Staying Alive

A Year 11 module from the Salters’ Key Stage Four double award science course. This module explores the controlled and co-ordinated energy changes which maintain a complex series of interlinked metabolic processes in living tissues.

Different objects are compared to revise the characteristics of living things. The structure of a typical animal cell is studied. A card game models the way in which cells are organised into tissues, organs and organ systems.

A circus of experiments illustrates respiration in plants and animals. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration are compared on a cellular level.

Knowledge of photosynthesis is revised and consolidated. A ‘confidence quiz’ and information cards help to fill in gaps in knowledge. The function of cell components during photosynthesis is summarised. Students consider how photosynthesis and respiration affect the composition of the atmosphere.

Digestion is considered as a series of processes to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into sugars, fatty acids and amino acids for absorption. Practical tests illustrate some of these changes. A diagram of the digestive system is labelled to identify organs and their functions.

Students carry out a complete investigation based on a biological process, and are made aware of the stages involved in planning what methods to use.

Section 1: It’s life, Jim ....
Different objects are compared to revise the characteristics of living things. The structure of a typical animal cell is studied. A card game models the way in which cells are organised into tissues, organs and organ systems.

Section 2: Energy transfers from respiration
A circus of experiments illustrates respiration in plants and animals. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration are compared on a cellular level.

Section 3: Photosynthesis
Knowledge of photosynthesis is revised and consolidated. A ‘confidence quiz’ and information cards help to fill in gaps in knowledge. The function of cell components during photosynthesis is summarised. Students consider how photosynthesis and respiration affect the composition of the atmosphere.

Section 4: Digestion and absorption
Digestion is considered as a series of processes to break down foods into smaller molecules for absorption. Practical tests illustrate some of these changes. A diagram of the digestive system is labelled to identify organs and their functions.

Section 5: Investigating biological processes
Students carry out a complete investigation based on a biological process, and are made aware of the stages involved in planning what methods to use.