I am a TES recommended author and a UK Science teacher with a Chemistry specialism.
You'll find various KS3 and KS4 Science resources here (Biology, Physics and Chemistry) as well as some A level Chemistry stuff. I try to make my lessons visually appealing, with clear diagrams and text and a variety of different tasks.
If you have any suggestions of resources you'd like to see uploaded, I'd be happy to hear from you.
I am a TES recommended author and a UK Science teacher with a Chemistry specialism.
You'll find various KS3 and KS4 Science resources here (Biology, Physics and Chemistry) as well as some A level Chemistry stuff. I try to make my lessons visually appealing, with clear diagrams and text and a variety of different tasks.
If you have any suggestions of resources you'd like to see uploaded, I'd be happy to hear from you.
LOs:
To make predictions about whether an object will sink or float.
To define density and relate it to the particle model.
To use the equation to calculate the densities of different objects.
Aimed at a lower set year 8 class. A higher ability class will probably require more.
Density of solids and liquids PowerPoint. Includes heavily scaffolded worksheet on density calculations and a cloze exercise. Mini-plenary using mini-whiteboards or similar. Demonstration of density using water and a range of different objects.
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
GCSE lesson on conduction, convection and radiation (the 3 heat transfer processes).
LOs:
Describe the processes of heat transfer in solids, fluids and vacuums.
Explain convection currents in detail.
Compare and contrast the three types of heat transfer.
1. Do Now: What is happening in the picture? Explain this process in terms of the energy of the particles
2. Exposition/Demonstration: Modelling the 3 types of heat transfer using a ball (students could write down their understanding of the 3 processes)
3. Mini-plenary: 'Back to back' activity, where students split into pairs, with one facing the front. This student has to describe what they see without using the 3 key words (conduction, convection or radiation)
4. Student Activity: Venn diagram for students to complete on conduction, convection and radiation, using words, diagrams etc. (helper sheet if needed)
5. Plenary: Exam style question about keeping a house warm
Option extension/extra activities included:
1. Table for students to complete on conduction, convection and radiation
2. Video questions (video on YouTube) for students to complete on conduction, convection and radiation
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 8 lesson on changes of state.
PowerPoint and worksheets included (at back of PowerPoint)
LOs:
To recognise changes of state as being reversible changes.
To use scientific terminology to describe changes of state.
To explain changes of state using the particle model and ideas about energy transfer.
1. Do Now: Which particle diagram shows a solid, a liquid and a gas?
2. Group Activity: Think, pair, share - what do the photos show?
3. Exposition: Changes of state and the particle model
4. Student Activity: Complete the diagram to show the changes of state and answer the questions
5. Mini-Plenary: Mini-whiteboard quiz on changes of state
6. Exposition: Different substances have different melting and boiling points
7. Exposition: Heating curves
8. Student Activity: Asking students to deduce what states different substances are at different temperatures, using their melting and boiling points
9. Plenary: Multiple choice questions exit ticket
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
A colourful worksheet for year 7 or 8 pupils on drawing particle diagrams.
Includes tips on how to draw particle diagrams, avoiding some common misconceptions (eg. particles not touching in a liquid) and a 7 question worksheet to check understanding.
The worksheet is uploaded both as PowerPoint (editable) and PDF files (same worksheet).
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
For a lower set year 8 class.
A highly scaffolded worksheet teaching students how to use the density formula to calculate densities of various solids.
A cloze exercise testing understanding of key concepts about density.
KS3 Assessment on Particles.
This test is designed to be a formative assessment, with students able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the particle theory of matter both in short answer and extended open answer questions. The test does not include a mark scheme, but the teacher should be able to form a judgment on the current level of students from their responses.
This test covers the following topics:
Solids, liquids, gases
Particle diagrams
Changes of state
Properties of solids, liquids and gases
Brownian motion
Melting and boiling points
Heating and cooling curves
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
A year 7 or 8 lesson on metal alloys.
PowerPoint and worksheets included (at the back of the PowerPoint).
