Archives: Lessons

Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how simple machines make tasks easier by reducing the amount of effort required. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe what a simple machine is and name the six types of simple machines identified by … Read more

Non-Contact Forces Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about three types of non-contact forces – gravity, magnetism and electrostatic forces. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what gravity is and describe how it affects the motion of objects. Discuss how gravitational force is related to … Read more

Contact Forces Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about three types of contact forces – friction, buoyancy and surface tension. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘friction’ and explain how it relates to the motion of objects. Differentiate between kinetic and static friction, with examples. … Read more

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about net force and compare balanced and unbalanced forces. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain how most objects have more than one force acting on them, with examples. Define ‘net force’. Calculate net force for … Read more

Introduction to Forces Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn what forces are and how they affect objects. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘force’. Describe how forces can cause a change in speed, direction or shape. Distinguish between push forces, pull forces and twist forces. … Read more

Changes to Ecosystems Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how ecosystems change as a result of natural events as well as human activity. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss how ecosystems are dynamic systems. Describe predator-prey cycles. Discuss the ecological impacts of natural events, such … Read more

Microorganisms and Disease Learning Objective In this lesson we will describe microorganisms that can cause disease and discuss how the body responds to infection. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what is meant by the terms ‘microorganism’ and ‘pathogen’. Describe the different types of organisms that can … Read more

Homeostasis Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how homeostasis is maintained by the nervous system and the endocrine system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how negative feedback regulates the body. Describe how the nervous system regulates body temperature. Describe how the endocrine system regulates … Read more

The Endocrine System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the structure and function of the endocrine system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the general function of the endocrine system. List key endocrine glands and describe their function. Describe the role and function of … Read more

The Nervous System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the structure and function of the nervous system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the general function of the nervous system. Describe the basic structure of neurons and the function of the three main types. … Read more

Overview of Body Systems Learning Objective In this lesson we will introduce the different human body systems. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: List the basic inputs and outputs required by living organisms. Describe the general characteristics of living organisms. Explain what a body system is. Summarise the … Read more

Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at the movement of nutrients and energy in ecosystems and how they can be illustrated with food chains, food webs and biomass pyramids. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between producers, consumers, detritivores and … Read more

Interactions Between Organisms Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the main types of ecological 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 and herbivory, with examples. Describe competition, with examples. Define ‘symbiosis’ and differentiate … Read more

Habitats, Adaptations and Niches Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about three key ecological concepts relating to organisms – 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 habitat. Explain what an adaptation is and differentiate … 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 ‘ecology’. Define ‘environment’ and differentiate between ‘biotic’ and ‘abiotic’ environmental factors, with examples. Describe the different levels of … 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 (Image: … 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 Six Kingdoms of Living Things Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the classification of living things into six kingdoms. We will also learn about the concept of a biological species. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Compare different systems for classifying living things. Discuss … 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