The main objective of the study was to implement an action research strategy to improve the teaching and learning of biology in senior secondary schools in Nigeria. Specifically the following research questions were raised: (1) What are the levels of intellectual challenge included in the activities used for classroom and laboratory instructions? (2) What are the levels of intellectual challenge included in the redesigned course materials for classroom and laboratory instructions? (3) Will there be an increase in learning when a revised course material is used for classroom/laboratory instruction? (4) Is there any relationship between activities enjoyed by students and those that enhance their learning? (5) Is there any relationship between effective learning and perceived students enjoyment of an activity? Purposive sampling was used to select four senior secondary schools from urban and rural location of Lagos State. In each of the participating school two intact classes were used