This ebook, by Roger Young, explains computers as electrical circuits consisting of switches and relays (subsequently equated to transistors). It begins with simple circuits showing how, from first principles, switches and relays work. These are then combined in increasingly complex arrangements to simulate logic...

Produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), this booklet contains a variety of practical investigations for children aged 8-10 which provide a focus for planning and carrying out science and technology based activities.

Set around the context of redecorating a bedroom, the activities...

A Nature of Science book which tells the story of scientists growing understanding of the theories of atmospheric pressure and vacuums. The story starts with ancient civilisations' use of wind pressure and 'squeezed air' and goes on to describe the use of pumps, the confirmation that vacuums exist and the use of...

This activity, aimed at younger primary learners, looks at the lifecycle and habitat of a ladybird, whilst working scientifically observing, comparing and recording information on ladybirds. The activity includes observation of the changes that occur during the life cycle of a ladybird and the opportunity to take...

This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology. This resource focusses on the assembly and testing of a steady hand game, to support understanding of how simple...

How can STEM help us survive and thrive? From thinking about how diseases are spread or contained, to building a better skyscraper that can withstand earthquakes, this programme of activities explores both the practical and the hypothetical. Students are asked to explore the big question: Can we save the world with...

Published in January 1980, this report sets out preliminary views on the form that a framework for the proposed National Curriculum should take and the ground it should cover. The ideas were presented to start a consultation process, leading to a curriculum that would apply to schools nationally and promote...

The EU has recently approved tough new measures to reduce the use of plastic bags. New targets aim to reduce plastic bag use by 80% before 2019. In this activity students examine degradable plastic bags as a possible alternative to ordinary plastic bags. They choose questions to ask experts, and come to a reasoned...

Produced by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), this A4 colour brochure describes the leading role played by UK scientists and engineers at universities, observatories and Research Councils in the international mission to Saturn and Titan. The Cassini-Huygens mission set off from Earth on 15...

Produced by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), this colour leaflet describes the largest space telescope ever to be launched. The Herschel mission, launched in 2009, reveals how the first stars and galaxies formed. Herschel is observing some of the coldest objects in the Universe. It is the...

This Salters’ Chemistry Course unit from the University of York Science Education Group covered:
* The use of soaps and soapless detergents.
* Emulsions and the action of emulsifiers.
* The hardness of water.
* The manufacture and use of cosmetics,...

This is one of a series of resources from the IET designed around the theme of the future of flight with the purpose of developing pupils knowledge and skills in engineering and mathematics. This activity explores water-powered ‘hero’ rotary engines, which convert water pressure to rotary motion. Devices of this...

These cross-curricular activities, from Centre of the Cell, introduce the concept of vaccination and why it only protects the population if most people are vaccinated. They show how early vaccination was tested and discuss the role of informed consent in Clinical Research. Students learn about the process of...

From The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), these activities are aimed at post-16 students following courses in technology, engineering, physics or materials science. The activities described allow students to gain experience and practice experimental technique in the testing of materials' physical...

These three activities, from Centre of the Cell, introduce the idea that there are certain factors, called risk factors, which can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a disease. Students learn how scientists use research to determine what the risk factors are for various diseases.

Using data...