LOs:
To state what is meant by an alloy.
To describe the uses of some alloys.
To explain why an alloy can be stronger than a pure metal.
1. Do Now: Can you remember the names of these 4 metals? Which would you use to build a bridge? Why?
2. Exposition: Video (BBC) or exposition on alloys. Ask students to define what an alloy is (could be done via Think, Pair, Share).
3. Student Activity: Worksheet answering questions on alloys video (higher and scaffolded version included)
4. Student Activity: 'Information hunt' on what various alloys contain and what their applications are
5. Exposition: Why are alloys strong? Linking strength to microscopic structure
6. Plenary: Exam style question on why alloys are strong (keywords may be provided to help)
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 8 lesson on evaporation and a comparison with boiling.
PowerPoint and worksheets included (at back of PowerPoint).
LOs:
To describe the process of evaporation.
To explain the differences between boiling and evaporation using the particle model.
To investigate factors affecting evaporation.
1. Do Now: Underline Mr. Wrong’s mistakes
2. Group Activity: Think, pair, share - what is happening in the pictures?
3. Exposition: Explaining evaporation using the particle model
4. Exposition/Group Activity: Comparing evaporation to boiling
5. Student Activity: Students complete table comparing evaporation to boiling (highly scaffolded and less scaffolded versions available)
6. Mini-plenary: True or false quiz
7. Demonstration: Factors affecting evaporation (eg. wind speed, temperature, surface area, liquid being evaporated). Worksheet for students to complete.
8. Plenary/Reflection: What quality did I demonstrate today?
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 8 lesson on DC (direct current) motors and the motor effect.
PowerPoint and worksheet included (at back of PowerPoint). The lesson involves students making a DC motor.
LOs:
To describe some uses of D.C. motors.
To explain the effect of a magnetic field on a wire carrying an electric current.
To explain how D.C. motors of different strengths are made.
1. Do Now: List objects with motors in them
2. Exposition: What is a motor and what is the energy transfer happening in them?
3. Student Activity: The motor effect reading comprehension
4. Mini-plenary: True or false quiz on the motor effect
5. Student Activity: Making a motor using wire, magnets, etc.
6. Exposition: How can you make the motor faster?
7. Plenary: Learning triangle
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 7 or 8 lesson on understanding how sound travels through materials.
LOs:
To recognise how the speed of sound changes in different substances.
To use the particle model to explain why sound cannot travel through a vacuum.
To use the particle model to explain why there are differences when sound travels through solids, liquids and gases.
Activities:
1. Do Now: Keyword match-up with definition
2. Student Activity: Fill in the gap sheet on how sound travels through different materials
3. Student Activity: Drawing a bar chart of the speed of sound through different materials
4. Mini-plenary: Drawing conclusions from the bar chart
5. Student Activity: Discussing the film poster tagline "In space no one can hear you scream" and adding scientific information
6. Independent Task: Drawing particle diagrams for solid, liquid and gas and using them to explain why sounds travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases
7. Plenary: 3,2,1
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 7 or 8 lesson on Forces.
Includes PowerPoint and worksheets (print from back of PowerPoint).
LOs:
To state the different forces
To explain the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces
To analyse data from forces experiments
1. Do Now: Recall questions on balanced forces and weight
2. Exposition: Reminder that forces can be push, pull or twist
3. Student Activity: Naming common names for forces (eg. thrust, lift, air resistance, friction)
4. Exposition: Non-contact forces and force diagrams using arrows
5. Mini-plenary: Forces quiz (MCQs)
6. Student Activity: Correcting force diagrams (then check answers)
7. Exposition: Resolving forces using force diagrams and simple addition/subtraction
8. Independent Task: Forces exam style questions
9. Plenary: Learning triangle
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 7 or 8 lesson on the Particle Theory - Solids, Liquids and Gases.
PowerPoint and worksheets included (at the back of the PowerPoint).
LOs:
To identify solids, liquids and gases.
