Life Processes and Living Things

Programme Outline

The programme is divided into six sections. Each section is prefaced by
a list of ideas that the candidates will need to know for their end of key stage examination. The rest of each section consists of short video clips and animations to illustrate the learning outcomes. Finally, each section concludes with an on-screen question to help consolidate the topic.

00.33-04.39 Cell structure

The importance of cells is demonstrated as skin cells are cultured for skin grafts. A graphic illustration shows the important parts of animal and plant cells. The function of each part of the cell is explained. Not all cells fit the typical model. We see cells from plant stems and roots.

04.56-09.03 Moving the human body

The arrangement of muscles and tendons in a chicken's leg are examined by dissection. Muscles are arranged in pairs. Using a gymnast the action of an antagonistic pair of muscles is demonstrated. The biceps and triceps are used as an example. Further examples are shown in the abdomen, the back and the leg.

09.19-13.38 The human reproductive system

Detailed graphic animation is used to explore the male reproductive system. The function of each part of the system is explained and the path of sperm during ejaculation is traced. A similar animation shows the passage of an egg down the oviduct. The stages of the menstrual cycle are outlined. During intercourse a sperm may fertilise an egg and a baby begins to grow.

13.56-18.34 Breathing

The section begins with a girl with asthma. A graphic animation and an endoscope show the normal structure of the lungs. We see how muscles in the wall of the bronchioles contract during an asthma attack. Smoking can damage your lungs. We see tar and a tumour in smoke-damaged lungs. We visit Joyce who suffers from emphysema. She needs oxygen to compensate for the damage done to her alveoli.

18.47-22.53 Classification of animals

In a tour of the zoo, skin covering is used as a key characteristic to identify the main vertebrate groups. Other features, such as habitat and body temperature are considered. A tricky example is left for us to classify.

23.09-end. Feeding relationships

In a make-believe habitat, rabbits eat lettuces and foxes eat rabbits. This simple food chain is used to define the roles of producer and consumer. A food chain is shown as a simple arrow diagram. When numbers are considered a pyramid can be drawn. In Lake Windermere a real-life example is investigated as ecologists try to preserve the numbers of Arctic Charr. The complications, which arise when we interfere with the food chain, are explained.