Lesson 3 · Recap & Apply

Respiration & ATP — Recap & Apply

Recapping last week, then applying it independently

🔁🩸🫀⚡🔋

Learning Objectives (recap of 2.34 & 2.35):

2.34 – Recall that the energy for life processes is released by respiration.
2.35 – Recall that ATP is the energy currency of cells, produced during respiration.

🏆 By the end I will be able to…

All: recall the word equation for aerobic respiration and say what ATP is.

Most: explain why respiration is not breathing and where it happens.

Some: apply respiration ideas to new situations and justify "energy currency".

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Teacher Print Tools – Recap Lesson

⭐ Fab 4

The Fab 4 – Recall From Last Week

Instructions: Answer in your books from memory. All four recall last week's lesson on respiration & ATP.

⭐ The Fab 4 — Quick-Fire Recall

Four to warm up the brain — try all of the Fab 4 before the teacher reveals answers. Last week, made sticky!

1. Which gas is needed for aerobic respiration?

Oxygen

2. What does ATP stand for?

Adenosine triphosphate

3. In which organelle does respiration happen?

Mitochondria

4. Name one process that uses ATP

Muscle contraction / active transport / cell division…

1. The Equation (Recall)

Complete: Glucose + Oxygen → ______ + ______ + ______

Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP.

2. ATP (Recall)

What does ATP stand for, and what does it provide?

Adenosine triphosphate. It provides energy for cells.

3. Location (Recall)

In which organelle does most respiration happen?

The mitochondria.

4. Lead-in: Using ATP

Name one thing in your body that uses ATP right now.

Muscle contraction / nerve impulses / keeping warm / active transport.

1. The Equation (Recall)

Write the word equation for aerobic respiration in full.

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP.

2. Not Breathing (Recall)

Give one difference between respiration and breathing.

Respiration is a chemical reaction in cells (makes ATP); breathing moves air in/out of the lungs.

3. Who & When (Recall)

Which organisms respire, and how often?

All living organisms (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria) — all the time, 24/7.

4. Lead-in: Using ATP

Name three cell processes that need ATP.

Any three: muscle contraction, active transport, cell division, protein synthesis, nerve impulses.

1. Symbol Equation (Recall)

Write the symbol equation for aerobic respiration (with ATP).

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.

2. Released, not Made

Why do we say energy is "released" in respiration, not "made"?

Energy cannot be created (conservation of energy). It is stored in glucose bonds and released as ATP.

3. Mitochondria (Recall)

Explain why muscle cells contain more mitochondria than skin cells.

Muscles need lots of ATP for contraction, so more mitochondria = more respiration = more ATP supplied.

4. Lead-in: "Currency"

Suggest why ATP is called the "energy currency" of the cell.

Like money, ATP is a universal store that can be "spent" on any cell process whenever energy is needed.

Starter

Starter: True or False – Last Week's Respiration

Instructions: On your printed sheet, mark each statement T (true) or F (false). If it's false, fix it in your head. No long writing!

1. Respiration releases energy from glucose.

✅ TRUE

2. Respiration and breathing are the same thing.

❌ FALSE — respiration is a chemical reaction in cells; breathing moves air.

3. ATP is the cell's energy currency.

✅ TRUE

4. Only animals respire — plants don't.

❌ FALSE — all living things respire, 24/7.

5. Aerobic respiration needs oxygen.

✅ TRUE

6. Respiration happens in the lungs.

❌ FALSE — it happens in the mitochondria of cells.

🧠 Big Question: Can you turn every FALSE statement into a correct one? 🔋 That's today's recap — then you'll apply it.

I Do · Recap

I Do (Recap): Aerobic Respiration (Spec 2.34)

Remember from last week: Respiration is the process by which all living organisms release energy from glucose to produce ATP.

0/2

The Word Equation

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP

The Symbol Equation

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP

Where does it happen?

Mostly in the mitochondria – the "powerhouses" of the cell.

Cells that need lots of energy (e.g. muscle cells) have more mitochondria.

Key Facts to Remember

✅ Happens in ALL living cells (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria).

✅ Happens all the time – 24 hours a day.

✅ Aerobic respiration needs oxygen.

✅ Glucose comes from the food we digest and absorb.

✅ Oxygen comes from the air we breathe into our lungs.

The Journey So Far

Food → Digested → Absorbed → Respired in cells → ATP (energy)

The Mitochondria

🧠 Memory Trick: "Mighty Mitochondria Make ATP" – Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. More mitochondria = more ATP = more energy!

Aspire: Why do muscle cells have MORE mitochondria than skin cells?

