Each individual blade of grass consists of various tissues, each made of cells in their thousands. In these cells an as yet unknown number of reactions and interactions are constantly taking place. The cells contain different parts known as organelles, which can be thought of as the cellular equivalent of the...

This Catalyst article describes how biophysics is helping in the search for novel antibiotics. Bacteria produce an array of proteins to kill off their competitors. These proteins, called bacteriocins, are very efficient at penetrating the defensive outer layers of bacteria cells by moving through specific membrane...

A Catalyst article about light pollution which is a growing problem, especially for astronomers, obscuring the view of the Moon, stars and planets. Astronomers are campaigning to reduce the pollution and bring the night sky back into view. With the aid of statistics the article makes the case for better street...

This activity allows students to investigate how images are produced from data streams by using first a spreadsheet and then an image-processing program. They then go on to see how the usefulness of such a monochromatic image may be enhanced by using lookup tables and calibration. The materials used focus on the...

As transistors become smaller, the doping of semi-conductors becomes a significant challenge. This Catalyst article looks at how Scanning Tunnelling Microscopes can be used to manipulate individual atoms, to create electronic devices of unprecedented accuracy. The technique could also be used to fabricate quantum...

This activity encourages learners to think and talk about the maths they might need in Agriculture and Animal Care, and helps them and their teacher find engaging starting points. The objectives of the activity are to become aware of and reflect on personal attitude to maths, to become aware of some of the maths...

A case study from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) archives which looks at how ailing aircraft could heal themselves during flight thanks to a revolutionary new system. The technology, that mimics the healing processes found in nature, has been developed by aerospace engineers at...

This activity encourages learners to think and talk about the maths they might need in their vocational area. The objectives of the activity are to become aware of and reflect on personal attitude to maths, to become aware of some of the maths needed in their vocational area, to become aware of areas of maths they...

A Catalyst article about a group of young scientists testing scientific claims in advertising. The group thought many claims sounded implausible. They decided to hunt for the scientific evidence behind them and challenge the manufacturers to explain how the products work. The article outlines the investigations...

The materials in this resource are from the Secondary National Strategy ‘Progressing to Level 6 and beyond in science’ project. They were intended as guidance for senior school leaders in a school undertaking the Level 6+ project.

From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of devices that use...

From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of devices that use...

This multimedia package was developed by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme to support and extend the teaching of sensors to students aged 14-19. The development and use of sensors is a rapidly growing area. Students should already have some familiarity with sensors through their use in a classroom context in...

This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of STEM Ambassador Jenny Tillotson, the Chief Executive Officer of Sensory Design and Technology Ltd. Jenny produces mood-enhancing clothes, jewellery and medical products.

Reading science fiction novels set Jenny thinking about how the arts and...

This activity helps learners begin to consider some issues involved in setting up their own business by making an initial, outline, mathematical model of the costs involved in setting up a business. Learners are required to work in small groups to create a poster showing the factors they would take into account,...