Archives: Lessons

The Visible Light Spectrum and Colour Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how visible light is composed of colours with different wavelengths. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how light waves are electromagnetic waves. Describe how visible light (white light) is composed of colours with … Read more

Electromagnetic Radiation Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different types of electromagnetic radiation, how they are produced and how they can be used. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe an electromagnetic wave and the electromagnetic spectrum. Identify the different types of electromagnetic radiation. … Read more

Waves Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at characteristics of waves and learn about different types of wave motion. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define what a wave is. Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Describe transverse, longitudinal and surface wave motion. Describe the mathematical … Read more

Evolution – The Evidence Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how evidence for the theory of evolution is provided by a range of scientific disciplines. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how the fossil record shows changes in species over time. Illustrate how anatomical similarities … Read more

Evolution – The Process Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the processes involved in evolution by natural selection. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Outline the key stages in the evolutionary process. Explain why genetic variation and reproductive isolation are required for the evolution of … Read more

Genetic Variation and Change Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the importance of genetic diversity for populations to survive and adapt to environmental change. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define genetic variation and describe how it is acquired in populations. Describe natural selection and … Read more

Genetic Mutation Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about genetic mutations and the different ways they can be classified. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what a mutation is and compare the different types, including: Chromosomal mutations and DNA mutations Spontaneous mutations and induced mutations … Read more

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

Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the two main ways organisms reproduce – asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction and compare the genetic composition of offspring. Describe how sexual reproduction … Read more

Cell Division – 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: … 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 – The Molecule of Life 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 … Read more

Branches of Science Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the five branches of science that are studied in high school. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Give a general description of the types of topics studied in chemistry, physics, biology, earth science and space science. … Read more

Practical Reports Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different sections of a scientific practical report and the style in which they are written. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Name the different sections of a scientific practical report, in the correct order. Describe the … Read more

The Scientific Method Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how scientific knowledge is accumulated through a rigorous and methodical process of inquiry. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the steps involved in the scientific method. Define qualitative and quantitative observation, inference and prediction. Describe how … Read more