Curated Video
Factpack: Enzymes
How enzymes power the everyday chemical reactions our bodies rely on. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. A Twig FactPack Film. Open a discussion on what has been already learnt in a topic, or use to grab attention at the start of...
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Factpack: Bacteria
Find out about these tiny life-forms that have the potential to determine the big things in life, such as whether we live or die. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. A Twig FactPack Film. Open a discussion on what has been already...
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Kidneys
Learn about how the kidneys function, regulate the salt levels in our bodies, filter our blood, and ultimately keep us alive. Biology - Human Body - Learning Points. The kidneys are located just below the ribs - one on each side of the...
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Root Hairs
Find out how remarkable adaptations allow the spinifex plant to thrive in the desert. Biology - Plants - Learning Points. Root hairs are specially adapted to suit their role. Root hairs increase the surface area of the roots for...
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Heart
The heart powers everything you do. It pumps without you thinking about it, and beats over a billion times in an average lifetime. But how does it work? Biology - Human Body - Learning Points. The heart is the hardest working muscle in...
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Stem Cells: Unlocking The Potential to Regenerate Tissues
Revealing the amazing and unique properties of stem cells, and how they can be used to regenerate tissues. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. There are three different types of stem cell: embryonic, foetal and adult. Stem cells...
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Food Basics: Proteins
Proteins are at the root of virtually all bodily functions, from growth to metabolism to transporting oxygen around the body. Learn how your body makes or ingests all the protein you need. Chemistry - Chemical Industries - Learning...
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HIV/AIDS: Immune Evaders
What makes HIV the world's most deadly virus? Its abilities to constantly evolve and to attack the body's immune system lie at the heart of its deadly nature. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)...
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Tumours: The Kill or Cure Virus
The story of a pioneering treatment that is attempting to use a simple virus to combat the growth - and devastating effects - of brain tumours. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Some tumours are inoperable and cannot be treated...
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What is a Cell? - Life’s Building Blocks
Every living thing on our planet, from plants to animals, is made up of cells. Cells are the building blocks of life, but what are they and how do they work? Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. All cells have vital genetic...
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Bees and Their Hives
What is it about hexagons that makes them the perfect building blocks for beehives? Discover why they are the best use of space. Maths - Shape A Twig Math Film. Reinforce and extend the learning required by the curriculum. Twig’s math...
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Cystic Fibrosis
What is cystic fibrosis? Find out what the symptoms are and how it is caused. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Cystic fibrosis is a serious progressive, genetic disease that affects the whole body. Cystic fibrosis is caused by...
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How We Smell
Introduction to the structure and function of the nose, and how it works in tandem with the brain. How do we tell the difference between good and bad smells, and has this ability helped humans to survive? Biology - Being Human - Learning...
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Osmosis and Volume
We look at the effects of osmosis on the volume of potato and the appearance of red onion cells. Two cylinders of potato are measured and weighed before one is placed in salt water and the other in fresh water. We can see how osmosis...
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Microbes in Milk
We examine the number of microorganisms in different types of milk using resazurin indicator. Samples of pasteurised milk, UHT milk and powdered milk are left in the open for three days before resazurin indicator is added and the samples...
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Kiwi Fruit DNA
We extract the DNA from a kiwi fruit by mashing it with detergent liquid, salt and water. The mixture is then filtered and incubated before a layer of chilled ethanol is added. The jelly-like DNA can then be extracted. Biology - Cells...
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Capillary Action
Water is added to dry and bent matchsticks to let us see capillary action at work. The wood absorbs the water causing the matchsticks to straighten. Biology - Plants - Learning Points. Water is a polar molecule because the electrons are...
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Anaerobic Respiration: Observing Yeast's Oxygen-Free Energy Production
We use yeast to let us observe anaerobic respiration. The yeast is added to warm water and glucose. A layer of oil is placed over the solution so that no oxygen is available. The solution starts to bubble and the gas produced passes...
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Agar Cube Diffusion
We use coloured agar cubes to see how different shapes change the rate of diffusion. The cubes are made using sodium hydroxide and phenolphthalein indicator to give them a pink colour. When these are added to hydrochloric acid, the...
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Asellus Blood Flow
We use a microscope to examine the blood flow in the open circulatory system of asellus aquaticus. We are able to see the haemolymph moving through its limbs in different directions. Biology - Human Body - Learning Points. Large...
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Plant vs Animal Cells
We compare plant cells and animal cells under a microscope to see how they differ. Cheek cells are dyed with methylene blue to make the observations possible. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Almost all cells are invisible to...
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Therapeutic Stem Cells
Stem cell therapy is a radical new treatment with the potential to restore eyesight and heal injuries. However, many object to its moral implications. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Stem cells can repair or rebuild damaged...
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Insulin and Diabetes
Over 400 million people suffer from diabetes globally. What is diabetes, how is it caused, and what role does insulin play in its onset and treatment? Biology - Healthy Living - Learning Points. Insulin is a hormone that controls glucose...
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What is a Memory?
What are memories and how does the brain store them? How does our memory develop as we grow? Biology - Being Human - Learning Points. As the brain processes experiences and stimuli, it creates pathways between neurons. Pathways between...