How fresh are your fruits? – A gas measurement exercise

By Richard Needham This is a simple exercise involving measuring gases, which reveals some surprising secrets. It can give rise to interesting discussions around what we mean as scientists by the term ‘living’. You can do this activity at any level in school – the data you collect could be used: Key Stage 1 – [...]

Improving Gifted and Talented Children in Primary Science

In this video Nicola Waller, Professional Development Leader, at the National Science Learning Centre talks about how her course will help primary teachers to develop their gifted and talented pupils.  The course is called Extending Gifted and Talented Children in Primary Science.

Class. Clips. Action!

By Maria Rossini Using video footage in lessons has, thankfully, come a long way from the realms of tiny TVs on trolleys and remote controls without batteries. Nowadays, the biggest bugbear is that many schools block online streaming from sites like You Tube. Never fear though, there are some great sources of searchable clips, often [...]

Bring Science to Life: CSI Forensics

Our latest video is a spoof based around our course Bring Science to Life: CSI Forensics.  The footage is taken from the actual course and features Brian Hook and Clive Donner, both former members of New Scotland Yard’s anti terrorist branch. The course provides an exciting and interactive way to bring science to life in [...]

Physics for Non Specialists Video

Katy Bloom, Professional Development Leader at the National Science Learning Centre, discusses the issues facing schools teaching physics, in particular where non-specialist physics teachers are teaching the subject. Katy’s course, Physics for Non-Specialists, can assist to develop confidence, knowledge, understanding and anecdotes to successfully teach physics for 11-16 year olds. You can find more information [...]

Five easy things to help enrich your science teaching

By John Walker How do we really bring STEM subjects alive for learners?  How do we provide those memorable and stimulating experiences to help them see beyond the limits of the school curriculum and realise that STEM subjects are both relevant and exciting for real?  Teachers usually recognise that the answers to these and similar [...]

Halloween – The Three Hags

Late last night our cameras captured these three individuals who had  infiltrated our laboratories and were creating mischief.  It appears they were making plans for Halloween….. On a more serious note this video demonstrates an effective way to tie in  a very popular date on the calendar with conventional science, and have some fun at [...]