Archives: Lessons

Feeding Relationships Within Ecosystems Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at feeding relationships between organisms and how they transfer nutrients and energy within ecosystems. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between producers, consumers, detritivores and decomposers. Describe how food chains and food webs represent feeding … Read more

Interactions Between Organisms Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about different types of interactions that occur between organisms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific interactions. Describe predation, herbivory and competition, with examples. Define ‘symbiosis’. Differentiate between mutualism, commensalism and parasitism, with … Read more

Habitats, Adaptations and Niches Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about three ecological concepts – habitats, adaptations and niches. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘habitat’ and give examples of different types of habitats. Explain what an adaptation is and differentiate between anatomical, physiological and … Read more

Introduction to Ecology Learning Objective In this lesson we will be introduced to ecology – the study of living things and their environment. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define the terms ‘environment’, ‘ecosystem’, ‘biodiversity’ and ‘ecology’. Differentiate between ‘biotic’ and ‘abiotic’ environmental factors, with examples. Describe the … Read more

The Plant Kingdom Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the major plant groups. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe vascular tissue, seeds and flowers. Discuss the defining characteristics of the following plant groups: Angiosperms (flowering plants) Gymnosperms (conifers and cycads) Pteridophytes (ferns) Bryophytes (mosses, … Read more

The Animal Kingdom – Invertebrates Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the major invertebrate animal groups. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define what an invertebrate is. Discuss the defining characteristics of the following invertebrate groups: Arthropods Molluscs Echinoderms Annelids Nematodes Platyhelminthes Cnidarians Porifera   … Read more

The Animal Kingdom – Vertebrates Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the major vertebrate animal groups. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define what a vertebrate is. Discuss the defining characteristics of the following vertebrate groups: Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Fish Compare the evolution and … Read more

The Five Kingdoms of Living Things Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the classification of living things into five kingdoms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe different systems for classifying living things. List the kingdoms of the five kingdom classification system and discuss the … Read more

Classification Systems Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about classification systems for living and non-living things. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Give reasons for classifying things. Define ‘taxonomy’. Discuss how to choose criteria for classification systems. Describe how classification keys work, with examples. Discuss the … Read more

The Characteristics of Living Things Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the characteristics that define living organisms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define biology and give examples of different areas of biology. Discuss the characteristics that all living things possess. Distinguish between living and … Read more

Biological Reproduction Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about reproduction of organisms and the types of cells involved. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Differentiate between asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction, with examples of each. Name the male and female reproductive cells and tissues in animals … Read more

The Reproductive System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the reproductive system in humans. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the reproductive system. Describe the structure and function of the different organs and glands that make up the male and … Read more

The Musculoskeletal System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the musculoskeletal system in humans. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the musculoskeletal system. Describe the different types of muscles that make up the muscular system. Differentiate between the axial skeleton … Read more

The Excretory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about excretion in humans, in particular, the urinary system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the excretory system. Describe different ways the human body removes waste. Describe the organs of the urinary … Read more

The Respiratory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the respiratory system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the respiratory system. Describe the organs of the respiratory system and discuss the role … Read more

The Circulatory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the circulatory system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the circulatory system. Explain why the circulatory system in humans is a double circulatory … Read more

The Digestive System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the digestive system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the digestive system. Describe the steps involved in digestion. Describe the organs of the … Read more

Cell Division Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the process of cell division in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain why cell division takes place in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Give an overview of the process of cell division by … Read more

Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms Learning Objective In this lesson we will compare unicellular and multicellular organisms and look at different types of animal and plant cells. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Classify animals, plants, fungi, protists and bacteria as unicellular or multicellular organisms. Compare the roles of … Read more

Cells Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living things. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between unicellular and multicellular organisms. Describe components that are common to all cells. Differentiate between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Define … Read more