Don't write: "Oxygen makes energy." or "Respiration makes energy."

Write: "Glucose and oxygen react to release energy as ATP."

Energy is released, not made — you can't create energy (Conservation of Energy). Always say ATP.

Talk to your partner: In your own words, what are the two things going IN and the three things coming OUT of respiration? Next you'll spot the mistakes in Alex's answer.

We Do · Recap

We Do: Error Hunt – Catch Alex's Mistakes

Instructions: Alex has written about respiration but made 5 mistakes. Tap the words you think are wrong to catch them. Careful — some correct words are tappable too!

Mistakes caught: 0/5

📝 Alex's exam answer — tap the errors:

Respiration is a chemical reaction that happens in the lungs of the cell.

The word equation is Glucose + Carbon Dioxide → Oxygen + Water + ATP.

Respiration makes energy from glucose.

Only animals respire.

Check five things: where respiration happens, the two reactants, the products, whether energy is "made" or "released", and who respires.

I Do · Recap

I Do (Recap): ATP – The Energy Currency (Spec 2.35)

Remember from last week: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the molecule that provides energy for cells — the body's rechargeable battery.

0/2

What is ATP?

Adenosine Triphosphate – a small molecule that stores and carries energy.

It is produced by respiration in the mitochondria.

When a cell needs energy, it breaks down ATP to release it.

ATP is the cell's rechargeable battery — respiration tops it up, cell work drains it.

⚠️ Respiration ≠ Breathing

Respiration = chemical reaction inside cells (makes ATP).

Breathing (ventilation) = moving air in/out of lungs.

Breathing delivers the oxygen that respiration needs, but they are different processes!

What does ATP provide energy for?

💪

Muscle contraction

Movement

🔄

Active transport

Moving molecules against gradient

🧬

Cell division

Growth & repair

🔧

Protein synthesis

Building new proteins

⚡

Nerve impulses

Sending signals

🌡️

Body temperature

Maintaining warmth

Aspire: A sperm cell is packed with mitochondria around its tail. Suggest why.

💡 Real-World Link: When you shiver in the cold, that's ATP powering muscle contractions to generate heat. When your heart beats, that's ATP. When you think, that's ATP powering nerve impulses. Every second, your body uses and regenerates about 10 million ATP molecules!

Examiners love this phrase: "Respiration releases energy from glucose to make ATP, which cells use for processes like..."

Three examples of ATP use = more marks: muscle contraction, active transport, protein synthesis, cell division.

Talk to your partner: Name three things in your body using ATP right now. Next you'll be the examiner and mark a pupil's answer.

We Do · Recap

We Do: Be the Examiner – Mark It!

Instructions: You're the examiner today. Read Jordan's answer line by line. Tap ✓ if a line earns a mark, or ✗ if it doesn't — you'll get instant feedback. Then reveal the real mark scheme!

Marked like the examiner: 0/5

❓ Question: "Name three processes that need energy from ATP." [3 marks]

✍️ Jordan wrote 5 lines — which ones earn a mark?

A line only earns a mark if it is a real active process that uses ATP. Watch out — breathing (ventilation) and diffusion do not use ATP.

Independent Work

Independent Work – Respiration & ATP

Instructions: This is the main event today. Complete your printed worksheet at your level, then push on to the 🚀 Challenge section. Use your knowledge organiser if you get stuck.

Independent Work Timer

12:00

Foundation (Grades 1–2)

MCQ + short answers + a long answer, then a 🚀 Challenge at Grade 3 (1 short + 1 long).

Middle (Grades 2–3)

Short answers, equation work + a long answer and exam question, then a 🚀 Challenge at Grade 4 (1 short + 1 long).

Higher (Grades 3–4)

Extended responses and an exam question, then a 🚀 Challenge at Grade 5 (1 short + 1 long).

📋 Scaffolding

Your pack includes the respiration equation, the ATP uses list, a key-word glossary, and a respiration vs breathing reminder.

🏆 Success Criteria

Foundation (1–2): I can state the word equation, say what ATP is, name two uses of ATP — and attempt the Grade 3 challenge.

Middle (2–3): I can write the symbol equation, explain respiration vs breathing, describe three uses of ATP — and attempt the Grade 4 challenge.

Higher (3–4): I can link respiration across the cell, evaluate "energy currency" — and attempt the Grade 5 challenge.

Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP

Quick check: Four questions on today's recap. Tap your answer — instant feedback and a score at the end. Books closed, no notes!

