This Catalyst article describes discovering hydrothermal vents at ocean sea-beds. Hydrothermal vents form along mid-ocean ridges. A mid-ocean ridge is where the Earth’s tectonic plates are moving apart, usually at a rate of about 6 to 18 centimetres a year. The presence of hydrothermal vents had been predicted by...

A Catalyst article about encountering the fossils of the bones or shells of individual animals embedded in sedimentary rocks. This article looks at some extraordinary fossils of plants and animals preserved together in an ecosystem - it is even possible to see the cells of which they were made. The article also...

This Catalyst article describes an experiment in which, using a microwave oven, water can be boiled in a cup made of ice, allowing all three states of water to be seen at once. The article explains what equipment needed to carry out the experiment, instructions, and a detailed explanation of why it works.

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This Catalyst article explains how to make an elastic band using Copydex, a source of rubber latex. Rubber latex is a liquid polymer. It is made of long molecules which are all separate. Elastic bands are made by cross-linking the polymers in rubber latex. This changes the properties of the polymer and forms a...

In this Catalyst article an experiment is described in which the formation of clouds can be replicated. The experiment requires nothing more than a plastic bottle, warm water, matches and a small thermometer.

This article...

This special edition of space:uk, from the UK Space Agency, focusses on the mission of European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake, and the educational activities linked to his stay on board the International Space Station. Articles in this edition include: *Principia Mission – From launch to landing, what does Tim...

Customers increasingly demand food that has been produced with minimal damage to the environment. In this activity from the Centre for Science Education and the Comino Foundation, students work out how to make a fish and chip shop as environmentally friendly as possible. They then highlight their decisions in an...

This resource contains an activity in which children test the permeability of various rocks. It contains a brief summary of the background knowledge and a sheet in which observations may be recorded and conclusions drawn from the test.

This resource has been provided by Sigma Science.

This Science upd8 resource focuses on the chemical PFOA (perflurooctanoic acid), which is used in Teflon manufacture and is reportedly linked with an increase in the risk of developing allergies. In this activity students examine some of the evidence surrounding PFOA and consider a range of viewpoints.

This Science upd8 resource focuses on the human brain. Four areas of the brain are activated when you fall madly in love. At the same time, two areas linked with depression, are deactivated. Students discover how using MRI scans shows the brain's 'love locations', look at nerves and the brain as an organ and remind...

An article about chiral compounds and the chemistry of flavours like orange and spearmint.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students aged 14-19 years. Find out more about Catalyst magazine: www.stem.org.uk/catalyst

These activities, produced by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme, help students to see the accepted formats for bibliographies and references in different types of text. This includes information taken from:
* a book
* an article from a scientific journal
* information from the internet

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This concept cartoon focuses on temperature change in chemical reactions. Concept cartoons provide an approach to teaching, learning and assessment in science, they feature cartoon-style drawings showing different characters arguing about everyday situations. They are designed to intrigue, to provoke discussion and...

Sophy was passionate about Maths and Science at school. So much so her school encouraged her to complete a BTEC outside of school. On leaving school she became an apprentice  at Hydram and studied Mechanical Engineering. She is now full time, working as a Welding technician, working on the vehicles...