Biorenewables Podcasts
From the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), these two podcasts explore a range of applications and issues in the biorenewables sector. They are primarily aimed at a commercial audience but may be of use to teachers who want to gain a better understanding of plant-derived materials or, when used in part, as stimulus material…
5/5- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Audio
Anaerobic Digestion
From the National Non-Food Crops centre (NNFC), this factsheet reviews the potential of anaerobic digestion technology and its suitability to UK farming and waste systems. The factsheet describes the application of anaerobic digestion (AD), which is the conversion of organic non-woody material in the absence of oxygen into stable…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Information sheet
A Level Performance Descriptors Science Subjects 2007
Produced in 2007, these performance descriptors for science subjects at AS and A2 levels were written to indicate the level of attainment characteristic of grades A/B and E/U boundary candidates across a series of assessment objectives. It was intended that they should be interpreted in relation to the content outlined in the specification;…
A Level Performance Descriptors Science Subjects 2003
Produced in 2003, these performance descriptors for chemistry science subjects at AS and A2 levels were written to indicate the level of attainment characteristic of grades A/B and E/U boundary candidates across a series of assessment objectives. It was intended that they should be interpreted in relation to the content outlined…
A-Level Criteria Science Subjects 2006
This set of subject criteria were produced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2006 for Awarding Bodies to produce AS and A level science subject specifications, in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, geology, electronics and environmental science. AS and A level subject criteria are intended to set out the…
Fortune Tellers
In this Planet Science resource, instructions are given for making a fortune teller so students can make one with their own questions and answers. Attractive templates are provided where the science topic links to a possible career. They can be used to stimulate interest among 9 to 13 year olds and suggest possible careers. The cooking…
Designing Infrastructure to Combat Disease
A case study from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) archives looking at how viruses and bacteria also take advantage of manmade infrastructure to travel and spread. People are not the only things to hop on and off buses and trains. The University College London Healthy Infrastructure Research Centre…
On-The-Spot Diagnosis for Cancer Patients
A case study produced by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Researchers from the EPSRC-funded Nanoscale Physics Research Laboratory (NPRL) at the University of Birmingham, have developed a nanoscale device which can diagnose prostate cancer with more accuracy than current tests. Prostate cancer is…
Princeton USA: Can You Really Be a Burger Addict?
This Planet Science resource highlights the problems of fast foods and obesity to students. The stimulus is an American court case where a 56 year old man with diabetes and two heart attacks sued several fast food chains claiming they were responsible for his illnesses. Some scientists believe eating fast food can become an addiction.…
Texas USA: Can Malaria be Defeated by Building Tall Towers?
This resource from Planet Science aims to give students an insight into the problems caused by the disease malaria and to come up with creative solutions to combat the disease. Malaria is a major worldwide life threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly in hot countries - it kills an African child every…
Pandora: How Do We Learn Without Taking Risks?
This resource, from Planet Science, provides teachers with case studies and information which can be use to plan lessons involving debates on two questions. The underlying message to students is for them to consider whether all scientific inventions are for the good of society. The two case studies considered are: 1. Alfred…
The Science of Social Interaction
The Science of Social Interaction document is a one-page summary of some recent Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) research into the area of human interaction. As our society becomes ever more interconnected, with each person experiencing hundreds of social encounters every day, the way we communicate is very important.…
Plants and Mineral Nutrients
A Catalyst article looking at the chemicals that are in plants and trees and the role they play in the life of the plant. Starting with photosynthesis the article moves onto naturally occurring chemicals and explains why plants need fertilisers. Growing salad crops hydroponically is also examined. This article is from Catalyst:…
Plants in Our Lives
In this topic, from the Association for Science Education, students learn about the many products obtained from local plants. The topic is designed to allow classes in schools across the world to exchange information about the ways in which their lives depend on plants. The topic provides opportunities for students to identify…
Pesticides and Food
In this SATIS Revisited resource, students examine data, perform a risk assessment, and see how risks are sometimes reported in the media. This unit focuses on the consumer and considers whether or not we should be concerned about any pesticide residues that may be found on fruit and vegetables. In the first activity, Pesticides:…
Biotechnology: Fizzy Pop
This resource, from the Association for Science Education (ASE), contains a number of recipes for making fermented soft drinks and some suggestions about how students could explore the science involved in making them. The predecessors of modern carbonated drinks were often made at home or on a small scale. Commercial production…