Evaluation of the European Space Education Resource Office
NFER has been commissioned by the National STEM Centre to evaluate the effectiveness and early impacts of the European Space Education Resource Office for the UK (ESERO-UK). ESERO-UK aims to promote the use of space as a context for enriching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning in schools…
STEM Learning Through Space
Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of enrichment and innovation in STEM. It describes how Leeds City College's STAR Centre enables learners of all ages to engage with STEM subjects through the context of space. The centre provides a unique learning environment…
Engaging Girls in Physics
Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the theme of equality and diversity. It describes how Sussex Downs College looked at: • The cultural and social reasons which influence why girls choose not to study physics. • Whether the teaching and learning activities in the physics…
Active Learning Using Popular Technologies
Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the theme of harnessing technology. It describes how Sussex Downs College set out to show students how to use more innovative features of technology to support collaborative and active learning. To begin with, this involved teaching staff how to…
Staff Visit to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN
Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the theme of STEM skills for the future and knowledge transfer. In this case study, three members of Newcastle College staff travelled to CERN to view the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator. The aim of the visit was to improve knowledge…
Learner Progression from GCSE Science to AS Physics
Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service, these materials help to demonstrate effective practice. This case study, by West Nottinghamshire College, looks at the theme of progression through STEM. This project was designed to develop strategies which would help students to bridge the gap between GCSE science and AS…
Tiny Particle, Giant Detector - Neutrinos
A Catalyst article about neutrinos. Neutrinos are fundamental particles. They are tiny, a neutrino has a mass about one-millionth of the mass of an electron, and they have no electric charge. This article looks at the detection of these elusive particles which requires the use a giant detector. The one described is from the Katrin…
Splitting Light: Spectroscopy
A Catalyst article looking at which type of radiation is absorbed and emitted through spectroscopy. This is the study of the wavelengths of light which allows us to identify the substances present in the source. This investigation provides a lot of useful information about a compound. It is used in a very wide variety of applications,…
Solar Cells
This Catalyst article investigates the development of better, more energy-efficient solar cells. Every minute enough sunlight strikes the Earth to power our civilisation for a year, yet less than 1% of global energy generation is provided by solar energy. Solar cells convert sunshine directly to electricity, but to make them more…
On Screen: Physics and Computer Games
This Catalyst article looks at how computer games make increasingly sophisticated use of the laws of physics to produce convincing on-screen effects. From calculating the angle that a ball bounces off a wall to modelling the frictional forces on a rally car, physics has always played a part in the development of computer games. In…