Score: 0/4

🖨️ Print written exit ticket:

Knowledge Organiser (L3): Respiration & ATP

Concept	Details
Respiration	Chemical reaction in ALL living cells releasing energy from glucose to produce ATP.
Aerobic	Respiration using oxygen. Produces the most ATP.
Word equation	Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP
Symbol equation	C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
ATP	Adenosine triphosphate – molecule that provides energy for cells.
Mitochondria	Organelle where respiration occurs. "Powerhouse of the cell."
ATP uses	Muscle contraction, active transport, cell division, protein synthesis, nerve impulses, body temperature.
Respiration ≠ Breathing	Respiration = chemical reaction in cells. Breathing = ventilation (air in/out of lungs).
Who respires?	ALL living organisms: animals, plants, fungi, bacteria. 24 hours a day.

The Fab 4 – Recall From Last Week

Foundation (1–2)

1) Complete: Glucose + Oxygen → _____ + _____ + _____

2) What does ATP stand for and what does it provide?

3) In which organelle does most respiration happen?

4) Name one thing in your body that uses ATP.

Middle (2–3)

1) Write the word equation for aerobic respiration in full.

2) Give one difference between respiration and breathing.

3) Which organisms respire, and how often?

4) Name three cell processes that need ATP.

Higher (3–4)

1) Write the symbol equation for aerobic respiration (with ATP).

2) Why do we say energy is "released", not "made"?

3) Why do muscle cells contain more mitochondria than skin cells?

4) Suggest why ATP is called the "energy currency".

Starter: True or False – Last Week's Respiration

Instructions: Write T (true) or F (false) next to each statement. If it is false, write the correct version.

T / F	Statement
	1. Respiration releases energy from glucose.
	2. Respiration and breathing are the same thing.
	3. ATP is the cell's energy currency.
	4. Only animals respire — plants don't.
	5. Aerobic respiration needs oxygen.
	6. Respiration happens in the lungs.

Fix it: Rewrite one false statement correctly.

Scaffolding Sheet – Middle (Grades 2–3)

Equations

Word: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water

Symbol: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Key Words

Respiration	Chemical reaction releasing energy from glucose.
ATP	Adenosine triphosphate – energy molecule.
Mitochondria	Organelle where respiration occurs.
Aerobic	With oxygen.

Scaffolding Sheet – Higher (Grades 3–4)

Key Terms

ATP, mitochondria, aerobic, glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ventilation, cell division, active transport, protein synthesis

Independent Work – Foundation (Grades 1–2)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Part A: Multiple Choice (circle the correct answer)

1) What is respiration? A) Breathing in and out B) A chemical reaction in cells C) Digesting food D) Pumping blood

2) What does ATP stand for? A) Amino tri-protein B) Adenosine triphosphate C) Active transport process D) Acid tri-phosphate

3) Where does respiration mainly occur? A) Lungs B) Stomach C) Mitochondria D) Brain

4) Which gas is needed for aerobic respiration? A) Carbon dioxide B) Nitrogen C) Oxygen D) Hydrogen

5) Which organisms respire? A) Only animals B) Only plants C) All living things D) Only humans

Part B: Short Answer

6) Write the word equation for aerobic respiration.

7) Name two things ATP provides energy for.

8) Do plants respire? Explain.

9) How often does respiration happen in living cells?

Part C: Long Answer

10) Explain why respiration is NOT the same as breathing. Describe what each one is and where it happens.

Part D: Exam Question [3 marks]

11) Describe three processes in the body that require energy from ATP. [3]

🚀 Challenge – aim for Grade 3

Short answer: Why do we say energy is "released" in respiration, not "made"?

Long answer: A footballer's leg muscles get warm and tired during a match. Explain how respiration and ATP are involved. Use the words mitochondria, glucose and ATP.

Independent Work – Middle (Grades 2–3)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Part A: Multiple Choice

1) Respiration occurs in: A) Only animals B) Only plants C) All living organisms D) Only mammals

2) The organelle where respiration occurs: A) Nucleus B) Cell membrane C) Mitochondria D) Ribosome

3) ATP provides energy for: A) Digestion only B) Cell processes like muscle contraction C) Breathing only D) Photosynthesis

4) Which process does NOT use ATP? A) Active transport B) Diffusion C) Cell division D) Nerve impulses

Part B: Short Answer

5) Write the symbol equation for aerobic respiration.

6) Explain the difference between respiration and breathing.

7) Name four processes that require ATP.

8) Where does the glucose used in respiration come from?

Part C: Long Answer

9) Explain why muscle cells have more mitochondria than skin cells. Link this to ATP production and energy demand.

