This Catalyst article discusses the science behind motivation in sport. Self-efficacy has been shown to have a strong influence on performance in athletes, with those who believe in themselves generally attaining more success than those who are plagued with self-doubt. Psychologists are developing theories to...

A case study from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) which describes a new simple and convenient way for people with diabetes to check their own sugar levels. 'Smart' tattoos enable constant monitoring of glucose levels without the need for blood samples. EPSRC is a part of the Research...

This Association for Science Education (ASE) publication about the industrial use of micro-organisms was developed in association with Nipa Laboratories Ltd. At the time, the company was recognised throughout the world as a specialist in the production of microbiocides...

A Catalyst article about Darwin's beetle collection - an early step in his scientific career. Beetle-collecting was something of a craze in the early 19th century; at the same time, scientific understanding of these creatures grew rapidly. The well illustrated article looks at Darwin's work in this field.

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This poster, from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, celebrates 100 years since two scientists in the UK pioneered a technique for crystallography.

Crystallography uses x-rays to create a diffraction pattern to examine the atomic structure of crystals. The poster explains Bragg’s Law, which...

Scientists at the University of Oxford are investigating the link between sporting activity in young people and the development of osteoarthritis. In very active people, bony lesions can form on the hip joint which increases their risk of developing the condition.

This collection of resources from SAPS is designed to support the use of practicals across various A-level biology 2015 specifications for England (OCR, AQA, Edexcel and Eduqas).

The resources include:

• Tested materials to support the A-level practical endorsement in England (CPAC)
• ...

This resource, from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), help students to learn about the science of popcorn: why does it pop and what is so special about popcorn? This activity can be carried out by a class or science club within an hour and is aimed at Key Stage Four students. This...

A set of resources that can be used by career advisers, science teachers and parents to help give guidance to students about subject choices suitable for pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Getting experience - Recruiters usually look for people to have had some exposure to the...

These materials are designed to teach students aged 11 to 14 about the variety of habitats worldwide and the diversity of species found in each habitat. The activity also highlights topics including interdependence, adaptation and how species evolve specialised features. Working in groups, students are allocated a...

How do messages get passed from the brain around the body? This video explains how action potential works.

This activity includes a quiz and fact file describing the use of fingerprints for identification and processes of DNA profiling.

Also Included is The forensic use of bioinformation - resources for teachers which contains:

• curriculum links
• lesson plans
• teaching notes
• ...

This activity explores the ethical issues involved in the forensic use of bioinformation. It gives clear summaries of the judgement in a European Court of Human Rights case and of the rights and freedoms set down for all in the European Convention on Human Rights. An activity card gives statements that can be used...

This resource provides several case study scenarios for students to discuss, including questions to consider. It also gives a summary of changes in the law with regard to bioinformation.

Also included is The forensic use of bioinformation - resources for teachers which contains:

• curriculum links...

This Nuffield Council on Bioethics resource explores the purpose of different types of research and testing and why they are used. Students are required to work in either groups or as a whole class. The resource includes a lesson plan for the teacher.