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.
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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