This Catalyst article looks at the production of rice, which is a staple food for billions of people. It describes how crop scientists have identified varieties of rice with favourable characteristics, such as flood resistance, and are using them to develop crops with increased yield. Such crops may help to...

This report, published by Ofsted in November 2013, sets out the findings of a new survey of science in 91 primary and 89 secondary schools, which was carried out between 2010 and 2013 and aims to support schools in implementing the new National Curriculum.

This paper, published in 2012, summarises...

‘...

In this Core Maths case study, three FE Colleges were interviewed about their experiences of setting up and delivering Core Maths- both the successes and challenges. Some of the challenges will be familiar to all centres, not just FE Colleges.

The resources includes further generic issues relating to...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the themes of harnessing technology and curriculum development. It looks at how the biology department of City and Islington College set up, trialled and integrated a Moodle virtual learning environment (VLE).

The approach...

Published by the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Advanced Biology Topic Reviews for students were an integral part of the Advanced Biological Science materials, but each could be read on its own. Thus, students could use them for their current work, or to pursue...

From April 1989 SEAC assumed responsibility for the management of the existing contract of the Assesssment of Performance Unit (APU). A new section formed within the SEAC was created – the Evaluation and Monitoring Unit (EMU).  The unit has responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the National Curriculum...

This collection contains a variety of STEM reports published by a number of different organisations.

The reports have been classified into the following sub collections:

*Post 16

*Professional development

*STEM evaluation reports

From Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), this practical activity was developed for Scottish Highers specifications, but the protocol can equally well be used for other specifications. 

Students prepare and stain roots, and then examine them to establish the frequency of mycorrhizae. 

The...

This resource suggests a number of investigations into bee behaviour which can be used to:

• develop an understanding of the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops
• consider the importance of insect pollination in human food security
...

The main aim of this resource is for students to understand the impact that roads can have on heathland habitats, both in terms of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution and habitat fragmentation.

The resource provides practical, scientific investigations without the need to organise a field trip. The...

This research was Published in 2014 and presented at the ESERO 2013 Conference.

The purpose of any teacher continuing professional development (CPD) is to ensure a positive change in pupils’ outcomes, yet the evaluative evidence to support this relationship is often weak or missing. Using the CPD programme...

Published in June 2013, this report from the  National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) sets out the findings from a review of Myscience’s (STEM Learning) partnership activity with school groups. The aim of the study was to identify any opportunities that exist, and the changes and challenges that are...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the theme of progression through STEM subjects and careers. It describes how a careers day was used to widen students' knowledge of available opportunities in STEM-related fields. City and Islington College felt that students...