This activity aimed at primary learners, looks at the properties and uses of materials and what humans need to stay alive. It introduces Ricky who is going on an expedition to Antarctica and asks children to decide what he needs to take with him. By making comparisons, sorting and grouping objects and using their...

This resource, from Siemens, looks at the function of a wheel bearing on trains and the importance of finding out whether replacement is needed. Students consider the cost implications of replacing bearings before it is necessary and the cost and safety implications of not replacing them in time. Traditionally,...

This podcast from the Planet Earth Online collection and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) looks at why understanding rip currents at Perranporth in north Cornwall could help save lives; and how exactly does carbon capture and storage (CCS) work and how can scientists be sure that CO2 will be stored...

These three activities, from Centre of the Cell, introduce the idea that there are certain factors, called risk factors, which can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a disease. Students learn how scientists use research to determine what the risk factors are for various diseases.

Using data...

This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of STEM Ambassador Ross Wattie, a risk management coordinator at an international integrated energy company.

Ross is currently involved in risk modelling to simulate different scenarios and assess their possible impacts. He has also found that his...

A Catalyst article comparing mobile phones and UV sunbeds. Mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These are both types of non-ionising radiation. In recent years both have received considerable media coverage and they are emotive topics for the general public...

The Science in a Topic students’ book Roads, Bridges and Tunnels concerns the study of road networks and how they have been built to pass under or over obstacles such as mountains and rivers. Many different types of bridge are studied and the form of arches in tunnels considered. Students are lead to find out about...

A Catalyst article about the life and work of the physicist Robert Hooke. Hooke was a man of many interests. He invented many mechanical devices, including the universal joint used in all cars and designed a balance wheel for a watch. As part of his wide ranging observations, using a microscope, he first coined the...

Together with related activities from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), this resource allows students to investigate the wide range of sophisticated imaging technology available in modern hospitals, and to explore the latest ideas in search-and-rescue...

In this set of two activities pupils will learn about the different functions of bones and muscles, such as the humerus, ulna and metacarpals and understand how the human arm works. They are given the opportunity to use their own ideas to build and test a model robotic arm, with a full understanding of why robotic...

From the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), this brochure describes the leading role played by UK scientists and engineers at universities, observatories and research council establishments in providing real-time astronomy for research and education. The work of the Liverpool and Faulkes telescopes...