Genes and You
Published by the Wellcome Trust in 1997, this book provides challenging ways of incorporating scientific information into social situations. Teachers' notes complement the student activity sheets in a series of real-life scenarios. In addition to looking at the biology of genetic disorders, inheritance, genes, chromosomes…
Exercise, Energy and Movement
Produced by the Wellcome Trust, this issue of the Big Picture looks at the physiology and sociology of exercise and movement. For humans, movement is for more than just basic survival. They move for fun, to compete and to be healthy. This resource looks at the biological systems that keep humans moving and consider some of the…
Food and Diet
This issue of the Big Picture, from the Wellcome Trust, looks at the role that food plays not only in human physiology but also in the individual's lives. Food is about so much more than sustenance. Food choice touches on many aspects of human life: culture, identity, religion, relationships, mood, fashion and pleasure. This…
Secrets of Cells
This issue of the Big Picture, from the Wellcome Trust, looks inside the cells that make up every part of the human body. Focussing on animal cells, the articles are suitable for post-16 students or as an extension for 14-16 students. The topics covered include: • What are cells for? • What are the structures of cells? •…
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…
Genetic Testing
Produced for the Citizen Science project, this resource enagages students in the debate around genetic testing and screening. It is suitable for students aged 14-16 and post-16. The activity provides an opportunity to investigate genetic disorders before considering a number of statements and situations concerning the social and…
Exploring Issues: a Teachers' Guide
Produced by the Citizen Science project, this teacher guidance summarises ideas on how to run successful discussions and debates within the secondary classroom. Examples illustrate how a range of techniques, such as TV chat show formats, can be used successfully. These materials will help teachers to: • run a variety of…
Drugs on the Brain
Produced by the Citizen Science project, this resource engages students in debating the social, political and health issues surrounding the use of drugs. In this activity, debate commences by introducing characters, scenarios and issues connected with drugs. Students are given opportunities to hot seat as experts or characters…
In Vitro Fertilisation
Produced by the Citizen Science project, this pack of resources allows students to learn about and debate the issues around in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Containing teacher notes and student activity sheets, the materials will engage students to think about, express and critically evaluate IVF. Suitable for students aged 14-16,…
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…
Obesity
From the Wellcome Trust, this issue of the 'Big Picture' series reviews the causes, health consequences, and personal and social impact of obesity, and how it might be tackled. How is body weight controlled? Why is the incidence of obesity increasing? What is the impact on people and society? What can be done about it?…
Thinking
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. The human brain may be the most complex structure in the universe. The brain is so powerful that it is attempting to understand itself, through research. New techniques have opened up ways of exploring the brain. Functional…
Evolution
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. Why does Darwinian evolution raise controversy when, say, quantum mechanics scarcely registers on the public consciousness? This issue of 'Big Picture' looks at the theory of evolution, the evidence that supports…
Drug Development
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. While providing immense benefits, drugs are not the perfect solution. They only work on a proportion of patients, sometimes they harm us, and we're not very good at taking them as we should. For some diseases, particularly…
Epidemics
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. How do we stop new diseases emerging or re-emerging infections getting out of hand? How does this happen in a world of such global economic imbalance, where countries vary greatly in the resources they can put into fighting…
How We Look
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. This issue looks at the interplay between the biology that sculpts our form and the culture that interprets and adapts it. It asks what we mean by ‘normal’, what beauty is and how such concepts influence the way…
Music, Mind and Medicine
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. Most of us hear some form of music each day. It is a popular leisure activity and accompanies many of the most significant points of our lives. Even so, music remains one of life's great mysteries. How can it have such…
Health and Climate Change
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. The Earth's climate is changing ever faster, and human activities play a role in speeding up this change. Find out how climate change affects our health. In a related activity, using an on-line simulation game, students…
Genes, Genomes and Health
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. In recent years, great progress has been made in genome sequencing and understanding the huge amount of data produced. Our genes play a key part in making us who we are, but how can science help us understand our genetic identity?…
Influenza
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. Written at the time of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, it looks at the nature of influenza, drugs and vaccines that can fight it. Looking at the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the resource explores how it compares to previous strains…
Addiction
Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. Addiction is a term we all use, but what does it mean? Explore some of the ways people understand addiction. Find out about the science behind addictions. Two lesson plans are also included. The Deadliest Drugs lesson plan…