This resource explores the reasons for deforestation and the impacts this has in terms of loss of habitat and biodiversity and the contribution deforestation makes to soil erosion and flooding. Activities for pupils include considering examples of human impact (both positive and negative) on environments, designing...

Democs is a series of resources produced by the new economics foundation (nef). Their aim is to promote discussion about contemporary issues. Materials contain teacher guidance and the information and structure that students need to develop ideas on difficult issues. They help students to gain confidence in their...

Produced by the Wellcome Trust, these animations take a detailed look at the molecular mechanisms that allow the dengue virus to subvert the cells of its mammalian host, allowing it to replicate and spread. Dengue is an example of an RNA virus.

Produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), this resource looks at the testing of materials in the context of dentistry. Students first look at the properties of teeth and the nature of toothache before going on to test materials for a range of properties.

Experimental methods...

In this ARKive activity, students research and design their own conservation programme to learn about the importance of biodiversity as well as the economic benefits and services ecosystems provide. Using examples of successful conservation programmes within the UK Overseas Territories, students learn about the...

In this challenge, students are asked to consider the impact of people suffering from heart conditions, both to the individual and to wider society. They then generate ideas for using programmable systems to improve people’s health, and to monitor themselves. A video introduces the idea of a heart rate monitor, and...

A case study from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) archives looking at how viruses and bacteria also take advantage of manmade infrastructure to travel and spread. People are not the only things to hop on and off buses and trains. The University College London Healthy Infrastructure...

This resource, from the University of Nottingham, describes a number of investigations which could be carried out in heathland habitats. Heathlands are excellent habitats to use for designing and carrying out experiments. Plants are often relatively easy to identify when compared with other habitats and...

Design and make a seed from a newly discovered plant using junk materials.This activity provides an opportunity for creative thinking around the topic of germination and seed dispersal. It also supports the development of literacy and presentation skills. Further ideas...

This comprehension activity, aimed at students aged 11-14, looks at the role of the immune system in protecting us from infectious disease, and how it recognises the difference between the body (‘self’) and invader. This worksheet is part of a collection of materials based on...

As the number of cells in a microbial culture increases, turbidity increases. In this experiment students calculate doubling time and growth rate constant using absorbance as the measure of growth. Turbidity is caused by suspended cells in the growth medium scattering light, and may be measured using a colorimeter...