This brief article taken from CS4FN looks at how a user authenticates themselves to a computer could be used as the starting point for class discussions around passwords, security, biometrics and other related topics concerning how users...

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...

A Catalyst article describing how new materials can be designed by studying natural materials and how they work. In particular the development of Velcro, military fabric, swimwear and waterproofing is looked at. These products were developed by scientific study of natural products such as plant burrs, pinecones,...

This Catalyst article investigates biomimetics and discovers how scientists are finding ways of copying ideas from nature to improve products. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 26, Issue...

A Catalyst article looking at the use of plant cells to generate electricity via photosynthesis. This branch of science is called biophotovoltaics. The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for almost all life on Earth and harnessing this energy is one of the great scientific and technological challenges....

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet illustrates the benefits of using bioplastics, their production, properties and uses. The attraction of bioplastics is they deliver environmental benefits even when they aren’t biodegradable. Durables like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE)...

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), these two podcasts explore a range of applications and issues in the biorenewables sector. They are primarily aimed at a commercial audience but may be of use to teachers who want to gain a better understanding of plant-derived materials or, when used in part, as...

This poster illustrates how biotechnology is used to develop new medicines, grow new tissues and organs, and genetic testing.

This Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) resource gives examples of how research is helping in the battle against disease-causing bacteria and offering new opportunities to use beneficial bacteria in agricultural, food, pharmaceutical and other industries. The resource is suitable for...

This collection of resources from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) contains materials for enhancing the teaching of biological science and 'how science works' in primary and secondary schools. BBSRC is one of seven Research Councils sponsored through the Department for Innovation,...

A cluster of practical activities for students to explore biotechnology involving viability of yeast, fruit juice production, milk products, fungal inhibition and microbial growth curves.

This quiz reinforces the meaning of key words in the topic of biodiversity and ecosystems, including allopatric speciation, binomial nomenclature, bioinformatics, conservation, reporductive isolation and diversity indices.

A detailed diagram of a cell and organelles for students to label with the name of the structure and its function. Structures include rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole, ribosome, Golgi apparatus, cell wall, nucleus, chloroplast and mitochondrion.

A crossword covering enzyme action, inhibition, and activation energy.

This quiz reinforces the definitions of key terms in genetics, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), types of mutation, DNA ligation, DNA amplification, gel electrophoresis, stem cells, recombinant DNA, vectors, restriction enzymes.