Part D: Exam Question [4 marks]

10) A student says "plants don't respire because they photosynthesise." Explain why this statement is incorrect. [4]

🚀 Challenge – aim for Grade 4

Short answer: Explain why ATP is described as the "energy currency" of the cell.

Long answer: A cold-water fish living in fast-flowing rivers has muscle cells packed with mitochondria. Explain how this helps the fish, linking mitochondria, respiration and ATP supply.

Independent Work – Higher (Grades 3–4)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Part A: Multiple Choice

1) ATP is described as the "energy currency" because: A) It costs money B) It is a universal energy carrier for all cell processes C) It only works in muscles D) It is made of gold

2) Which is NOT a use of ATP? A) Active transport B) Diffusion C) Protein synthesis D) Nerve impulses

3) Energy in respiration is best described as: A) created B) destroyed C) released from glucose D) made by oxygen

Part B: Short Answer

4) Explain why ATP is described as the "energy currency" of cells.

5) Explain why cells that carry out active transport need many mitochondria.

6) Why do we say energy is "released", not "made", during respiration?

Part C: Long Answer

7) Explain why all living organisms must respire continuously, even when they are not moving.

Part D: Exam Question [5 marks]

8) Trace the journey of a starch molecule from bread to the production of ATP in a muscle cell. Include digestion, absorption, and respiration. [5]

🚀 Challenge – aim for Grade 5

Short answer: Suggest why a cell with damaged mitochondria would struggle to carry out active transport.

Long answer: Two athletes run the same race. One has trained for months; the other has not. Suggest and explain how the number of mitochondria in their muscle cells could affect their ATP supply and performance. [Use your knowledge of respiration throughout.]

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Foundation 1–2)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Answer from memory — no notes.

1) Write the word equation for aerobic respiration.

2) In which organelle does respiration mostly happen?

3) What does ATP stand for?

4) Name two things ATP provides energy for.

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Middle 2–3)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Answer from memory — no notes.

1) Write the symbol equation for aerobic respiration.

2) Explain the difference between respiration and breathing.

3) Why do muscle cells have more mitochondria than skin cells?

4) Name three processes that use ATP.

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Higher 3–4)

Name: ______________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

Answer from memory — no notes.

1) Why is ATP called the "energy currency" of the cell?

2) Why do we say energy is "released", not "made", in respiration?

3) A student says "plants don't respire." Explain why this is wrong.

4) Explain why active transport needs cells with many mitochondria.

Respiration & ATP — Recap & Apply

🏆 By the end I will be able to…

Teacher Print Tools – Recap Lesson

The Fab 4 – Recall From Last Week

⭐ The Fab 4 — Quick-Fire Recall

1. The Equation (Recall)

2. ATP (Recall)

3. Location (Recall)

4. Lead-in: Using ATP

1. The Equation (Recall)

2. Not Breathing (Recall)

3. Who & When (Recall)

4. Lead-in: Using ATP

1. Symbol Equation (Recall)

2. Released, not Made

3. Mitochondria (Recall)

4. Lead-in: "Currency"

Starter: True or False – Last Week's Respiration

I Do (Recap): Aerobic Respiration (Spec 2.34)

The Word Equation

The Symbol Equation

Where does it happen?

Key Facts to Remember

The Journey So Far

The Mitochondria

We Do: Error Hunt – Catch Alex's Mistakes

I Do (Recap): ATP – The Energy Currency (Spec 2.35)

What is ATP?

⚠️ Respiration ≠ Breathing

What does ATP provide energy for?

We Do: Be the Examiner – Mark It!

Independent Work – Respiration & ATP

Foundation (Grades 1–2)

Middle (Grades 2–3)

Higher (Grades 3–4)

📋 Scaffolding

🏆 Success Criteria

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP

Knowledge Organiser (L3): Respiration & ATP

The Fab 4 – Recall From Last Week

Foundation (1–2)

Middle (2–3)

Higher (3–4)

Starter: True or False – Last Week's Respiration

Scaffolding Sheet – Middle (Grades 2–3)

Equations

Key Words

Scaffolding Sheet – Higher (Grades 3–4)

Key Terms

Independent Work – Foundation (Grades 1–2)

Independent Work – Middle (Grades 2–3)

Independent Work – Higher (Grades 3–4)

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Foundation 1–2)

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Middle 2–3)

Exit Ticket – Respiration & ATP (Higher 3–4)

We Do – Class Evidence

🎓 TA Focus

🎯 Cold Call

📺 Aerobic Respiration & ATP

🏆 Class Progress Board

🎉 Lesson Complete!