Scientific methodology
The T level section on scientific methodology is a departure from the investigations students may have completed previously at GCSE level, involving simple tasks on a small scale. The emphasis here is firmly on an industrial or workplace focus on the methodology and includes problem solving and analysis plus client/customer considerations to the process. Some of these areas can be taught whilst looking at data students have generated and others will need to be approached in a theoretical manner and picked up on after the student has been on placement and can see the ideas in practice.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Risk Management Coordinator: Ross Wattie
This career profile looks at a risk management coordinator in an engineering firm and briefly outlines what the role entails. It would be a good introduction to the topic of risk management or perhaps as part of a library of careers information students might access.
Sampling, Data and Bias
A maths based resource that could be used to start students looking at data and ideas to do with sampling and bias. As the resource itself is based around MORI poll data, it could then be expanded for students to look at scientific data and where similar issues may arise in this or where there are differences. It could also be used as a homework tasks, as the instructions are quite straightforward to follow, and then picked up on in class.
Collecting Data
Questions from this maths resource could be helpful in teachers planning of how to approach the topic in class and there is also a useful one page summary of the types of sampling that can be undertaken when collecting representative data from large cohorts. Examples are also given of simple experiments that can be used in lessons to answer questions that students may develop e.g. if there is a correlation between hand-span and arm length.
ISO standards
A link to the page outlining ISO/IEC 17025 standard for Testing and calibration laboratories, that gives reasons for having this standard and who it is useful for.
Can We Believe the Claims?
Produced by Nelson Thornes, this resource helps students look at commercial research evidence. In particular, students are presented with data from a scientist who is working for a company making a food spread. The company claims that the spread reduces blood cholesterol and students are asked to consider different aspects of the evidence to assess what is being said about it. This would be a useful follow up to the ideas about reliability and reproducibility in a real life context and could be used as a homework if required.
Biomaths
A set of four lessons produced by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council that look at statistical considerations in the biological sciences. The most useful for this topic is probably the lesson on 'Experimental design' which chooses a simple activity looking at slugs to discuss, with student worksheets and a teachers guide.
Instrumentation Engineer: Boye Odukunle
This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of instrumentation engineer and STEM Ambassador, Boye Odukunle. It outlines the role he has in planning the instrumentation used in projects and how clients are at the centre of the process. This resource could be used as part of a careers library or as a springboard for discussion around client expectations and communication.
Senior quality assurance manager -Yao
A Gatsby profile of a Senior quality assurance manager in the area of food science that could be used as part of a careers library or discussions on the role of quality assurance in industry. Students may also be interested in the career progression and non-traditional route taken to this job.
What Makes Good Research?
An interesting explanation of good social sciences research from the Economic & Social Research Council, that sums up some considerations of what to look for in analyzing papers and how some research can be more prone to bias. This would be an interesting article to read, highlight key ideas and then discuss in a lesson with examples.
