Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction
I can describe the role of gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction.
Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction
I can describe the role of gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sperm and egg cells are the sex cells of humans and are called gametes.
- Humans reproduce through sexual reproduction where half the genetic material of the offspring comes from each parent.
- Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes when gametes join to form a zygote.
- Each gamete carries half the genetic material of the parent; a zygote has a full set of genetic material.
- The zygote divides to form a ball of cells called an embryo, which grows to form a foetus and then a baby.
Keywords
Gametes - The sex cells in humans, which are egg and sperm cells.
Sperm cell - The male gamete.
Egg cell - The female gamete.
Fertilisation - Occurs when a sperm and egg cell fuse together to form a zygote.
Embryo - Formed when a zygote divides to form a ball of cells.
Common misconception
Fertilisation occurs in the uterus and can happen at any time.
Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes and this can only happen before the egg cell reaches the uterus.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Reproduction in humans unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

testes
ovaries

Exit quiz
6 Questions




