This Catalyst article explains how artificial photosynthesis could provide a useful energy supply and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Experiments are underway in labs around the world. The aim is to use the basis of Photosynthesis to recycle the huge amounts of Carbon Dioxide being emitted...

The report from the Children’s Learning in Science Project (CLIS) gives an account of a number of aspects of students’ understanding of plant nutrition including:
*To what extent do students understand that plants carry out autotrophic nutrition and not...

This Catalyst article looks at the process of photosynthesis, by which plants make a range of biochemical compounds. The article explains how photosynthesis actually ties in with growth. Respiration is happening all the time in all cells in all living organisms. Taken on its own, photosynthesis adds materials to...

A Catalyst article about one botanist's exploratory expeditions around the world looking for new plant species.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2004, Volume 15, Issue 2.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students aged...

A Catalyst article looking at the chemicals that are in plants and trees and the role they play in the life of the plant. Starting with photosynthesis the article moves onto naturally occurring chemicals and explains why plants need fertilisers. Growing salad crops hydroponically is also examined.

This...

A Catalyst article looking at how plants develop large surface areas both in the air (leaves) and in the soil (root hairs) to get all they need from the environment. The article explores the relationship between plants and soil and looks at new research on fungi in soil and their involvement with the mineral...

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 looking at the use of plant cells to generate electricity via photosynthesis. This branch of science is called biophotovoltaics. The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for almost all life on Earth and harnessing this energy is one of the great scientific and technological challenges....

This report highlights the principles of effective Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG) as evidenced and agreed by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL); the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL); the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER); and the 157 Group. The...

This document was published by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in December 2011, and sets out the programme of work required to take forward the reform of FE and skills system for adults aged 19 and over in England. The report was based on the principles set out in Skills for Sustainable Growth...

York Potash Limited has massive expansion plans within the North Yorkshire region. Being mining and minerals experts, they clearly see the link between STEM-based skills and these future plans. A collaborative approach to making STEM learners aware of the industry requirements through engagement with STEM providers...

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of knowledge and technology transfer and employer engagement. It involved a member of staff from the automotive department at City College, Birmingham undertaking a secondment to the Jaguar Land Rover production...

A Catalyst article describing how new materials can be designed by studying natural materials and how they work. In particular the development of Velcro, military fabric, swimwear and waterproofing is looked at. These products were developed by scientific study of natural products such as plant burrs, pinecones,...

Since 2000, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and its predecessor Departments have been responsible for funding the Public Attitudes to Science series of attitudinal surveys.

This survey provides information about what the public thinks about science, scientists and science policy...

A Catalyst article about what happens as plants grow. During their growth, plants remove compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from soil which need to be replaced to maintain the soil’s fertility. For centuries farmers have used organic manures, crop rotation or ploughed in specially grown crops; today...