Models for teaching biology to students aged 14–16

I dream of a community of biology teachers who draw and explore models with students. Unlike many slide decks, the models I share aren’t the lesson itself. They aren’t to be presented or delivered, but co-constructed in conversing, step by step; a teaching method I explain in my books, Difference Maker and Teaching Meaning.

Through sharing our best models and teaching moves:

We become better teachers: combining the best of professional coordination and teaching autonomy.
We have a lighter workload by avoiding laborious resource creation; our planning time involves making sense of models and checking subject knowledge.
Students learn more by reaping the benefits of teaching without PowerPoint slides and developing understanding beyond knowledge.

Note: Currently, this is the order in which I teach the topics, which is based on meaning-making and explained in Biology Made Real.

The Organism 14–16 Ecology 13–16 Evolution 14–16

Diffusion 14–16 Gas exchange 14–16 Circulation 14–16 Enzymes 14–16 Digestion 14–16

Genetic Inheritance 14–16 Immunity 14–16 Coordination & control 14–16 Osmosis 14–16 Urinary system 14–16 Human reproduction 14–16

Plants 14–16 Nutrient cycles 14–16 Human effects on the environment 14–16 DNA & protein synthesis 14–16