all picks
A selection of short, engaging practical demonstrations on various biology, chemistry and physics topics. The page also leads to many other useful resources. You will need to join TES in order to download the demonstrations but it is free and only takes 30 seconds!
A simple introduction to photosynthesis.
A page linking to an animated interactive explanation of photosynthesis.
Game that shows the effects of soil pH on the growth of different plants.
A good site for revision, background reading or research. Lovely images but slow to load.
Photographs and information showing the effects of deforestation.
A labelled diagram showing the structure of a flowering plant.
A range of exciting teaching resources, including practical ideas, designed to stimulate and enthuse pupils about the world of plants. The resources have been written to help teachers deliver the topic in a variety of ways using a variety of teaching strategies.
Bitesize revision covering plants and photosynthesis. Includes information, an activity and a short test.
Well presented page on energy flow on ecosystems, with good animations. The emphasis is on energy transfers in the human food chain.
Practical instruction guide for Students and Teachers
Diagram showing the structure of a leaf. Explanation of the functions of some of the key parts of a leaf.
A nice simple animated summary slide showing the reactants and products of photosynthesis
Interactive information page and questions on the structure of a leaf.
Details and results of the experiments to show light and carbon dioxide are required for photosynthesis.
The Elodea experiment instructions measuring the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis
A nice clear animation on transpiration but no explanations. Appropriate and entertaining, but needs complementary material / instruction.
A nice animation on transpiration for the more able - very attractive but will require a lot of explanation. Concepts of water potential and the different routes of water uptake are quite advanced.
A simple experiment to show water transport in plants.
An excellent, visual and reliable experimental procedure for demonstrating the production of gas from photosynthesis. Can be used to investigate the effect of limiting factors.
A simple way of growing garlic roots for the root tip squash practical (a modification of the method using polystyrene ceiling tiles).
A practical using algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis by ‘immobilising’ the algae as algal balls.
A simple practical for investigating the germination of seeds. Directions for carrying out a number of investigations, such as measuring the seedling roots.
A simple technique to help students design an investigation to try and find out more about this how plants respond to light.
This resource takes a lively approach to the advantages of growing plants hydroponically, and looks at the nutrients the plants will need.
A series of practicals designed to help pupils aged 12 - 16 years to explore the factors affecting: plant growth, reproduction, variation, classification, adaptation
Great 4.5 min clip from BBC’s Blooming History to share with the class when learning about photosynthesis- years 5-9 good for showing how scientific understanding (in this case photosynthesis) developed through several people discovering different things
great 4 minute clip showing van Helmont’s experiment with willow trees to discover why they got heavier. Complements the concept cartoon on why plants get bigger very well. Good for considering how experimentation and evidence is needed --- but conclusions are not always 100%! Good for science history too and discussing factors that can influence scientific progress He considered the question