Cells and cell division KS4
These resources can be used in the delivery of lessons on cells and cell division at KS4. It is intended that the sequence of lessons would be as follows:
1. Cell structure - plant and animal cells;
2. Specialised cells, including gametes;
3. Cell division - the purposes of cell division, focusing on sexual and asexual reproduction;
4. Mitosis;
5. Meiosis (with a comparison of mitosis and meiosis at the end).
Cell Biology
A series of activities on cells - practical work, worksheets and online resources. Could be used to teach most of this topic as there is work on cell structure and function as well as mitosis, meiosis and the cell cycle.
Cells Alive
This website has a section on Cell Biology, divided up into sections on size, cell models, mitosis, meiosis and the cell cycle. Each section has an animation and some information on the topic. You can also order a CD-ROM with the animations.
Use this resource during class to illustrate each topic, or as a revision tool for the students.
Worksheet to go with the Cells Alive website
Does what it says on the tin!
Top Science
This "Top Trumps" game about specialised cells can be used as a starter or plenary in a lesson about specialised cells (either as a starting point for further research or as a summary of the information they've gained in a lesson).
Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
This resources provides enough activities for 1-2 lessons (1-2 hours). It includes full instructions and a set of links to video and website-based resources. The site leads you through a series of videos and activities on sexual and asexual reproduction, so it could be used either to introduce the topic or as a recap if already covered at some point.
Quizzes *suitable for home teaching*
The quizzes on Cells and on Reproduction give a straightforward starter/plenary/homework activity. Each quiz also includes the answers after the question, so they'd need to be adapted if you were to give them out to students.
Secrets of Cells *suitable for home teaching*
This resource from the Wellcome Trust is an issue of "The Big Picture". It includes a booklet on Cells, including topics such as cell structure, how cells are built up to form whole organisms, the interactions of cells with the environment and stem cells. Best used in this instance as an extension activity. There is also a poster showing the structure of a typical animal cell.
Comparison of mitosis and meiosis
This website has an animation comparing the stages of mitosis and meiosis, followed by a short quiz. The animation is best used after teaching the topics of mitosis and meiosis, as a summary exercise so that students can see how the two types of cell division differ.
Inherited Diseases
This pdf file contains information about mitosis and meiosis (including diagrams) along with some information about the inherited disorders cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease and sickle-cell anaemia. Best used here as an extension activity for more able students, or to link to the topic of genetics and genetic disorders.
