The main aim of this resource is for students to understand some of the conflicts surrounding land use in the UK – particularly the conflicts between economic incentives, society, and environmental conservation. The resource also provides a practical introduction to the complexities of managing habitats, with a...

The main aim of this resource is for students to understand the impact that roads can have on heathland habitats, both in terms of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution and habitat fragmentation.

The resource provides practical, scientific investigations without the need to organise a field trip. The...

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet looks at hemp, which is grown widely as a fibre crop in Europe and is now also an established minor crop in the UK. Hemp may be grown for both its fibre and oil, and also shows potential as a renewable energy feedstock. The factsheet describes the growth,...

This podcast from the Planet Earth Online collection and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) was recorded at the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire, England and discusses how two researchers are using hi-tech physics to study different aspects of the environment.

The Diamond synchrotron is like...

This podcast from the Planet Earth Online collection and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), looks back at some of the highlights from 12 months of Planet Earth podcasts, and looks ahead to some of the big stories expected in 2010.

Marine biologist Ben Wilson from the Scottish Association for...

In this SATIS Revisited resource students use real data to determine the cause of illness in cattle on a farm. They analyse the animals' diets to find that the illness is caused by mineral deficiency.

This unit has...

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.

In this activity students apply what they...

This resource, aimed at primary level and linked to the curriculum area of plants, investigates holly leaves. Designed to be used in an outdoor area where holly plants grow, it provides questions about holly leaves which children may investigate, for example, how many...

In this Science upd8 activity students analyse information and evidence about homeopathy to decide whether it is based on scientific theory. They then choose the best arguments for and against homeopathy to decide whether they would use it, and whether it should be freely available to all.

This resource from Defence Dynamics helps students to gain a better understanding of homeostasis and, in particular, the regulation of body temperature (thermoregulation). Students consider the needs of a polar explorer on a mission to the South Pole, thinking about the equipment needed as well as the challenges...

It is long journey from basic stem cell research to a reliable stem cell therapy. This comic book explores the role of stem cell researchers and the process they undertake as they try to move stem cell research on towards clinical trials and therapies. A selection of card games is provided which can be used to...

This animation shows how bacteria exchange genes on small pieces of DNA called plasmids through a process called horizontal gene transfer. 

Bacteria are able to exchange genes quickly within a population on small circles of DNA called plasmids. This animation shows how bacteria exchange plasmids through a...

This resource from the ABPI introduces students to the major endocrine glands, and hormone function in puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and growth. Specific examples include insulin, adrenaline, ADH, and plant hormones.

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Sally always wanted to work outdoors in horticulture and began her career after leaving school. She now works in the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, growing specimens for the University’s experiments and cultivating and curating some strange varieties of plant collections...