This collection provides three primary science resources which link to the Royal Institution Christmas Lecture ‘Sparks Will Fly’, given by Prof Danielle George in 2014. Produced by the University of Manchester's Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub.

The Christmas Lectures at the...

A Catalyst article about aluminium, a shiny silvery metal, which is extracted from its ore by electrolysis. Further addition of other metallic elements results in an alloy, which can be cast into various shapes using moulds. The article looks at the processes of extraction, casting, patterns, moulds and finishing...

This article introduces Laura Waters, who is a chemist at Huddersfield University with an interest in both doing scientific research and communicating her work to a wide audience.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 25, Issue 4.

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A Catalyst article about the hunt for an explanation of inheritance. The role of chromosomes was announced in 1903 and the structure of DNA was revealed in 1953, both of which were major scientific breakthroughs in this field of research. This article examines the history of inheritance.

This article is from...

This Catalyst article looks at the process of domestication which led to a natural increase in traits such as grain size (increasing calories available), grain accessibility, an increased number of grains and the loss of a hard protective coating.

This article is...

This Catalyst article investigates how gold is an important metal which, when extracted from its ore, has useful properties of durability and electrical conductivity. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review...

This article investigates the history of models of the atom and discovers how, a century ago, scientists were devising models of the atom in an attempt to explain the limited evidence they had about the fundamental structure of matter.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 25,...

From the Association for Science Education (ASE), Who wants to be a scientist? is based on a well-known quiz format. It is a PowerPoint presentation, and works well in class or as a lunchtime competition using overheads. The quiz could be run during lunch times as an inter-form competition, or within class time....

This topic, from the Association for Science Education, is designed to allow classes in schools across the world to explore and exchange information about common diseases, their treatment and the importance of lifestyle in determining good health.

Inspiring Scientists is a series of resources to help develop students’ understanding and awareness of science and the diversity of scientists. The resources showcase the life stories of British scientists with minority ethnic heritage and covers issues such as being a minority in science, influences in their...

This Catalyst article is devoted to brine shrimps. It examines their life cycle and food chain and also provides some advice on how to keep and care for them.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2003, Volume 13, Issue 4.

Catalyst is a science...

Written for the Association for Science Education (ASE) in 1995 to celebrate the centenary of the discovery of X-rays by Röntgen, this book contains units of study for Post-16 students on subjects such as the applications of X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance.

Some units are also suitable for Key...

A Catalyst article describing how new materials can be designed by studying natural materials and how they work. In particular the development of Velcro, military fabric, swimwear and waterproofing is looked at. These products were developed by scientific study of natural products such as plant burrs, pinecones,...

A series of online interactive resources supporting learning about the Polar regions. Areas of learning are:  Discovering Antarctica  Discovering the Arctic  Geography  Antarctic wildlife  Antarctic Factsheet  Produced by the British Antarctic...

This Catalyst article looks at the celebrations surrounding the life and work of Charles Darwin. Darwin was born 200 years ago and the article looks at some of the activities surrounding the bicentenary and examines his work.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2009, Volume 19, Issue 4.