Alison Foster has combined her education in Chemistry with her love of plants to engage in some exciting projects at the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens. This Catalyst article gives a profile of her career choices, and introduces a public engagement activity called Chemistry in the Garden.

Alison began...

This Catalyst article investigates materials used in jet engines. They must withstand high temperatures and great forces. Special alloys are used for structures such as turbine blades. The article is from Catalyst:...

Alternatives for Science Education was produced and published by the Association for Science Education (ASE) in 1979. Its sub-title, A Consultative Document, indicates its aim and status. In addition to being a document of considerable historical interest, it contains arguments of continued relevance.

The...

A Catalyst article about aluminium, a shiny silvery metal, which is extracted from its ore by electrolysis. Further addition of other metallic elements results in an alloy, which can be cast into various shapes using moulds. The article looks at the processes of extraction, casting, patterns, moulds and finishing...

The resource pack is produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC). It looks at the life-cycle and environmental impact of aluminium products.

Student activities and investigations help to illustrate curriculum science in real-life contexts. This includes:
* Constructing a cradle...

In separate documents, this resource provides guidance for teachers to plan for progression of students aged 11-16, based on the National Strategies Framework for Secondary Science Learning Objectives. Each learning objective is given further explanation under the heading ‘Pupils could learn to … ’ 

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This Catalyst article describes an experiment with fluoride toothpaste on eggshells (as a substitute for teeth). Both teeth and eggs contain calcium compounds which can be attacked by acid. When an egg is put in vinegar the shell is weakened by the acid making it soft and more fragile. When teeth are exposed to...

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, these materials introduce students to circuit symbols. They develop their knowledge and understanding of circuit symbols and components through a range of short, interactive learning activities. These are particularly useful to reinforce, or consolidate,...

This report, published by the Nuffield Foundation in July 2009, examines the major issues of policy and practice surrounding applied science qualifications, taking account of empirical evidence where it is available. The report is centred on the following questions:

• what is distinctive about applied...

This video provides an introduction to waves which looks at the differences between types of wave.  It would make a good revision video which discusses mechanical and electromagnetic waves with examples of each, with how particles and fields fit into the topic.  They presenter also demonstrates the difference...

Published in April 2013  This report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) presents the findings from an investigation into the views of senior staff with responsibility for determining CPD strategy, within schools and further education colleges.    

This item is one of over 25,000 physical resources available from the Resources Collection. The Archive Collection covers over 50 years of curriculum development in the STEM subjects. The Contemporary Collection includes the latest publications from UK educational publishers.

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...