Nanotechnology
A Catalyst article about nanotechnology, the science of building tiny devices. Opinions differ on the use of nanotechnology, one school of thought is that it will be the answer to many of the biggest challenges in medicine, electronics and defence, another is that it will lead to opening up a dangerous world of technologies which…
5/5- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Article
10. Electronics of Control Systems
This Association for Science Education (ASE) publication about the Electronics of Controls Systems was developed in association with Marconi. At the time, the company was in the front rank of the world's defence electronics industry. Its wide range of activities also included space systems and computer-based and sonar underwater…
The Emotional Computer
Can computers understand emotions? Can computers express emotions? Can they feel emotions? This video, from the University of Cambridge, examines the research of Professor Peter Robinson exploring how emotions can be used to improve interaction between humans and computers. The research team is collaborating closely with Professor…
Hot Problems
A Catalyst article about high-level nuclear waste. It is hot, corrosive and a source of intense radiation. The nuclear industry is seeking safe ways to deal with such waste, and wants the public to help shape the decisions that are made. This article presents some information about the options for the storage of radioactive waste,…
Energy Control
A Catalyst article about the efficient use of heating systems. Many people complain of being too hot or cold. Coming soon are a new generation of intelligent heating controls which can learn how people live, and then deliver heating efficiently when and where they need it. These devices are known as Wattboxes and the article describes…
Smart Energy
Through energy use, each UK home creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Much of this is the result of electricity generation. In this activity, from the Centre for Science Education and the Comino Foundation, students look into the advantages and disadvantages of the Smart Meter – an innovative device that tells…
Electronics Post-16
Produced by the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), this book introduces the world of electronics by looking at some important electronic components and how they can be put together to perform useful tasks. Projects in designing and making electronic circuits are included. Products that are set as design and make challenges…
Control in Action: Designing a Fermenter
This is one of a series of focused units, from the Association for Science Education and the Design and Technology Association, to introduce students to important technologies and their applications. This unit features control systems and their applications to fermentation. The introduction to the unit: • introduces the…