A Catalyst article looking at climate change. In particular the science of phenology, the study of the times each year that certain life-cycle events occur, is examined. It involves recording data on when birds migrate, eggs hatch or when leaves change colour. If the climate is changing, the timing of these events...

A Catalyst article about what causes faults in electrical appliances and the wiring installations in homes, and why people receive electric shocks. How regulations can reduce the risk of electrical faults and electric shocks is also examined together with the use of fuses, fuse wire and modern RCDs (residual...

A Catalyst article about the UK's extremely reliable electricity supply system generated in power stations which burn gas or coal, or use nuclear fuel. The article looks at how this is achieved using high voltages and how the demands for power at different times of the day and year are met.

This article is...

This publication, from Warwick University, reports on the STEM Careers Awareness Timeline Pilot. The Timeline project seeks to establish how schools can embed a more systematic programme of careers awareness into the existing subject curriculum. The report gives emerging findings from working with stakeholders and...

This report represents the culmination of a year’s worth of work through a literature review, workshops and surveys looking at employer engagement in schools. It aims to draw out current best practice and make recommendations on next steps to share that more widely. It forms part of a strategic direction taken by...

There is widespread agreement about the importance of mathematics for individuals and for wider society. The Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) believes that all students should receive high quality mathematics teaching from teachers who are themselves professional learners. A world-class education...

This Catalyst article looks at harlequin ladybirds, just one of the invasive species that has spread through Western Europe. Over the last century there has been a dramatic increase in the movement of so called alien species around the world as a consequence of international trade and travel. Invasive alien species...

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...

A Catalyst article devoted to food chains. This article looks at photosynthesis and the loss of energy from plants to animals throughout the food chain. How this limits the number of animals that can survive on the energy fixed by a patch of vegetation is explained. Foraging characteristics and how many animals can...

A Catalyst article about how the society can decide whether energy-efficient lighting is good for the environment. With the UK Government announcement that sales of filament lamps will be phased out over the next few years the article examines their replacements, CFLs, compact fluorescent lamps. Not everyone agrees...

A Catalyst article about careers in the different branches of modern engineering. The article offers an alternative view of engineering focusing on problem solving and making the world a better place to live. Engineers can travel the world working in teams such is the demand for their expertise and much use is made...

This summary was produced by the Department for Education in 2012 to support schools with their behaviour policy. This document summarises the legal powers and duties that govern behaviour and attendance in school at the time of writing, and explains how they apply to teachers, governing bodies, pupils and parents...

The purpose of the study, produced by the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) was to inform the establishment of the planned National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), but it is also hoped that this report of the study will be viewed as a useful contribution to the on-...

A Catalyst article explaining how enzymes allow chemical reactions in all living organisms to proceed quickly, under conditions where they would normally be very slow. By isolating enzymes that could be used to catalyze reactions, scientists have started a major biotechnology industry. The article describes how...

This resource contains an evaluation report on the two-year mentoring pilot programme for science and mathematics teacher trainees and early career teachers funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) which started in July 2009. 'Starting Out' was delivered by the Learning and Skills Network (...