Investigating serious crimes such as murder, rape and terrorism requires forensic science experts. These people work alongside the police to find the evidence that will bring the culprit to court.

In this Catalyst article, Tony Hargreaves looks at criminal poisoning and shows how forensic science is used to...

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology.

This activity allows students to investigate many factors that influence seed germination, including temperature, light, nutrient levels, pollutant effects, tropisms and so on.

It...

Vernalisation offers an interesting example of the way that plants have evolved to exploit the predictability of seasonal change and, in this case, to ensure that flowering occurs at an appropriate time. It also gives an example of how environmental factors control and...

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. In this practical, student investigate how lead inhibits catechol oxidase, an enzyme which is easily extracted from a banana and which is responsible for turning fruit brown. Measuring the intensity...

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. A simple yet accurate protocol looking at the results of the enzyme catalase. Catalase is a widespread enzyme, protecting the cell from toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide by catalysing its...

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. A standard protocol which is used to extract phosphatase enzymes from plants, including a method to calculate the rate of reaction. Phosphatases are enzymes widespread in plants easily extracted from...

This resource, aimed at primary level, helps to develop an understanding of what plants need to grow well. It provides an opportunity to plan and carry out a fair test looking at the effect of fertilizer on growing radishes. It includes detailed notes on setting up and...

Understanding the osmotic potential of plant cells is a key part of understanding...

From Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), this practical activity was developed for Scottish Highers specifications, but the protocol can equally well be used for other specifications. 

Students look at potato cyst nematodes, a serious pest of food crops. This is a good example of parasitism to study as...

Aimed at students aged 11-14, this worksheet explores the causes of different illnesses, focusing on the contribution that DNA makes. The questions explore the role of DNA in health and how genes play a role in causing single-gene disorders and multifactorial conditions. The resource is part of a collection of...

From Nelson Thornes, these activities encourage students to consider their understanding of an ecological niche. Students investigate the idea of a niche and look at the concepts of a fundamental niche and a realised niche. They are also asked to use information on a particular species’ niche, to predict where we...

This innovative activity uses the context of the distribution of dwarf willow to carry out virtual quadrat and transect sampling techniques.

Initially pupils are asked to discuss the unique characteristics of trees and then debate whether dwarf willow is a tree.

To carry out the field work, pupils can...

This protocol allows students to investigate the effects of the hormone auxin (Indole Acetic Acid or IAA) as a plant growth regulator. The investigations give opportunities to look at auxiliary bud development, root development, and leaf abscission in Coleus. The method is suitable for independent investigations by...

Students research the theoretical principles of thermography and create a thermogram.  They will need to:

• find out about hot body radiation and the medical uses of thermography
• Create a thermogram. Temperatures are...

These are science resources will encourage and enable students to get involved with practical science. A wide selection of materials is presented within each resource, allowing a teacher to tailor the activities for a specific group of students.

The resources in this section are:

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