STEM Learning resource collection is a wonderful resource – for example take their collection for World Tuberculosis Day – 24th March 2025 https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/collection/509391/world-tuberculosis-day-24th-march
The collection includes the superb Society for Microbiology resource – Tuberculosis: Can the spread of this killer disease be halted? This 10-page PDF covers the bacterium, how it spreads, how the body defends itself, and treatment options. It’s ideal for A-level Biology students, and you could give it to them to read and make notes to complement classroom teaching. You could also use AI tools to support learning and engagement with this fantastic resource:
- Generate reading comprehension questions by uploading or summarising the PDF content in a trusted AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot). Make sure to check and adapt AI-generated questions for accuracy and appropriateness before sharing with students.
- Alternatively, use NotebookLM to create a two-person podcast-style dialogue discussing key aspects of the PDF. See an example here.
Note: NotebookLM is only available to users aged 18 and over, but teachers can create content to share with students. Always check AI-generated audio for accuracy and suitability before use in the classroom.
Another useful resource is the Catalyst article "Antibiotics on a plate" (available here). Why not ask AI to generate reading comprehension questions and answers for this article?
- Tip: When prompting AI, be specific:
“You are an expert UK Science educator. Create reading comprehension questions (multiple choice, short answer, and extended response) suitable for 14 -16 year-olds based on this article. Include answers.”
- Tip: AI responses often improve with iteration. Give feedback on initial outputs (e.g., "Make the questions more challenging", or "Focus on the role of antibiotics in TB treatment") and always review carefully before using them in lessons.
Importantly, TB is not only a global issue—it remains a challenge in the UK, particularly in cattle (bovine TB). There is still controversy over whether badgers are responsible for spreading TB to cattle. You may be familiar with the BBC2 programme featuring Brian May, The Badgers, the Farmers and Me, available on YouTube. This makes an excellent case study of the scientific process, exploring how evidence is gathered to address a real-world problem. You could:
- Use selected clips during lessons to prompt discussion.
- Set the full programme as a homework task, asking students to evaluate the evidence for the different viewpoints (badgers do or don’t spread TB to cattle)
- Ask AI to generate a fact sheet with evidence for both sides of the debate for students to read and give their opinion.
By combining real-world case studies, AI-generated questioning, and discussion, you can quickly build engaging, evidence-based lessons that connect Biology content to current scientific debates.