Resources by National STEM Learning Centre and Network

How to enhance CPD to maximise the measurable impact on students’ achievement in science

This research was Published in 2014 and presented at the ESERO 2013 Conference.

The purpose of any teacher continuing professional development (CPD) is to ensure a positive change in pupils’ outcomes, yet the evaluative evidence to support this relationship is often weak or missing. Using the CPD programme...

How to make a rocket at home

Dallas Campbell shows how to make a simple rocket out of an old film canister and an effervescent tablet mixed with water.  He explains how this links to Newton’s Third Law.  

Ice breaker

In this resource learners will explore the relationship between a ship’s hull and the job it does. In particular, the lesson will look at the difficult job a polar ship faces when having to break through sea ice and the importance of the...

Ice Melting Blocks Demonstration

In this National STEM Learning Centre and Network video, Simon Quinnell investigates the way different materials conduct heat using conductivity blocks and ice cubes. The video shows how the ice cubes melt at different rates depending on the thermal conductivity of the materials they are sitting on. Simon...

Identifying the opportunities for collaboration between STEM subjects to develop a thematic approach to the KS3 curriculum

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...

Impact evaluation report – primary science specialist

This report looks at the impact of two National STEM Learning CPD activities - Primary science specialist (2013 -14) and New and aspiring primary science specialist (2014 -15).

The full...

Impact of CPD on teachers’ knowledge and students learning

Published in June 2010 , this report from the Centre for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education aims to discover whether CPD has a positive impact in enhancing the personal understandings and teaching of science by the teacher and the subsequent learning of students.

The full collection of STEM...

Impact of Science Learning Centre CPD on teachers' retention and careers

Published in May 2012, this report from Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Education and Inclusion Research, aimed to explore the impact of the support for the CPD of teachers provided by the Science Learning Centres on individual teachers’ career progression and retention within the profession.

The...

Impact of Science Learning Centres’ CPD for technicians on practice in science education

Published in March 2013, this report from Babcock Research  focusses on the qualitative and quantitative impact the Science Learning Centre has on CPD for technicians.

The full collection of STEM Learning impact and evaluation research reports can be viewed...

Impact of targeted CPD on teachers’ professional practice in science

Published in February 2010, this study from the University of York's Department of Educational Studies, focusses on the impact of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes offered by the National Network of Science Learning Centres, in 2009-2010.

The full collection of STEM Learning impact and...