In this practical activity students stain root tips and examine them for signs of cells dividing by mitosis. Students can either compare two different sources of root tip or two different stains. The mitotic index is the fraction of cells in a microscope field which contain condensed chromosomes. This index can be...

This resource is a compilation of reports by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Ofqual reviewing standards over time in science subjects at GCSE and A levels.

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This report, jointly published by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) and Ofsted under the chairmanship of Ron Dearing, presents the findings of an investigation into whether standards in GCSE and A level examinations were maintained in the period up to 1995. The improving examination grades...

Using a diagram of an open tube an explanation of possible wave patterns is built up.  Firstly, the fundamental mode of vibration is drawn, followed by the second and third harmonics.  For each illustration the number of waves is calculated, i.e, ^λ/₄, ³/₄ λ and ^5...

This video explains how nodes and anti-nodes are formed in standing (stationary) waves.  It shows how the distance between two nodes = ^λ/₂.  A series of standing waves are drawn to show the fundamental wave and its harmonics.  The number of half wavelengths for the fundamental and second,...

Produced by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this booklet introduces the sidereal day and shows how star trials can be used to calculate the length of one sidereal day. Included in the booklet are instructions on how to create a star trial photograph using a DSLR or bridge camera. Supporting documents that help the...

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at the production and industrial use of starch and modified starches. These have a broad range of uses in the food and non-food sectors. Starch can be either used in its native (unmodified) form or, if specific properties are required, it can be...

NASA has been responsible for some fantastic images of space, especially from the Hubble Space Telescope. These are a few of the images of stars, nebulae and galaxies. More images are available from the  NASA website

This resource explores the types and number of animals used in research. The activity is best conducted with a whole class or as group work. The resource includes a lesson plan for the teacher. The resource was produced by Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

In this activity, students are required to question the assumptions they may make when presented with visual images of animal research. They need to consider an image carefully before they come to any conclusions about what is happening to the animal. The activity is best conducted in groups.The resource, from the...

A Catalyst article looking at strategies for ensuring that there is a plentiful food supply in the future and how this can be sustained.

The article looks at three main areas for scientific investigation:

*Fertilisation

*Pest control

*Genetic modification

It also looks at...

A very useful guide to data analysis in post 16 biology investigations, published by SSERC.

The booklet has been written in a way that is accessible to both teachers and senior school students. The authors say that if you think incorporating statistics into the report of a biology investigation is difficult...

This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, discusses the importance of statistics and computing to developments in medical research. Sequencing the human genome was a fantastic achievement, but it was only the beginning. Now, statisticians are coming up with new...

We know that sometimes it can be difficult to visualise what STEM Ambassadors actually do.

Even after speaking to colleagues who are old hands at delivering activities, questions can still remain. Why do I need to meet the teacher first? What if the students are bored? How do I make it relevant? Where do I...

Produced by the new economics foundation (nef), this resource contains activities that help students to discuss and understand stem cell research. The materials contain teacher guidance, student information and a range of activities that promote discussion and debate.

Students use the materials to learn...