Pupil Research Briefs – Biology Briefs

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This Pupil Research Brief (PRB), designed by a team at the Centre for Science Education, supports the teaching and learning of biology 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 sections entitled ‘Setting the scene’, ‘Syllabus targets’, ‘Route through the brief’ and ‘Outcome checklist’. Each topic is accompanied by a teachers' guide.

The briefs
• Bioengineers and incubators
Working in a team to put forward a research proposal to obtain money to develop incubators for very premature babies.

• Clear solutions
Investigating a method to remove to remove excess dyes from wastewater from factories which produce dyed fabrics.

• Lock and key
Investigating the properties of enzymes.

• Plants in Space
Working in a team to put in a proposal to win a contract to design a life-sustaining unit for a space flight to Mars. Writing a paper for a seminar about the dietary needs and energy requirements for astronauts during the mission.

• Project Rainbow
Carrying out research in school or college to find out what proportion of young people suffer from one or more common eye defects. Related to a real research project looking at the problems visually handicapped people face getting about in public buildings, and devising solutions to some of the problems.

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.