. The first three sheets are designed to get students using the equations and following a logical set of steps towards getting an answer, with lots of scaffolding that is ...
Revision mat: Light & e.m. spectrum
jonpscaife

Revision mat: Light & e.m. spectrum

FREE
(5)
GCSE Edexcel revision mat for physics topic 5 (light and the electromagnetic spectrum). Intended for use as a super-condensed revision guide. Can be used for assessment revision, as scaffolding for students who are struggling, or given to support revision at home. Mats for the other physics topic...
AQA GCSE Physics Circuit Symbols Worksheet
David Hutton

AQA GCSE Physics Circuit Symbols Worksheet

FREE
(0)
A selection of differentiated worksheets and answer sheet to help students learn the AQA GCSE circuit symbols for the GCSE Physics specification. Students can be extended by asking them to come up with the descriptions. Other students can be supported by using the variety of other sheets. This can ...