This group of resources from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) looks at methods of conducting social research and the ethical questions to be considered. Resources explains the qualitatitive and quantitative methods used, and allows students to debate important questions about how research is...

In order to avoid predators, the caterpillars of some species of moths rest during the day by masquerading as twigs, well-camouflaged and keeping their bodies rigid and still. The aim of the investigation is to determine if caterpillars of the peppered moth show a preferred angle of rest. Students look at a series...

Published in July 2015, this report from the ISOS Partnership evaluates the implementation and impact of the third phase of the National Science Learning Network’s regional programme.

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

This resource looks at how people create strategies to help them cope with pressure and stressful situations such as performing in front of others or taking examinations. Psychologists have looked at how sportsmen and women cope with pressure to see if the strategies they use would also work for ordinary people. As...

From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), this activity for post-16 students shows that correlation can be used to measure the strength of a linear relationship.

Statistical Inference looks for evidence of what is happening in the population by...

Published in June 2013, this report from the  National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) sets out the findings from a review of Myscience’s (STEM Learning) partnership activity with school groups. The aim of the study was to identify any opportunities that exist, and the changes and challenges that are...

These four school briefings from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) look at the problems of smoking, alcohol and drug addiction amongst young people. Each of the four information sheets focuses on an aspect of addiction and presents the findings, concerns and recommendations of researchers. The...

This set of four Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) school briefings look at happiness, what it is, how it can be measured and how it can be enhanced. They look at how happiness affects society and the economy as well as the individual. The briefings discuss research into these areas and can be used to...

Published in September 2010, this summary of an online survey focusses on attempting to understand the factors relating to the retention of science teachers.

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

This resource looks at what social researchers do and why they do it. Research is recognised as vital for expanding our knowledge, providing vital information for government and other agencies, as well as helping us to understand our own society and those societies which are beyond our own experience. This...

Produced in 2011 by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of harnessing technology and, equality and diversity. From Sussex Downs College, the study describes how research into engaging male learners was used to investigate why more males than females achieved below...

Published in March 2015, this report from Dr Suzanne King evaluates the effectiveness of the Teacher Industrial Partners’ Scheme and highlights potential recommendations for the future.

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

In this activity, students investigate the three main types of memory - sensory, short-term and long-term. An explanation is given for each one and linked to a memory experiment. Students are also given five memory tasks to complete which include looking at factors that affect peoples' memories and ways in which to...

This briefing, from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), looks at the widespread use of recreational drugs by young people and the implications for law policies and enforcement. Researchers gathered some frightening statistics concerning the numbers of young people who have tried and are using drugs,...

This Catalyst article investigates how humans can misjudge the weights of small dense objects and large, light objects and how their perception of weight is easily fooled.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2014, Volume 24, Issue 3.

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