This paper from the May 2016 Using STEM Research Conference looked at two research projects  which were intended to develop beginning and experienced teachers’ explanations in secondary science classrooms.

The first study involves beginning teachers and is focused on developing their understanding of what is...

A Catalyst article about careers in geological exploration. The article contains a case study about an exploration geologist and looks at an undergraduate degree course in exploration geology.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2007, Volume 17, Issue 4.

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A Catalyst article following the journey of the space probes Huygens and Cassini, sent to explore Titan, a moon of Saturn. After a seven year journey Huygens was set to fall through the atmosphere transmitting data back to Earth via Cassini so more can be learnt about this distant moon. The article describes the...

Published by the Wellcome Trust in September 2011, this report aimed to find a deeper understanding of young people’s attitudes to science education, particularly regarding the value young people place on science education (for themselves as individuals and for society in general), as well as the key factors...

Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes an action research project conducted by Long Road Sixth Form College. The project explored the use of learning objectives to enhance student progression, provide effective feedback, promote independent learning and improve success rates in AS level mathematics.

A Catalyst article examining the basic functioning of the eye and what can be done to maintain function when something goes wrong. In particular, the article looks at problems with focus, cataracts and colour blindness and how these problems can be detected and treated.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE...

A Catalyst article about encountering the fossils of the bones or shells of individual animals embedded in sedimentary rocks. This article looks at some extraordinary fossils of plants and animals preserved together in an ecosystem - it is even possible to see the cells of which they were made. The article also...

This Catalyst article looks at the use of polymers in the manufacture of household items. The exciting thing about polymers is that it is possible to make polymers behave in so many different ways by organising their long chain molecules in different ways – polymers are the ultimate designer material. The article...

A Catalyst article investigating a few of the uses of naturally occurring oils. These oils are extracted from animal fats or plant seeds and can be turned into a variety of compounds including soaps, fuel and margarine. The article looks at oils as fuels, their use in paint and detergents and problems with their...

A Catalyst article about what happens as plants grow. During their growth, plants remove compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from soil which need to be replaced to maintain the soil’s fertility. For centuries farmers have used organic manures, crop rotation or ploughed in specially grown crops; today...

Published in June 2013, this report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) presents the findings from an investigation into the impact on students of the subject-specific CPD undertaken by teachers at the National Science Learning Centre.

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DfE Advice for schools on assessment after the removal of the national curriculum levels system for grading children.

Pages 20-24 cover the principles that underpin assessment policies.

Page 41 recommends what trainees should learn about assessment during their training.  

Page 38 onwards...

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of embedding functional skills, numeracy and financial capability. It describes a project that is being piloted at Hull College.

The project aims to improve the financial awareness of its entry and level one...

This Catalyst article looks at fireworks and their history, how they are made and set off, and what gives them their colours and effects. The basic chemistry used in fireworks is looked at and how they work once the fuse is ignited.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2002, Volume 13, Issue 2...

A Catalyst article about the Wright brothers who made the first powered flight. Unlike the try-it-and-see methods used in many of the previous attempts, the Wrights approached the problem of flight in a scientific way and beat the competition. This article looks at the Wright brothers' research and the wing shapes...