How living things get energy
From the cell to the whole organism: where food comes from and how energy is released from it.
These three lessons follow one idea through biology. Cells are the units that do the work; photosynthesis is how plants build food from light, carbon dioxide and water; life processes show how animals and plants take in that food and release its energy by respiration. Teach them in this order, or use the later lessons on their own for revision.
- Plant and Animal Cells: Structure and Function
Start here: chloroplasts and mitochondria are where the later lessons happen.
Ages 11–14 15 slides 45 min - Photosynthesis: How Plants Make Food
How plants make glucose, and what limits the rate.
Ages 13–16 17 slides 45 min Interactive diagrams - Life Processes: Nutrition, Respiration, Transport & Excretion
Nutrition, respiration and transport in plants and animals.
Ages 15–16 15 slides 45 min