These resources were developed by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme and the Centre for Science Education at Sheffield Hallam University in order to demonstrate new ways that ICT can be used to enhance practical work in science. Research scientists use computer technology in both the collection and the...

The IDEAS training materials are for use on continuous professional development courses to support the teaching of ideas and evidence in school science. The materials offer six in-service CPD sessions, which take approximately half a day each. Ideas and approaches for lessons are illustrated using materials...

This file from the IDEAS pack is a set of resource materials to support the teaching of ideas, evidence and argument in school science education. It consists of 15 sample lessons which can be used by teachers wishing to try out some or all of the approaches. The learning goals of the IDEAS lessons are different....

This Catalyst article describes an experiment in which, using a microwave oven, water can be boiled in a cup made of ice, allowing all three states of water to be seen at once. The article explains what equipment needed to carry out the experiment, instructions, and a detailed explanation of why it works.

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In this podcast from the Planet Earth Online collection and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Sue Nelson visits the ice cloud chamber in the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences.

Scientists know that fluffy stratocumulus clouds act like a blanket on the Earth - they stop...

In this practical activity students analyse ice cores extracted from the icy worlds of Enceladus or Europa. This resource provides information about Enceladus and worksheets for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. In the video, Steve Althorpe explains how ice cores containing minerals can be made and then...

This book invites teachers to explore some of the many scientific results from the CryoSat mission. The book describes key techniques of precise radar and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) altimetry, and reviews state-of-the-art achievements. The book is intended as a living document, and will continue to capture new...

This video introduces the process of regelation.  This is when ice melts as pressure is applied to it and then re-freezes when the pressure is removed. An experiment is conducted using two lengths of wire attached to two 1.5kg masses. One wire is made from copper and the other is fishing wire.  Students are asked...

Produced by Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), this resource suggests a range of ideas for extended investigations into plant growth and physiology. Each suggestion is given a brief description but details of experimental methods are not provided.

The IDEAS pack consists of a set of training materials for use on continuous professional development courses together with a resources file to support the teaching of ideas and evidence in school science. The material draws on the work undertaken with teachers involved...

This managing bullying in schools document from the Department of Education looks at how Saint Benedict Academy identifies bullying through anonymous email reports. The resource explores the school's 'Hero' email system to identify bullying and other strategies that raise awareness of bullying, as part of the...

This report from Ofsted represents the findings from a survey of post-16 science provision in 18 colleges and schools where provision had been judged to be good or outstanding at their previous inspection. Between October 2006 and April 2007 five schools, nine sixth form colleges, one tertiary college and three...

Science, technology and mathematics teachers at Tendring Technology College had already collaborated across departments and wanted to develop these links further by adopting a thematic approach to the curriculum. The Key Stage 3 curriculum was reviewed to identify areas to embed a STEM philosophy into the lessons...

A Catalyst article about the discovery of puerperal fever by Ignaz Semmelweis a doctor in a maternity ward in Vienna general hospital. The article looks at his observations into death rates and shows how scientists use observations and theories to make practical changes that can improve life. In the case of...