To describe the 3 states and their properties.
To explain changes of state using ideas about the particle model of matter.
Activities:
1. Do Now: Separate the different substances into solids, liquids and gases. Are there any you are unsure about?
2. Exposition: The particle theory of solids, liquids and gases
3. Student Activity: Explaining properties using the particle theory
4. Class Activity: Watch interactive content on particles (could be replaced by practical demonstrations in the laboratory)
5. Student Activity: Complete the information table about the particles in solids, liquids and gases (and green pen check)
6. Mini-plenary: Particles and states MCQs
7. Independent Task: Exam style questions on the particle theory (then self assessment and reflection)
8. Plenary: Learning triangle
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 8 lesson/ revision lesson on metals vs. non-metals, metal properties, corrosion.
PowerPoint and worksheets (see back of PowerPoint).
LOs:
To separate metals from non-metals
To describe the properties of metals
To explain what corrosion is
1. Do Now: Circle the pure metals
2. Student Activity: Metal or non-metal (Stretch: How do you know?)
3. Student Activity: Think, pair, share - What are the properties of metals?
4. Mini-plenary: Worksheet on metals and non-metals
5. Exposition: Rusting (requires iron, oxygen and water - must have all 3 to rust)
6. Student Activity: Think, pair, share - Why are religious objects made from gold?
7. Independent Task: Exam style question on metals and their properties
8. Plenary: Learning triangle
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
Year 8 lesson on Investigating Static Charge.
PowerPoint and worksheets included (back of PowerPoint).
LOs:
To recognise the effects of static charge.
To explain how static charge can be generated.
To use evidence to develop ideas about static charge.
1. Do Now: What is happening in the photos?
2. Exposition: Difference between current and static charge
3. Group Activity: Static experiments (you will need some balloons, pieces of paper, water from a tap, a comb etc.)
4. Mini-Plenary: Attraction or repulsion?
5. Student Activity: Video (on YouTube) and accompanying worksheet
6. Independent Task: Levelled questions and self assessment
8. Plenary: Learning triangle
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
2 x worksheets on fuses
The first is a Do Now reading comprehension on fuses and circuit breakers and how fuses work.
The second is a worksheet asking students to decided which fuse is appropriate for different applications. Students are then required to calculate current from voltage and power data, using the equation P=IV (rearranged to I=P/V) and hence decide which fuse is appropriate.
3 complete lessons on the particle theory of matter:
1) Solids, Liquids and Gases
2) Changes of State
3) Evaporation and Boiling
Also includes a colourful worksheet on how to draw particle diagrams whilst avoiding common misconceptions and an open response assessment (no mark scheme).
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
A selection of KS3/KS4 Science Do Nows (mostly Physics), including comprehensions and keyword definition match ups.
Topics include:
Physics:
Types of energy
Energy transfer processes (conduction, convection, radiation)
Nuclear radiation and radioactivity
Nuclear reactors and dangers of radiation
Electrical components
Types of circuit (series and parallel)
Plugs, fuses and circuit breakers
The history of magnets
Permanent and temporary magnets
Using electromagnets
Static electricity and charge
Chemistry:
Elements, compounds and the periodic table
Properties of metals and non-metals
Chemical tests
Collision theory / kinetic theory
Biology:
Animal and plant cells and organelles
The human reproductive system
For more resources check out my shop:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/alexpce
If you liked this resource, please write a review! :)
3 x Electricity Do Now activities.
Each asks students to link keyword to their definitions and then draw a relevant diagram (eg. circuit diagram) to review learning.
1. The first tests keywords such as 'light bulb', 'battery', 'series circuit' and 'parallel circuit' and asks students to explain series and parallel circuits using a diagram.
2. The second tests keywords such as 'current', 'ammeter', 'voltmeter' and 'series circuit' and asks students to draw circuit diagrams containing particular components.
3. The third tests keywords related to a plug, such as 'live wire', 'neutral wire', 'fuse' and asks students to draw a plug and explain its important parts
