Review of Informal Science Learning
This review, published in 2012 by the Wellcome Trust, characterises the value of informal science learning to science education in the UK. Focusing on children and young people aged up to 19, the study sought to provide: ■ a better understanding of the scope of informal science learning, its theoretical base and the types of…
Leading Debate: 21 Years of the National Curriculum for Science
In July 2010, 21 years after the National Curriculum was first introduced, the Wellcome Trust convened a seminar to reflect on the impact of the National Curriculum for science. Presented in this report are views that emerged from the seminar where delegates considered the National Curriculum’s initial development and subsequent…
Evaluation of the Wellcome Trust Camden STEM Initiative
This report, published in March 2012 by the National Foundation for Educational Research, presents the findings of an evaluation of the Wellcome Trust’s Camden Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative which provided funding to eight Camden schools to develop interdisciplinary projects. Projects…
Darwin Education Initiative
Published by the Wellcome Trust in January 2011, this report provides the findings from the final stage of the evaluation of the Darwin Education Initiative. It includes the findings from follow-up interviews with case study schools which explored the continued use of the Great Plant Hunt and Survival Rivals materials. Of specific…
Creative Encounters: Feasibility Study for a Touring Exhibition to Promote Creative Learning in Science
Published by the Wellcome Trust in 2007, this report is the product of a feasibility study for a touring exhibition to promote creative learning in science. The study involved: • Evaluating the Trust's objectives for such an exhibition and making recommendations on the feasibility of meeting these objectives (and advising…
Believers, Seekers and Sceptics: What Teachers Think about CPD
In 2005 the Wellcome Trust commissioned this survey of teachers and managers in state maintained schools in England, focusing on three main aspects of continuing professional development (CPD): • What do different types of teacher want from CPD? • What are the benefits of CPD, and for whom? • What, if anything,…
Acquisition of Science Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy in Initial Teacher Training
Published by the Wellcome Trust in October 201, this report looks at how one-year postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses in England and Wales support trainees’ acquisition of subject knowledge and topic specific pedagogy across the sciences. The study, which was the first of its kind to look into the acquisition…
Subject Choice In STEM: Factors Influencing Young People (Aged 14-19) in Education
The Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordinating Centre (EPPICentre) was commissioned by the Wellcome Trust to undertake this systematic review of research about subject choice. The main aim of the review was to examine the factors that influence the STEM subject choices of young people (14-19 years) in education…
Teaching of Social and Ethical Issues Arising From Developments in Biomedical Research
This research, commissioned by the Wellcome trust, was undertaken by an interdisciplinary team led by Ralph Levinson and Dr Sheila Turner at the Institute of Education, University of London between May 1st and December 1st 1999. The project reports on five main areas: • The perceived importance amongst teachers (especially…
Big Picture Teaching Resources: Evaluation Report
This report, commissioned by the Wellcome Trust, evaluates Big Picture, its free publication on bioscience, and explores ways in which it could be developed. It was hoped that this summary of the main findings would be of use to other organisations developing materials for teachers and students, particularly those interested in offering…
Wellcome Trust: Tree of Life
Produced by the Wellcome Trust, these resources include an interactive evolutionary tree and a video of the Tree of Life. These materials will help students to find out more about the work of Charles Darwin and evolution. The resources contain: Tree of life video The video is a short section of the 'Charles Darwin and the…
5/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Biomedical Horizons
Biomedical Horizons is a multi-pronged project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, designed to raise awareness and spark discussion about the biomedical sciences – from pursuing a career to their role within society. The aim of this resource is to: • raise awareness of biomedical sciences and the variety of careers in…
Nano Pairs
Produced by Citizen Science, this resource contains a set of cards that can be printed and used in a 'matching pairs' game. When completed, the pairs pose questions which students consider, around the use of nanotechnology. Suitable for students aged 11-14 the activity introduces students to some of the potential effects…
Genome Games
Produced as part of the Citizen Science project, these materials allow students to explore issues around human genetics using familiar game contexts. Suitable for students aged 11-16, the materials utilise activites similar to Pictionary, Taboo and Consequences to introduce a variety of issues. The materials encourage students…
Aftershot Total
This resource from the Citizen Science project is designed to support Key Stage Three students in debating the social, political and health issues surrounding alcohol consumption.The social and biological effects of alcohol form an important topic for young people to discuss. The marketing of alcohol, underage drinking, health implications…
Reports on Educational Issues
A selection of downloadable reports, commissioned by the Wellcome Trust, on issues in science education including science and society, continuing professional development, national curriculum primary science and Key Stage Two assessment. The five reports featured are: • National Primary Science Survey (England) In-service…
Intestinal Worms
From the Wellcome Trust, this animation shows how environment and living conditions can lead to infection by a range of energy sapping intestinal worms. The three main worms infecting humans are hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. The animation shows how these parasites can be transmitted in areas where soil is contaminated with…
Lymphatic Filariasis
Produced by the Wellcome Trust, this animation shows the complete life cycle of tiny parasitic worms as they move between human and mosquito hosts. Lymphatic filariasis is a disabling disease found in low-income areas of many tropical and subtropical countries. Parasitic worms multiply in the lymphatic system and release larvae…
Schistosomiasis Life Cycle
This animation, from the Wellcome Trust, illustrates how several species of the Schistosoma parasitic worms exploit humans and fresh water snails. The parasites use rivers and streams to transfer between the two animals, using each for a specific phase of its life cycle. The parasitic worms are able to penetrate skin and infect…
Syphilis
From the Wellcome Trust, this animation shows how syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial disease (STD), can infect a person's lymph nodes. If this initial infection is not treated, the bacteria can spread to cause damage to the heart, aorta, brain, eyes and bones. In some cases, untreated syphilis can result in blindness,…
Tuberculosis - Infection and Transmission
From the Wellcome Trust, this animation shows how the human immune system attempts to contain a tuberculosis infection and how the bacteria are transmitted to new people. Tuberculosis usually affects the respiratory system but it can develop in any part of the body. The human immune system commonly contains the infection but a…