In this task we ‘crowd-sourced’ definitions and descriptions for a lot of the (lot of) vocabulary we have learned this year. This is to reinforce that Biology is as much a language course as a science course, and that everything is connected.

1. Create a google spreadsheet with tabs numbered by subtopics covered
2. Assign groups of topics to groups of students, with the simple task:
   1. First column, keyword, correctly spelled
   2. Second column: definition (exactly from subject guide if it exists) or clear description
3. After groups finish, peer-edit
   1. Does it make sense? Are there any errors?
   2. It the definition clear in the ‘wider sense’ of the course?
   3. Adapt definitions with clarifications, or starters such as ‘process’, ‘structure’, ‘hormone’ etc

In our spreadsheet, we identified 312 terms (and growing) from this year. 

Click to start a Quizlet set

In between sessions:

1. Check and edit as much as needed/possible
2. Import vocab into quizlet to create the set
   1. Very easy: select columns and paste into the right-hand field
   2. Make sure ‘tab’ is set, top-left
   3. Hit ‘import’ if it looks right
3. Create quizzes/activities
4. Share quizlet codes and  spreadsheet URL with students
5. Get reviewing!

During classes: 

• Students can review using the Quizlet activities
• Students might use the vocab list to make sure they are meeting markscheme requirements for target language – are they giving complete and correct answers?
• Students can use the vocab as a foundation for concept-maps, model responses etc.

Example (sadly Quizlet doesn’t embed to WordPress.com)

• MrT’s class, Year 1 vocab (student definitions)

……….o0O0o………

If you have any creative – and effective – review methods, let us know in the comments or on Twitter!