Differentiation Strategies for SEND (Mild Dyslexia)
and MAT Students
Lesson
SEND (Mild Dyslexia Support)
• Label diagrams of neurone parts.
• Use dyslexia-friendly font/coloured overlays.
1. Neurones & Nerve• Step-by-step
Impulses
explanation of impulse transmission.
MAT (Stretch & Challenge)
• Research conduction speed in squid giant axon vs humans.
• Extension Q: Why does myelination increase speed?
• Create a diagram comparing saltatory vs continuous conductio
2. Reflex Actions
• Role-play reflex arc (receptor → effector).
• Use sentence starters to explain pathway.
• Diagram fill-in activity.
• Explain why reflexes are faster than voluntary responses.
• Apply to sports or driving.
• Challenge Q: Predict effect if relay neurone damaged.
3. Synapse
• Animated video of neurotransmitter release.
• Keyword flashcards.
• Scaffolded diagram labelling.
• Research Parkinson’s treatment with L-DOPA.
• Evaluate effects of drugs (e.g., alcohol, caffeine) on synapses.
• Debate: Should performance-enhancing drugs be banned?
• Colour-coded diagram labelling.
• Matching activity (structure → function).
4. Structure of the Eye
• Cloze exercise worksheet.
• Compare human vs nocturnal animal eyes.
• Research UV vision in insects.
• Create comparison table across species.
• Use models/lenses to demonstrate defects.
• Scaffolded cloze tasks.
5. Eye Functions & Defects
• Colour-coded diagrams for defects.
• Research laser eye surgery and lens implants.
• Write pros/cons of corrective methods.
• Case study analysis: Which correction for which patient?
6. Pupil Reflex
• Practical demo with torch.
• Scaffolded flow chart: light → pupil size change.
• Sentence starters.
• Extend to brain involvement (optic nerve, medulla).
• Discuss importance in protecting retina.
• Challenge Q: Predict outcome if optic nerve damaged.
• Storyboard of fight-or-flight response.
• Simplified keyword definitions.
7. Hormones & Adrenaline
• Group discussion with guided prompts.
• Explore adrenaline vs cortisol effects.
• Research multiple organ responses.
• Debate: Is adrenaline always beneficial?
• Flowchart with icons (high sugar → insulin).
• Word bank scaffolds.
8. Insulin & Blood Glucose
• Role-play: pancreas, insulin, liver.
• Research difference between Type 1 & 2 diabetes.
• Explore artificial pancreas tech.
• Data analysis of glucose monitoring results.
• Dual coding with images (sweating, shivering).
• Sentence starters.
9. Homeostasis & Temperature
• Diagram sequencing
Control
activity.
• Evaluate benefits of fever.
• Compare endotherms vs ectotherms.
• Research desert vs arctic adaptations.
• Simple experiment with cress seeds growing towards light.
• Research agricultural use of auxins.
• Scaffold worksheet for results.
• Evaluate pros/cons of herbicide use.
10. Plant Hormones •&Use
Tropism
arrows/icons instead of long writing.
• Design an experiment testing auxins on growth.