Where Would You Photograph? (14-16)

In this activity students take on the role of Earth observation scientists submitting a request for an image they would like for their research. This gives them the opportunity to consider the possibilities of pictures taken from orbit (and the limitations) and to write scientifically for a specific audience. It...

Seeing Temperatures

This activity allows students to investigate how images are produced from data streams by using first a spreadsheet and then an image-processing program. They then go on to see how the usefulness of such a monochromatic image may be enhanced by using lookup tables and calibration. The materials used focus on the...

EO Detective Competition

The EO Detective competition is for children in primary and secondary schools in the UK. The winning three entries will have the opportunity to have a photograph of the Earth, taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station. Details of how to enter are given in the competition details sheet and example...

Building Images

In this activity, students create colour images from satellite data. This allows them to study how different surfaces reflect different wavelengths of light, how coloured images are created using an RGB model, and how band combinations can be chosen to examine a particular landscape effectively.

Meet the EO Detectives

Earth Observation (EO) scientists collect information about the Earth – the land, the sea and the atmosphere – using sensors carried on satellites, aircraft, ships, buoys floating on the ocean and thousands of weather stations around the world. There is now a great deal of data available and scientists are finding...

Squashed tomato STEM challenge

This Practical Action resource presents a fun hands-on and brains-on challenge for Key Stages Two to Five.

The problem: In Nepal many farmers living on the mountainside grow fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes. To earn a living they need to sell these at the local...

Topical Science Updates

Topical Science Updates are monthly newsletters for schools focusing on some of the big, quirky and interesting science stories in the news. 

Each month 3 or 4 stories are featured to help teachers embed topical science in their everyday teaching.

Each story has links to articles, video clips and...

Global CREST challenges

Global CREST challenges are based around Practical Action’s work, which uses science and technology to address global issues such as energy, water and food.  They give students a real insight into how science and technology can be used to tackle challenges faced by...

First Steps with Microbits for data-logging and modelling

Since the BBC micro:bit became commercially available last year there is much more information now available about how to access the many features which make the micro:bit such a powerful tool for cross-curricular STEM projects.  This guide is mainly concerned with how to access the micro:bit's sensors to...

First steps in using BBC micro:bit for control and physical computing

Since the BBC micro:bit became commercially available last year there is much more information now available about how to access the many features which make the micro:bit such a powerful tool for cross-curricular STEM projects.  This guide is mainly concerned with how to create programs in the Microsoft PXT block...