The ability to extract and summarise information is a very valuable skill for students to develop. This document is a report published in 2011 by the University of Cambridge. It investigates social impacts of technology use on different cultures. This resource could be used as a source document for students to scan...

A Catalyst article about Dolly the sheep which was born in 1996. The scientists who created her claimed she was a ‘clone’ from a female adult sheep. To prove this claim, genetic profiling or fingerprinting was done by another, independent group of scientists. The article explores how this was done and what other...

A Catalyst article about the work of Damian Murphy a music technologist. Acoustics and sound are examined in addition to the physical modelling and acoustics of buildings and environments, both real and virtual.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2007, Volume 17, Issue 3.

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Published by the Wellcome Trust in January 2011, this report provides the findings from the final stage of the evaluation of the Darwin Education Initiative. It includes the findings from follow-up interviews with case study schools which explored the continued use of the Great Plant Hunt and Survival Rivals...

This Catalyst article is about using computer models which use natural selection to evolve new products. Computers can be used to simulate evolution showing how some species die out and how others evolve and thrive. Products used by humans in everyday activities also evolve and this article describes how their...

This report from Ofsted looks at the provision for excluded pupils. Schools and local authorities are required to provide full-time and suitable education for pupils from day six of fixed-period and permanent exclusions. This survey evaluates the extent to which a sample of schools and local authorities were...

A Catalyst article about the first generation of nuclear power stations. When these stations reach the end of their useful life this article looks at what is involved in decommissioning them and how the process is affected by the properties of radioactive elements.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science...

Produced in 1995, this publication, written by Ofsted at the request of the Department for Education, identifies some characteristics of good practice in Design and Technology at Key Stages Three and Four, and was aimed at those who are responsible for planning, organising and teaching Design and Technology in...

This paper, published by the Engineering Council in 2001, sets out the importance of design and technology education and the contribution it makes to the school curriculum. Design subjects play a role in developing innovative thinking and practices, and the skills needed in a knowledge economy. The aims of this...

A Catalyst article about designing, building and testing a spacecraft. There are thousands of man-made satellites orbiting the Earth. Some are only a few hundred kilometres above the Earth and complete one orbit roughly every 90 minutes. Geostationary satellites are located around 40 000 kilometres from the surface...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service, these materials help to demonstrate effective practice. This case study, written by Options 2, looks at the themes of embedding of functional skills and the wider sector.

Options 2 provides training for young people to enable them to achieve the skills...

Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes research at Stockton Riverside College, Bede Sixth Form. The report had several aims: * to explore attitudes to e-learning for learners studying AS biology * to evaluate learner perceptions of the usefulness of e-learning resources * to develop new e-learning...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service, these materials help to demonstrate effective practice. From Grantham College, this case study looks at the themes of knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) and STEM skills for the future. This case study describes an activity to update staff knowledge and...

This report, published by LSIS, describes a research project by Family Learning, Cheshire East Council. The research looked at resources and strategies for improving parental numeracy skills. This then tied in with tutor professional development.

Produced in 2011 by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the theme of enrichment and enhancement in STEM. From Newcastle College, it describes an outreach project bringing local community organisations together with teaching staff.

By demystifying simple health tests (e.g....