Pupil Research Briefs – Physics Briefs
This Pupil Research Brief (PRB), designed by a team at the Centre for Science Education, supports the teaching and learning of physics at GCSE and Scottish Standard Grade levels. Each brief was targeted at a topic within the curriculum at the time. The study guide provides a structure to guide the students through the brief and includes…
5/5- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
Pupil Research Briefs – Astro-science Briefs
This Pupil Research Brief (PRB), designed by a team at the Centre for Science Education, supports the teaching and learning of astro-science at GCSE and Scottish Standard Grade levels. Each brief was targeted at a topic within the curriculum at the time. The study guide provides a structure to guide the students through the brief…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
Olympic Quests
This resource consists of a set of tasks from the Science Assessment Tasks for More Able Students collection, produced by the Centre for Science Education. The tasks have an Olympic-inspired theme and are split into three 'quests'. Each quest is flexible in use and freestanding in that it can be used either in class…
Exit Planet Earth
Produced by the Centre for Science Education, this Science Assessment Task for More Able Students, comprises of two investigations with a space-related theme. Students investigate what needs to be considered if humans are to colonise our solar system. They look at: • forces and the force of gravity • the environmental…
Why Choose Physics and Chemistry?
This report, by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), examines the factors underlying the subject choices of ethnic-minority students. It reports research into the factors affecting the decisions of under-represented ethnic groups to study physics and/or chemistry at A-level and/or at university.
Global Warming Swindle
Through this Science upd8 activity students examine the evidence behind opposing views on the cause of climate change. One side says this is a natural phenomenon whilst the other links rises in the Earth's temperature with human emissions of greenhouse gases.
- 3/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Presentation
Mobiles for Kids?
This Science upd8 resource examines what proof there is that mobile telephones are harmful. Policy makers usually follow the precautionary principle. They issue warnings at the first hint of danger. Should we take their advice? In this discussion activity, students judge the risks and the strength of the evidence.
Cheat
The Science upd8 activity introduces the concept of validity in the design of scientific experiments. Based on the card game 'Cheat', the scenario is a scientific conference where scientists are learning about, and criticising, each others' work. Students have a series of cards which contain different claims and they…
Charge!
This resource from Science upd8 looks into examples of electronic equipment such as: mobiles, cameras and music players which all require their own chargers. Instead of each device needing its own charger, we may soon be able to recharge them just by putting them on a plastic-coated pad the size of a mouse mat. In this activity,…
Einstein Flip
This activity from Science upd8 focuses on physicist Helen Czerski who, in order to celebrate Einstein year in 2005, worked out a new bike stunt. It involved a BMX rider performing a full-loop against gravity using curved surfaces to go upside-down. This activity communicates the excitement of physics and how forces, acceleration,…
Crater Impact
The Science upd8 resource anticipates the Deep Impact spacecraft which fired a probe into comet Tempel One in 2005. Analysing the event could shed light on the origin of the planets and the solar system.
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Interactive resource
Is Life a Dream?
This activity from Science upd8 is linked to the subject of the universe which seems just too perfect! Everything about it seems tailor-made to make sure humans would evolve. Could an advanced civilization have "fixed it" for us? Some top scientists think it's a serious possibility. In this discussion activity,…
Stardust
This Science upd8 resource revolves around the topic of the universe. A mission brings space dust back from the tail of a comet. The dust may reveal secrets about the origins of the universe and life on Earth. Students must defend the mission's $200 million price tag and produce a graphic to support their talks.
Earth 2
This Science upd8 resource is set in the context of astronomy. Astronomers have found the most Earth-like planet outside our Solar System. Through analysing data students justify whether or not they believe the 'new' planet to be Earth-like.
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
Pluto: a Planet No More
In this Science upd8 resource students study data on planets, dwarf planets and moons before devising their own criteria for classifying a solar system body. They examine the reasons for the relegation of Pluto.
Santa 2025
Santa may decide to move to another planet! In this fun activity from Science upd8 students analyse planetary data to find which planet best satisfies Santa's future requirements.
Sputnik at 50
This Science upd8 activity draws on the 1957 launch of the satellite Sputnik 1 which heralded a new stage in human exploration and prompted the development of rockets in the Space Race. In this role play, students consider the benefits and costs of space exploration.
Addicted to Energy
In this activity from Science upd8 students think about carbon footprints and which goods and services cause the biggest carbon dioxide emissions. What choices can be made to minimise emissions? This topical activity helps the student to make informed choices regarding the carbon dioxide emissions of a range of goods and services…
Planet Hunter
The Science upd8 activity set in the context of the universe. Earlier missions failed to find life on other planets. Is it still worth looking? Can we justify the expense of the search for extra terrestrial intelligence? Students will be deciding just how likely intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy is.