This set of activities looks at the basic mechanism of how painkillers work, how our bodies respond to pain and how these medicines help us to overcome it.

The activities can be used by STEM Ambassadors at careers fairs or in the classroom.  Students create their own model of a painkiller – aspirin,...

This Mathematics Matters case study, produced by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how industry relies on cutting-edge mathematics to develop better quality communications. The amount of information we can transmit though the air is limited by the laws of physics, but the mathematics of...

This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how biometric identification systems rely on mathematical methods to convert images into data that can be digitally stored. It is essential that the biometric systems we depend on for national security can reliably...

After trying her hand at a variety of careers, Eunice Cinnamon of the Manufacturing Institute knew that engineering was the right choice for her. She describes the vast array of opportunity offered by the manufacturing industry, and how these link to the personal areas of interest for professional mechanical...

This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how Formula One teams use mathematical methods such as fluid mechanics and Navier-Stokes equations to improve performance. Every second counts in the fast-paced world of Formula One, so race teams use advanced mathematics to squeeze the best performance out of their cars...

This Mathematics Matters case study, produced by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematical research contributes to the development of new medical imaging technology. Brain scans play a vital role in the treatment of many serious medical conditions, but decoding the signals inside...

This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematicians' understanding of knots can help unravel potentially fatal knots in DNA molecules. Understanding how to manipulate tangles of DNA could help us create new treatments for diseases, so...

This exciting resource consists of nine practical activities based upon the search for exoplanets, (planets beyond our own solar system), where life may exist. Aimed at primary children aged 7–11, activities are based around working scientifically  and link to many aspects of the science curriculum including; space...

These resources use the theme of football to link to STEM subjects and careers. Activities suitable for younger pupils are at the top of the list, and resources aimed at older students towards the end.

Tech We Can provide free learning materials to educators to inspire all pupils about a future in computing and technology careers. The resources in this collection show how technology can be used in manufacturing and to enhance security.

This issue of Catalyst includes the following articles:

Forensic Entomology

This article describes how insects are used to provide clues at crime scenes.

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Articles in this issue of Catalyst include:

Radioactivity and Wildlife

Early in 2003, researchers in the Arctic reported that radioactivity was being spread among wildlife species in ways that no one had detected before....

This activity challenges stereotypes by asking students to draw and describe an engineer and then requiring them to explain their drawings together with discussing stereotypes. There are career profiles and further activities for teachers to pursue with their students.

From the YWCA, this leaflet describes how the organisation offers an alternative curriculum that tackles a wide range of topics such as career choices, gender stereotypes, assertiveness and confidence, in order to help young women to make informed choices about the work they do. The leaflet contains information on...