Resources by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

Philip Henry Gosse: brilliant naturalist, disastrous theologian

This Catalyst article introduces Henry Gosse, an expert naturalist. He devised an alternative explanation for the fossil record, but it failed to impress his peers.

This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2016, Volume 27, Issue 1.

...

Phones and Health

This Catalyst article explores whether the use of mobile phones increases the risk of cancer, including a recent study from Denmark which investigates the issue further.

This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2011, Volume 22, Issue 2.

...

Photosynthesis *suitable for home teaching*

This Catalyst article looks at the process of photosynthesis, by which plants make a range of biochemical compounds. The article explains how photosynthesis actually ties in with growth. Respiration is happening all the time in all cells in all living organisms. Taken on its own, photosynthesis adds materials to...

Physical Science Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy

These resources, produced by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme in partnership with the PhySEP Project at the University of Birmingham, are aimed at Initial Teacher Training (ITT) mentors and Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs), acting as coaches to teacher colleagues. Originally published as a CD-ROM, the...

Physics and Computer Games

A Catalyst article about the video or computer games industry which is now the biggest entertainment-based industry on the planet. Often it is physicists developing new concepts, hardware and games. To beat the competition they need to make physical aspects of the game be more realistic or at least appear to be...

Physics Connections

A Catalyst article about the International Year of Physics, in 2005, also known as Einstein Year. In the century since Einstein’s “annus mirabilis”, when he developed his theory of relativity there has been a revolution in the study of physics. This article explores the links between some of the architects of this...

Phytoplasmas - Friend or Foe?

A Catalyst article about phytoplasmas which are micro-organisms that affect crop plants modifying their growth. The article looks at the damage that they can inflict on crops which in turn can cause famine. Botanists are seeking to counter the effects of phytoplasma disease and the article looks at laboratory...

Plant Responses

This Catalyst article explains how scientists came to understand plants' sensitivity to external stimuli and their ability to move. Mimosa pudica...

Plants and Mineral Nutrients

A Catalyst article looking at the chemicals that are in plants and trees and the role they play in the life of the plant. Starting with photosynthesis the article moves onto naturally occurring chemicals and explains why plants need fertilisers. Growing salad crops hydroponically is also examined.

This...

Plants and Soil Nutrients

A Catalyst article looking at how plants develop large surface areas both in the air (leaves) and in the soil (root hairs) to get all they need from the environment. The article explores the relationship between plants and soil and looks at new research on fungi in soil and their involvement with the mineral...