Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of employer engagement and mathematics. The project, by Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, aimed to generate an understanding of the industrial application of mathematics in learners, staff and employers. It...

This report, published in 2009 by LSIS, describes an action research project undertaken by Exeter College. The research had several aims: * improve the learning in practical sessions * share good practice between sections within the faculty * agree on some underlying principles for maximising learning in practical...

A Catalyst article looking at how to measure parts of carbon cycling as it happens in forests. Two of the processes used, flux towers and soil chambers, are described.

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

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A Catalyst article about experiments on surface tension based on a simple test that can be conducted at home or in a school classroom.

This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2007, Volume 18, Issue 2.

Catalyst is a science...

This action research report, published by LSIS, describes a project undertaken by Newcastle College. The study focussed on the impact of coaching or ‘active’ mentoring activity on the teaching practice of three additional diploma trainees.

A Catalyst article about microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet and X-rays which are all electromagnetic waves. The article looks at their different uses and why some are used to create medical images and others to treat disease. The article also explores how the electromagnetic spectrum is used by medical physicists to...

This report draws upon evidence from design and technology (design and technology) subject survey visits by Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) to primary and secondary schools between September 2007 and July 2010. The inspections evaluated how well the subject was meeting its National Curriculum aims and promoting high...

In this Catalyst article scientists investigate the basis of memory using lab animals; this can lead to insights into human memory, and treatments for people suffering deteriorating memory.

The article focuses on two aspects of memory:

*the hippocampus, the part of the brain belonging to the limbic...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the theme of progression through STEM subjects. It looks at a mentoring scheme set up by St Francis Xavier College to support students in mathematics. In the scheme, A2 students were paired with AS students and given advice about...

A Catalyst article about careers in meteorology (weather forecasting) and climate science. The article explains the work of EMARC (Environment Monitoring and Response Centre) and provides some advice on training as a meteorologist.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2004, Volume 15, Issue 2...

A Catalyst article about the rock cycle which is responsible for the formation of many different types of rocks and minerals. The article explores the formation of minerals, their chemical composition and internal structure together with the reason for mineral hardness. As silicates form a third of all known...

A Catalyst article about BepiColombo, a spacecraft which will visit Mercury, powered by a revolutionary new rocket engine technology using ion engines and using a slingshot manoeuvre to accelerate it. The development of the spacecraft is an international project and will combine exciting scientific goals exploring...

Published by LSIS, this report describes an action research project conducted by Liverpool Community College. The research looked at the use of mini netbooks utilising the wireless network in the college building to provide a flexible alternative to converting classrooms into IT suites. Therefore retaining the...

A Catalyst article looking at how modern archaeology uses analytical chemical techniques to answer questions about ancient civilisations and animals. Scientists working at the University of Bristol match compounds present in archaeological materials to those in modern plants and animals which were likely to have...

This Catalyst article looks at how the laying of telegraph cables across the ocean bed led to the science of oceanography. Over two thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered in sea which can reach depths of 11 000 metres. The article looks at the challenge of laying cables in this environment and the history of the...