These materials are designed to teach students aged 11 to 14 about the variety of habitats worldwide and the diversity of species found in each habitat. The activity also highlights topics including interdependence, adaptation and how species evolve specialised features. Working in groups, students are allocated a...

This concept cartoon focuses on bacteria, infection and the immune system. Concept cartoons provide a new approach to teaching, learning and assessment in science, they feature cartoon-style drawings showing different characters arguing about everyday situations. They are designed to intrigue, to provoke discussion...

With this resource, students develop observation skills by investigating the phenomenon of ‘mate-guarding’ in brine shrimp. Following a teacher-led discussion, students generate hypotheses. For example, one of the hypotheses may be that larger females pair with larger males.

These may be tested...

In this activity, students learn about heat transfer from jet engine turbine blades. The blades reach temperatures as high as 1000 ºC. How do the blades cool, and how do scientists measure the rate of cooling at such high temperatures?

This activity is based on the work being carried out at The University of Oxford where researchers are using x-ray tomography (CT scanning) to visualise and measure the 3D structures of fossilised organisms that are still encased in rock.

Scientists at the University of Oxford are investigating the link between sporting activity in young people and the development of osteoarthritis. In very active people, bony lesions can form on the hip joint which increases their risk of developing the condition.

In this activity students apply what they...

This concept cartoon focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. Concept cartoons provide an approach to teaching, learning and assessment in science, they feature cartoon-style drawings showing different characters arguing about everyday situations. They are designed to intrigue, to provoke...

In this activity, student groups become multidisciplinary teams of hospital staff working on new leaflets or videos to help patients prepare for MRI brain scans.  Through the activity, students enrich their understanding of the brain as an organ, and apply their...

Produced by the Charles Darwin Trust, these resources allow students to consider some of Darwin's studies on bees and other social insects. Through this context, students are able to develop their skills of scientific enquiry, observation, data analysis and communication.

The activities allow students to:...

From the Charles Darwin Trust, these materials help students to understand the process of artificial selection. Darwin pointed out that all animals and plants show variation. He proposed that breeders select the variants they think desirable.

Students undertake a range of activities in which they make...