The BBC micro:bit is a small programmable device, designed to engage children with coding and the world of digital. Given to all 11-12 year old students across the UK in 2016, it is supported with a range of programming environments available here.

...

The BBC micro:bit is a great tool for carrying out surveys that involve quickly counting and recording one or two variables. Using the button inputs provides a simple interface to the device allowing, for instance, quick tallying of the numbers of two different types of bee around a plant. Other examples might...

This activity, suitable for a multi-lesson sequence or a single extended session, challenges students to design and prototype a simple motion-sensing alarm. The device is intended to prevent theft or the accidental picking-up of a bag.

Motion is sensed using the accelerometer built-in to the BBC micro:bit,...

STEM plays an important role in the movies, even if you don’t always see it on the big screen. Sometimes it’s in the special effects that enhance a scene, or even the big ideas behind the story.

This programme has students creating their own special effects, building and testing stunt cars and exploring...

This report from Ofsted looks at low level classroom disruption. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) raised concerns about low-level disruption in schools in his Annual Report 2012/13. As a consequence, guidance to inspectors was tightened to place greater emphasis on this issue in routine inspections. In addition...

Looking to discuss the big, contestable questions in STEM? This collection of resources from The Economist Educational Foundation supports students to understand how the scientific and technological processes of the modern world are intertwined with political decisions and ethical calculations. They help develop...

This booklet is filled with examples of how scientists are combining Computing and Biology. There is a web address and QR code next to every summary so that students can follow the link and find out more.

This unit introduces students to the different types of biometrics and how they can be used to identify an individual. It highlights how data derived from the measurement of individuals' biological characteristics can be used positively, but also how the collection, control, use and potential misuse of biometric...

This unplugged activity from Peter McOwan and Paul Curzon mingles computer science with biology. A group activity is used that mimics the firing of neurons within the brain. These trigger other neurons to fire – these can be compared to AND gates in logic circuits.

The ‘brain in a bag’ kits used in the...

Following on from the first series of the Brian Cox schools experiments for primary, the Royal Society has produced a new set of videos and resources, presented by Professor Brian Cox and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, based around new and emerging...

This activity pack provides a range of activities that link to Understanding the World. It has been designed for British Science Week 2021 on the theme of “Innovating for the future”. It links in with everyday experiences and includes: wax painting, making Flitter jars, designing ice gardens, making edible...

Designed for British Science Week 2021 on the theme of “Innovating for the future”, this resource contains a range of different activities suitable for a whole school science week. Designed with Home Learning in mind. There is lots of support for parents supporting activities at home and for teachers running...

This CREST Bronze level resource pack focuses on Machine Learning, with a variety of project ideas enabling students to investigate machine learning in a real-life context, exploring innovative ideas and solutions for the future, such as:

• Digital technologies supporting healthcare
• Artificial...

In this activity, students create colour images from satellite data. This allows them to study how different surfaces reflect different wavelengths of light, how coloured images are created using an RGB model, and how band combinations can be chosen to examine a particular landscape effectively.

In this one hour activity, students evaluate the types of fire risks in different buildings.  In the context of a team which has been contracted by the local council to improve fire safety, each team picks a building type and produces advice for the council.