A lesson sequence to introduce ecology at the beginning of the GCSE Combined Science course for students aged 13–14
Issue 393 | Page 33 | Published Mar 2025
Description
In their article ‘Reflecting on changing the start of GCSE Biology for Combined Science from cell structure to ecology’, Hale, Nash and Jones (2025) discussed the rationale behind changing the beginning of their Biology for Combined Science course. This article describes in more detail the teaching sequence and activities of their new introductory unit.
Useful Links
Katherine Forsey: https://drforsey.co.uk
Online tool: www.desmos.com
Plickers: www.plickers.com
Royal Horticultural Society (pressing and collecting samples): www.rhs.org.uk/science/conservation-biodiversity/conserving-garden-plants/rhs-herbarium/pressing-and-collecting-samples
References & Further Reading
Culley, T. M. (2013) Why vouchers matter in botanical research. Applications in Plant Sciences, 1(11): 1300076. https://doi.org/10.3732/apps.1300076
Hale, J., Nash, K, and Jones, K. (2025) Reflecting on changing the start of GCSE Biology for Combined Science from cell structure to ecology. School Science Review, 106(393), 18-20.
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