Cells

The Cells sub-collection is made up of pedagogical guidance and classroom materials for use with students. All materials were published by the Key Stage Three Strategy and the Secondary Strategy between 2002 and 2003.

Context
Cells was one of the original ‘key ideas’ within the Key Stage Three strategy. The key ideas are abstract in nature and strategy documentation stressed the importance of introducing all five key scientific ideas early in Key Stage Three. This is because students need to develop their understanding progressively so that they can recognise, use and then apply each of the ideas in different contexts. The five key scientific ideas that underpin the Key Stage Three programme of study are: cells, interdependence, particles, forces and energy.

Development
The Science Framework for Years Seven, Eight and Nine (2002) introduced the key ideas in 2002 and provided basic progression guidance for teaching cells. This was followed in 2003 by the Strengthening Teaching and Learning of Cells in Key Stage Three Science continuing professional development (CPD) unit, which supported participants with more detailed progression and pedagogical guidance as well as improving non-subject specialists’ understanding of the topic. The CPD unit also provided classroom materials comprising of animal and plant cell diagrams and organ cards to use with students.