Topic title: The Cotswold Farm
Year group: 8
When taught: Spring Term
Overview: The Cotswold Farm is a fun and informative topic, which links to the wider community. Within this topic we look at the importance of plants, their structure and function, photosynthesis and how farming practices relate to increasing yields of crops. Covering this content at KS3 is essential stepping stone into GCSE biology where we look at photosynthesis and Bioenergetics in more detail.
We carryout research into selective breeding and how genetics impacts our characteristic which allows us to reflect on the ethical issues surrounding selective breeding.
What the students targets for this topic?
| Target |
| I know the word equation for photosynthesis |
| I can safely carry out an experiment to prove that where a leaf is green, it contains starch |
| I can describe an experiment to show that oxygen is produced in photosynthesis |
| I can label a diagram of the structure of a leaf |
| I can state the different ways plants can be pollinated |
| I can describe the fertilisation process in plants and how a seed is formed |
| I can describe how seeds germinate |
| I know plants transport water through xylem cells |
| I can describe the different properties of soil |
| I know how to test the pH of soils |
| I know the steps involved in selective breeding |
| I can describe the work of Gregor Mendel |
| I know how to use a Punnett square to show genetic cross combinations |
| I can describe the differences between organic and intensive farming |
| I know what fertilisers contain and why a plant needs these |
Why is this important to know?
- This topic enables pupils to link their biological and chemical knowledge to the wider world.
- It develops pupils’ understanding of how the environment is affected by farming.
- It widens their understanding of the processes such photosynthesis, selective breeding and genetic modification all which are needed for GCSE.
- The knowledge gained in this topic helps to develop pupils as citizens with an awareness of the impact humans have on the environment through farming practices and allows them to consider ethical debates linked to selective breeding.
- It helps them understand that the Earth’s natural resources are important to conserve as much as possible.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
- This topic builds on the Key Stage Two curriculum delivered in Year 4 where students have learnt about the human impact on environment and the structure of flowering plants and leaves.
- The knowledge learnt in this topic feeds into the Key Stage 4 Science curriculum:
- It links to Biology topic 4.7 (Ecology), including aspects impact of humans on ecosystems (including effects on biodiversity, land use and farming).
- It links to Biology 4.1.1.3 Cell specialisation, looking at how cells such as palisade cells are adapted to perform photosynthesis.
- Its links to 4.4.1 Photosynthesis, including aspects of factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis and how to test for the presence of starch.
- The topic also relates to areas of 4.6.1.6 Genetic inheritance, which covers DNA structure, inheritance, and the ethical issues around selective breeding.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
- There will be an end of unit test in class to formally assess the skills developed. There will be online homework quizzes to help students practice their skills.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
- Attention to detail
- Using key words correctly
- Title and date written and underlined
- Green pen used for self-assessment and adding corrections / additional detail
What key words are there in this topic?
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Study more about how farmers need to change the properties of the soil in order to increase yield.
- Read more about how selective breeding in plants and animals can change the characteristics of the organisms in order to increase the yield for farmers.
- Research careers involved in farming.
What wider reading and revision links that can be done on this topic used for T12.
Photosynthesis – BBC Bitesize – photosynthesis and plant cell structure
What is pollination? Reproduction – KS3 Biology – BBC Bitesize – flower plants, seed dispersal and reproduction in plants.
Benefits and risks of selective breeding – Feeding the human race – OCR Gateway – GCSE Biology (Single Science) Revision – OCR Gateway – BBC Bitesize – benefits and risks around selective breeding.
