A Catalyst article about the human gut and the many microbes it hosts, mainly bacteria. Probiotics are live bacterial ingredients or supplements designed to multiply in the colon and have an impact on health. A prebiotic is a carbohydrate that is not digestible by humans. The article examines the role they play,...

This ACME report from June 2016 looks at problem solving in mathematics, with particular focus on summative assessment.

Within the report ACME welcomes the strong emphasis on problem solving in recent reforms. It calls for "strong collaboration between the mathematics community, the Department for Education...

A Catalyst article describing how process chemists work in the pharmaceutical industry, devising methods of making new drugs. Process chemists are a link in the chain from an initial idea to a new drug making it to the market. It generally takes at least 10 years from an idea by a medicinal chemist to a new...

Published in 2014, an OECD report on data from the PISA survey looked at homework among 15-year-olds and asked whether homework perpetuates inequalities in education. According to the report, in 2012 students in the 38 countries covered by the survey spent an average of an hour less on their weekly homework than...

This report from Ofsted is a review of science in Key Stage Three and is concerned with students’ attainment and progress and the quality of teaching. It is intended to help school managers and teachers improve standards and raise the quality of work in Key Stage Three.

The report is based upon evidence form...

Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes a project by Wirral Metropolitan College. The project was about mathematics, engineering and science practitioners working together with partner organisations to improve progression for engineering and science students in a medium sized general FE College.

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of progression, new jobs and careers in STEM. North Lindsey College has been developing a suite of activities to encourage local young people to choose STEM subjects, and reminding them of the opportunities that are...

This case study looks at practical strategies that were put in place by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London to support learners with below A-C grades in science enabling them to progress and succeed in STEM. The college has supported learners coming into the college with grades as low as double D...

This CLIS report was intended to provide a longer term perspective on changes taking place in students’ understanding over the compulsory school years. The aim of the study was to inform teachers and curriculum designers about the ideas that students bring to and...

This book describes young people’s attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours that affect their decisions on subject choice and career paths to add depth to the current understanding of how young people perceive STEM careers.

Four phases of research activity with young people; qualitative, social...

This resource considers how different subject areas can explicitly promote the learning of social and emotional skills. It provides an outline of how social and emotional skills are linked to subjects both in general terms and more specifically within each of the 2008 National Curriculum programmes of study. The...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at how Wirral Metropolitan College looked at progression through STEM. The idea for this project was connected with the college’s desire to raise aspirations towards careers within the science industry.

The focus of the...

This Ofsted resource looks at teachers from City and Islington College who stimulate the interest of school students in science and other STEM-related subjects, work in schools with teachers and students and invite them to the college.

The college also hosts a careers convention where students meet working...

This Catalyst article looks at the pterosaurs, which were flying reptiles, and which died out along with the dinosaurs. Analysis of the fossil record has increased scientists' knowledge of these creatures and how they lived. Bird watching during the Mesozoic Era, the expanse of time stretching between 245 and 65...

A Catalyst article explaining what happens when a scientist makes an exciting and new discovery. How do scientists manage to tell as many people as possible, and how can they be sure that someone else has not beaten them to it? Writing and publishing research in scientific journals is a long standing and popular...