REVIEW
Higher Biology
Published by SURE Animations
THIS SOFTWARE programme covers a range of
the topics for Higher biology. Loading the program
onto a computer was a fairly straightforward process,
although it is worth noting that it runs better if the
computer has a bigger memory than the minimum
requirements. It was also interesting to find that the
program runs on a DVD player, giving it additional
features not found in other educational software. We
also found that the programme covers some of the
topics on the Higher syllabus that currently have very
few relevant materials available on the market.
At first glance, we felt that the program could do
with more text to back up some of the animations.
However, after using it a few times, we found that
there was probably enough written material for each
topic, and that the information provided allows the
biology teacher to add his or her own explanations
while the animations are being shown to the students.
Assessing some of the topics
Cell type – The program offers comprehensive coverage
of cell ultrastructures, and a good illustration of the
differences between animal and plant cells. We found
Biology
that this was one of the software’s best animations. It
gives the user a 3D effect that is difficult to demonstrate
with other audio-visual materials. The animation relies
on the teacher stopping and starting at each organelle,
which is a good way to deliver the lesson.
Cell absorption – The program shows plant and
animal cells being exposed to isotonic, hypertonic
technology
and hypotonic solutions. The animations are excellent,
especially the blood cell in hypotonic solution. We
particularly like the sound effects of this animation, too.
Diffusion and osmosis – Unfortunately, the Biological learning: Higher Biology offers a range of animations on different sections of the curriculum, including viral replication (pic-
animation of the semi-permeable membrane and the tured above)
molecules are rather poor. There was also little or no Higher lesson that addresses glycolysis. the program also offers a good comparison of DNA Mutation – The simple animation showing the
explanation as to which molecules are involved. Mitochondrial structures – An impressive and RNA molecules. It was good to see the two different types of mutation is useful when showing the
Plasma membrane – Good animation of the animation of the mitochondrion offered good emphasis molecules lined up next to each other to illustrate amino acid differences for each type of mutation.
plasma membrane with the phospholipid bilayer well of the functions and structures of the organelle. their differences. Overall, we found the whole program refreshing,
illustrated. The program also makes a good attempt at Cytochrome system – There is not a lot of animation Viral replication – An excellent animation shows with some interesting and well-designed graphics. It
showing the fluid mosaic model. for the cytochrome system, but it does cover this tricky viral replication very effectively, and the combination was reasonably user-friendly, but needs the user to have
Active transport – There is a good illustration of area effectively. of sound and animation made the learning fun, really a good understanding of the different concepts.
active transport and a good attempt to show passive Photosynthesis – Photolysis is well animated, and a engaging the students. However, there will be no problem when a biology
diffusion. The function of the carrier protein is also very decent explanation of carbon fixation is given. Phagocytosis – The software has a good animation teacher is delivering a lesson using the animations to
well illustrated. Antibody – The animation for this topic is very good of phagocytosis, especially when showing the help their explanation. SecEd
Glycolysis – We found this section made a decent and the antigen-antibody complex is well illustrated. involvement of the lysosomes. The sound effects in this
attempt to explain what is a very difficult concept, and DNA and RNA – The animation of DNA animation make the phagocytes sound very efficient at • Reviewed by Mike Cheung, principal teacher of
the accompanying animation would fit very well in any structure and replication is very impressive, and their jobs. science at Tynecastle High School, Edinburgh
‘Are you using the internet
within your classroom?’
As the internet and other technologies are being used more and more in the classroom, they are becoming vital tools in how you
teach and how children learn. They bring endless opportunities and introduce children to the world in a way never seen before.
However, with these positive opportunities can also bring risks to children and young people.
Research undertaken by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre – the UK’s national police agency
working to tackle the sexual abuse of children in both online and offl ine environments – found that one in four young people
aged between 11-16 had met up with someone in the ‘real world’ whom they fi rst met online.[1]
That is why the we at CEOP believe that educating children and young people about the risks they may face when using the
internet and new technologies is vital in equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe.
The CEOP Centre has created a number of educational resources as part of the Thinkuknow programme, which is
specifi cally aimed at children aged between 5-16 years old. Since its launch in 2006, over 26,000 professionals have
been trained to deliver the programme, resulting in over 4.5 million children and young people now empowered by its
online safety messages.
All the free resources available can be viewed at www.thinkuknow.co.uk where teachers can access lesson plans,
posters and fi lms within their own area of the website.
Thinkuknow is an education initiative delivered by the Child Exploitation
and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre www.ceop.police.uk
Register at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/teachers for free resources and for
information regarding training.
[1] 8,000 young people aged between 11-16 were asked to complete a survey, carried out by the CEOP Centre
Thinkuknow is a free education initiative Find us at the Scottish Learning Festival:
delivered by the Child Exploitation and Online
Protection (CEOP) Centre www.ceop.police.uk
Stand number: L35 Contact number: 0870 000 3344 Email address: education@ceop.gov.uk
ceop.indd 1 21/8/09 17:18:24
12 SecEd • August 27 2009
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