Archives: Lessons

Pedigree Charts Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how pedigree charts can be used to show the inheritance of genetic conditions between multiple generations. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain the function of a pedigree chart, describe its layout and the symbols used, and construct … Read more

Mendelian Genetics Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how Gregor Mendel discovered fundamental laws of inheritance by conducting quantitative experiments with garden peas. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘pure breeding line’ and differentiate between cross-pollination and self-fertilisation. Construct Punnett squares for a monohybrid cross … Read more

Punnett Squares Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how Punnett squares can be used to predict genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Complete a Punnett square to determine the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring for: Dominant and recessive inheritance Incomplete … Read more

Sex-Linked Inheritance Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how traits controlled by genes located on sex chromosomes follow different patterns of inheritance in males and females. Learning Outcomes Explain what a sex-linked trait is and differentiate between X-linked and Y-linked traits. Write genotypes for sex-linked traits and describe hemizygosity in males. Determine genotypes … Read more

Dominance, Incomplete Dominance and Codominance Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the three modes of biological inheritance – dominance, incomplete dominance and codominance. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the three modes of biological inheritance: Dominance Incomplete dominance Codominance Define ‘dominant’ and ‘recessive’ in … Read more

Genes, Genotype and Phenotype Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how characteristics of living things are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe what traits are and explain how they are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Describe what genes … Read more

DNA Replication, Mitosis and Meiosis Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the two types of cell division – involving either mitosis or meiosis – and the process of DNA replication which takes place prior to both. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain why cell … Read more

Chromosomes, Diploid Cells and Haploid Cells Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the arrangement of chromosomes in diploid and haploid cells, and how sex chromosomes determine biological sex. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the arrangement of chromosomes in diploid cells (body cells) and … Read more

DNA Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the structure of DNA – the molecule that carries genetic information in living things. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the structure of nucleotides – the subunits of DNA molecules. Describe the structure of DNA molecules, including: … Read more

Respiration and Photosynthesis Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about two of the most important chemical processes that take place in the cells of living things – cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Write chemical equations for respiration and photosynthesis. Describe the … Read more

Acid-Metal Reactions Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about chemical reactions between acids and metals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Predict whether a chemical reaction between an acid and a metal will take place or not. Determine the products of chemical reactions between acids and … Read more

Acid-Base Reactions Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different types of acid-base reactions and the products they form. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Identify acid-base reactions. Write the generalised chemical equations for different types of acid-base reactions. Determine the products of acid-base reactions. … Read more

Acids and Bases Learning Objective In this lesson we will compare acids, bases and salts. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe acids, bases and salts. Compare acidic, alkaline and neutral solutions. Describe the properties and uses of acids and bases. Identify common acids and bases. Distinguish between … Read more

Determining the Formula for Ionic Compounds Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how ionic formulas reflect the ratio of positive and negative ions in ionic compounds. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Write the formula for ionic compounds containing only monatomic ions. Write the formula for … Read more

Naming Ions and Ionic Compounds Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how ions and ionic compounds are named. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Name positive and negative monatomic ions. Give examples of metals that form more than one type of ion, and show how these … Read more

Formation of Ions and Ionic Compounds Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how atoms can gain or lose electrons to form ions, and subsequently, ionic compounds. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the most stable type of electron configuration. Describe how metals lose electrons to … Read more

Radioactivity Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how unstable isotopes can undergo different types of nuclear decay. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe alpha, beta and gamma decay. Predict the products of different types of nuclear decay. Define half life and calculate how much of … Read more

Electron Configuration (Elements 1-20) Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how electrons are arranged around the nuclei of atoms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how electrons are arranged into electron shells, and explain how these shells are filled. Describe how electron shells are labelled, … Read more

Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how atoms are defined by the number of protons they contain, as well as the number of neutrons. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define atomic number. Define mass number. Compare isotopes of an … Read more

Structure of Atoms Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the main subatomic particles which make up atoms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the properties of protons, neutrons and electrons. Describe the arrangement of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom. Describe the distribution … Read more