Science upd8
These resources have been produced by the Association for Science Education (ASE) and the Centre for Science Education at Sheffield Hallam University. Based on contemporary issues, they help to make science accessible, relevant and engaging to secondary school students.
The range of resources utilises a variety of teaching and learning strategies. They cover all areas of the science curriculum and provide materials such as activity sheets, simulations, video clips and teacher guidance.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment.
Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date.
Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work.
Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
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…
Boys, Girls and Chimps
This Science upd8 activity draws on research which shows that young female chimps learn survival skills faster and more effectively than males. Their sex-based learning differences are similar to those of humans! In this activity students look at research evidence and decide whether learning differences are the result of inherited…
Brain Power Booster
This Science upd8 activity investigates the claim that taking fish oil every day boosts students' school performance. The original study had no control. In this activity, students plan how to get more evidence on the effects of fish oils.
Bulb Danger
This Science upd8 activity draws on a recent Government warning about poisonous mercury from low energy light bulbs being a risk to users. But is this risk worth the benefits of using low energy light bulbs? In this activity students rank risks and benefits to help them decide.
3/5- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Group work
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,…
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…
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
CSI 5/11 - Murder in the Park
In this Science upd8 activity students perform a CSI investigation to find the murderer in the park on Guy Fawkes' Night. They encounter a variety of science on the way, from rocket science to electron energy levels. They learn how those colour-giving electrons that make fireworks so much fun, fit into the atoms that make…
Cyclone
This Science upd8 resource draws on cyclone Sidr which hit Bangladesh in November 2007. Millions were left homeless and 3,000 people were killed. The activity asks students to look at how cyclones happen and addresses the common misconception that air is 'nothing' and weightless.
Death of an Angel
In this Science upd8 activity students take on the role of forensic science technicians who are acting as expert witnesses for the murder of Angel. By analysing blood splatter patterns, they check whether the murder weapon used was a hammer. They also watch a demonstration of a blood viscosity test to check whether the time of death…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Presentation
Double Blind
This Science upd8 activity draws on clinical trials. Eight young volunteers had been in clinical trials before, but this time things went horribly wrong. Six of the eight were left fighting for their lives. In this discussion activity students consider whether new treatments should be ever tested on human volunteers.
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Group work
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
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,…
Emergency
Cell structure and function. This Science upd8 activity focuses on the medical careers students could pursue, by applying knowledge about cells, tissues and organs and their science skills. Students take on the role of a hospital Family Liaison Officer who has to research various aspects of cell biology and then explain the injuries…
Fake
In this Science upd8 activity students use chemical techniques and reactions to investigate a crime scene. Students learn about the particle model to solve a crime that has been committed in an art gallery. They compare ways to show fingerprints including using the sublimation of iodine.
Firstborns Get the Brains?
This Science upd8 resource draws on research showing that the child raised as the eldest in a family is likely to have a higher IQ than their siblings. The reasons for this advantage are not yet clear. In this activity students come up with creative explanations and plan how to collect evidence to test them.
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
Healthy Chocolate
This Science upd8 resource revolves around the concepts of evidence and validity. A chocolate manufacturer claims its new, high cocoa bar is good for your heart. But is it? This is the context for teaching students how to evaluate evidence and the 'how science works' concept of validity. The activity is designed to take…
Homeopathy
In this Science upd8 activity students analyse information and evidence about homeopathy to decide whether it is based on scientific theory. They then choose the best arguments for and against homeopathy to decide whether they would use it, and whether it should be freely available to all.
Instant Ice-Cream
In this Science upd8 resource students take on the role of a marketeer trying to sell a new instant ice-cream vending machine. They use PowerPoint’s simple animation features and a gallery of images to explain the science behind the process of mixing flavours and quick freezing.
Is it Terminal for Teflon?
This Science upd8 resource focuses on the chemical PFOA (perflurooctanoic acid), which is used in Teflon manufacture and is reportedly linked with an increase in the risk of developing allergies. In this activity students examine some of the evidence surrounding PFOA and consider a range of viewpoints.
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,…
Kidney Stones
This resource from Science upd8 revolves around the subject of kidney stones. Dehydration can cause excruciating pain from kidney stones. This activity stimulates discussion through a stunning image of a vicious-looking kidney stone. Students apply their knowledge of saturated solutions and crystallisation to find out how it formed.
King Tut's Face
In this Science upd8 activity students look at how Tutankhamun's body was preserved and how scientists used information from CT scans to form 3-D images and reconstruct his face.
Life on Mars?
In this activity from Science upd8 students study information about environmental conditions on Mars and then create an imaginary Martian life form. What will its features be? How does its features help it to survive?
Love on the Brain
This Science upd8 resource focuses on the human brain. Four areas of the brain are activated when you fall madly in love. At the same time, two areas linked with depression, are deactivated. Students discover how using MRI scans shows the brain's 'love locations', look at nerves and the brain as an organ and remind…
Making Rain
Can we solve the problem of summer water shortages by making rain? In this Science upd8 activity students learn about the significance of droplet size in natural rain formation. They then look at Chinese experiences of 'cloud seeding' before annotating a graphic to show how it works.
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.
New Faces
This activity from the Science upd8 explores the science and ethics of face transplants. How are the operations performed, and why must recipients take drugs to suppress their immune system for the rest of their lives? Who deserves face transplants? Just those who have suffered in accidents or those who simply feel like a new image?
New Womb?
US doctors are planning the world's first ever womb transplant. In this Science upd8 activity, students become an NHS ethics and funding committee. They consider ethical arguments and decide whether or not the NHS should fund non-vital transplants, like those of wombs, hands and faces.
Piggiflu is Coming
A simulation from Science upd8 that looks at how a viral disease spreads in a model population (the school). It is interactive, relevant and involves large numbers of students. There is the potential for family involvement. The simulation continues for around 5 days, after which students can use ICT to analyse the data to see how…
Pirates Treasure Mystery
This Science upd8 activity is inspired by the film Pirates of the Caribbean. What are the contents of the treasure chest? What metal is the key made of? What happened to the treasure after decades under the sea?
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.
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.
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.
Sulphur
This Science upd8 activity focuses on sulphur, which is usually the element fingered for the blame when it comes to pollution. Students research sulphur to get the low down on this "Jekyll and Hyde" chemical; then act out a trial of the suspect element.
Three Parents
This Science upd8 resource is set in the context of controversial medical study. Researchers have created a human embryo with three separate parents. The scientists believe the development is a potential breakthrough in the prevention of serious diseases. Students take on the role of a trainee nurse who has to explain the new treatment…
Time Raiders - Death of the Mummy
In this Science upd8 activity, students evaluate evidence from a recently discovered mummy to work out how it lived and how it died. Through so doing, they learn about the function of its preserved tissues and organs.
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
What's Moving on Titan?
This Science upd8 activity draws on Titan which is the biggest of Saturn's moons. There are two student activities; one involves labelling a diagram to tell students on Earth about the nature of Titan. The other asks students to take the role of Titanian space explorers and use data to compare the solids, liquids and gases on…
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