The Earth spins on its axis, completing a full revolution every day. By why does it do this? One of the most common misconceptions in physics is the belief that constant motion requires a constant force. So many people believe there must be some force in the Earth (e.g. gravity, centrifugal force) that keeps it...

The video explains that as pressure is exerted onto the ice it melts and it is the liquid water, in contact with the ice, that makes it so slippery.

Planetary scientist, Professor Andrew Coates, explains why scientists look for the evidence of signs of past life on Mars.  He talks about the history of Mars and the current harsh environment on the planet. This video is part of a series of ten which look at the one of the elements of the European Space Agency’s...

This video explains the structure of DNA and the role of histones and methyl groups in deactivating one of the X chromosomes in a female.  The deactivation of one X chromosome is random. As mitosis reproduces cells, they may contain the X chromosome inherited from the father or the mother.  This can’t be seen in...

This resource contains a synopsis of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth assessment on wildfires written in language suitable for A level students, so can be used as an exercise in reading comprehension and note taking. It looks at natural and anthropogenic causes of wildfires, their benefits and...

In this activity, students explore the requirements of aerodynamic design through testing simple shapes in a wind tunnel and explain the link between the test results from a wind tunnel and air resistance. The activity focuses on students acquiring an understanding of...

The 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was won by Gurdon and Yamanaka, for their work on adult stem cells.

This Catalyst article explains how they discovered that a nucleus from an egg cell transplanted into a specialised cell can still develop into a fully functional organism. Yamanaka named these...

Purpose: The use of sensors to measure variables in practical science activities has long been linked to the use of data loggers. This is no longer the case. Free software apps on mobile devices can link directly to one or more wireless enabled sensors. This significantly reduces cost and complexity, whilst...

Written by Gwyneth Hughes and produced by the Association for Science Education (ASE), this resource pack looks at the role of women in science and technology. It consists of thirteen worksheets examining some of the issues around gender, science and technology.

The pack is primarily aimed at women. Its main...

From the Royal Astronomical Society, this leaflet looks at career pathways and opportunities in astronomy. It also gives case studies that illustrate the jobs held by women astronomers, including: * Astronomy lecturer and researcher * British Antarctic Survey researcher * Earth scientist * Astrophysicist

This  Catalyst article looks at the work of scientists who use biochemical and DNA analysis to learn more about how fungi cause dead wood to decay.

This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2016, Volume 26, Issue 4.

Produced by the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), these two reports look at the use of wood for heating. They are technical reports but contain a lot of information that may be of use to teachers or post-16 students who are researching the subject and require in-depth information. The two reports cover...

Produced by NHS Careers, this toolkit provides background information and advice for schools and other organisations involved in arranging work experience for students in the NHS.

Produced by the former Department for Children, Schools and Families, this work-related learning guide is aimed at young people and their parents or carers, employers, primary and secondary schools and colleges, and Education Business Partnership Organisations. The guide includes information on providing work-...