This Catalyst article investigates how honeycomb (cinder toffee) is made using a thermal decomposition reaction to produce the gas bubbles. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda) has the chemical formula NaHCO3. When it is heated above about 80°C it begins to break down...

Tunnelworks is a series of teaching and learning resources linking mathematics and science to the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, a major new sewer that will help protect the River Thames from increasing pollution. Background to the project is given in the...

In this primary resource, children work scientifically to investigate the effects of various conditions on plant growth. The activities are set in a real-life context, that of a sports company who wish to provide a turf surface suitable for a range of activities. Information is required on suitable grass types and...

This Catalyst article takes a look at the winners of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2012 who revealed how cells communicate.

All functions of the human body require signals to be released, detected by a receptor in the right place and an appropriate response to be mounted. For example, hormones can be...

From The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), this booklet is the forerunner of its Understanding Food Additives web site. The booklet contains information on a range of food additives and extensive suggestions for practical activities to investigate food and food additives.

Food additives...

Understanding Science Ideas is a concise and colourful book that was written by members of the Nuffield Primary Science project team to help teachers to discuss and understand key science ideas and explanations at an appropriate level, consistent with the philosophy of...

Students test crystal (alum) deodorants using either a red cabbage indicator or a universal indicator. The universal indicator suggests that the deodorant reacts as an acid, whereas the red cabbage suggests that the deodorant reacts as a base. What is happening here?

This resource can be used with different...

This article discusses how chemical tests can reduce the numbers of animals used in the testing of new products.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 25, Issue 4.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students...

Produced by Becta, these case studies illustrate how information communication technology (ICT) can be used to enhance teaching and learning in science.

Particles and their behaviour are a hard-to-teach component of chemistry, not least because these are difficult concepts to visualise. This case study...

In this short video clip, produced by Becta, a group of GCSE students describe how they used...

Produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), the activities in this resource allow students to examine science concepts applicable to the healthcare industries and the work of people in the sector.

The activities in the resources cover areas that include:
* Determination of the...