Resources by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

Using plastics in the body

This Catalyst article looks at how scientists are learning to use polymers for many medical applications, including implants, bone repairs and reduction in infections.

Using shape memory alloys

A Catalyst article describing the use of smart materials to help people with disabilities. Many more people with physical and mental disabilities are leading independent lives at home, thanks in part to recent technological developments. The article focuses on one project which makes use of smart materials to help...

Venus Express

A Catalyst article about the European Space Agency (ESA) which has sent the Venus Express spacecraft to explore Earth's cloudy neighbour. The purpose of the project, which is primarily to gather information about the atmosphere around Venus, is explained and is put into context with concerns about climate change on...

Voicebox: the Physics and Evolution of Speech

This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP) and produced in partnership with University College London and the Institute of Physics. Human vocalisation is unique in the animal world...

Volcanoes from Space

This Catalyst article describes how the distribution of volcanoes across the Earth’s surface tells scientists about the underlying pattern of tectonic plates. Much can been learned about volcanoes by observing them from orbiting spacecraft.

...

Water in the Oceans

This Catalyst article describes how the salty water in the oceans has some consequences for how the ocean water mixes – or does not mix. There are distinct bodies of water in the oceans which mix only very slowly. The experiments detailed in the article will explain why this is.

The article is from Catalyst...

Water Movement in Potatoes *suitable for home teaching*

This Catalyst article investigates osmosis: when water enters or leaves plant tissue (raw potato) according to the concentration of water in its surroundings.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2014, Volume 25, Issue 3.

...

Water Power: the Micro-Hydro Revolution

This Catalyst article is about a micro-hydroelectric power station on a river in Yorkshire. As oil prices soar and global warming threatens, the need for affordable green solutions to the energy crisis is ever increasing. Giant hydroelectric power stations, such as the Three Gorges Dam in China, will help to fulfil...

Wave Power

A Catalyst article looking at renewable energy. To tackle climate change and all the challenges imposed by the need to find alternative and reliable energy sources, there is one major resource that has remained untapped until now: wave power. This article describes the size of this resource and presents the leading...

Wearing Electronics

This Catalyst article investigates how polymer materials can be designed and printed with electrical properties that allow them to be used in wearable electronic devices. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science...