As part of the current UK GCSE science curriculum, pupils need to use their understanding of science to answer questions about a series of core experiments. Problem-solving and applying knowledge to new situations is fundamental in enabling students to progress in science; however, many learners struggle to develop these skills. This can lead to…

Natural products are ubiquitous in nature but do not form a large proportion of the A-level syllabuses in the UK. In this article we briefly discuss a small selection of natural products, focusing on alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, and alkaloids. We then outline two natural product experiments that are suitable for A-level chemistry clubs or…

The CERN Beamline for Schools Competition gives high school students the opportunity to perform an experiment of their design using the T9 facility. Our team, 'Relatively Special', was fortunate enough to be joint winners of this global event and travel to CERN for a unique adventure. This paper gives an account of our story including the…

From September 2015, schools in England will be teaching new A-level science specifications that have been developed by examination boards to encompass new higher levels of demand developed by the Department for Education. Integral to these new specifications is a radical change to the contribution of practical science to the A-level grade of the…

Plant tissue culture is becoming an important technique for the mass propagation of plants. Problems with existing techniques, such as slow growth and contamination, have restricted the practical work in plant tissue culture carried out in schools. The new protocol using garlic meristematic stem discs explained in this article addresses many of…

Science is at heart a practical subject, but the perception of what makes good teaching and learning through practical science is often misunderstood. Through working with teachers on professional development courses at the UK's National Science Learning Centre, and drawing on work carried out by other organisations, we present some thoughts and…

Microscale chemistry has become accepted and introduced into teaching worldwide. It can be applied to all areas of chemistry and under most circumstances, including where the usual infrastructure is absent. Anyone considering its introduction must be prepared to do a lot of work on it to ensure its success as an educational innovation. (Contains 1…

Whether it is a rapid-fire Twitter event as part of #ASEchat, or BBC Radio 4's "Inside Science," the discussion of practical work generates powerful debate. While it is right that the best use of practical work is continually discussed, its value in science teaching is without question. The level of discussion is being further heightened…

Presents nine physics notes for British secondary school teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) speed of sound in a steel rod; (2) physics extracts-part four (1978); and (3) a graphical approach to acceleration. (HM)

Presents the following three biology notes: (1) a low cost variable temperature incubator; (2) projects on the ecology of freshwater mussels (Unionidae); and (3) studies on urease. (HM)

Presents 12 chemistry notes for British secondary school teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) a simple device for testing pH-meters; (2) portable fume cupboard safety screen; and (3) Mass spectroscopy-analysis of a mass peak. (HM)

Presents six middle school science notes for British science teachers. Some of these notes are: (1) fingerprints; (2) the floating magnet; and (3) the production of electricity using a lemon. (HM)

Discusses teaching ecology in high schools in terms of kinds of problems suitable for study and management of field and laboratory activities. (EB)

Discusses distillation of liquid mixtures with the emphasis on experimental work. A number of experiments, intended for chemistry secondary school teachers in the United Kingdom, are included. (HM)

Presents recommendations sent to schools by the Laboratory Safeguards Sub-Committee in the United Kingdom to prevent hazards of a number of chemicals. How to avoid phosphorous fires and accidents from doing dangerous experiments in chemistry are also included. (HM)