This article looks at how space can provide a context for the teaching of STEM subjects. It explores how space fits with the new curriculum, and outlines what resources are available for teachers from the National STEM Centre eLibrary. In November 2015, the UK sends its first official astronaut into space, Tim Peake. His mission can provide a…

Developing and updating subject knowledge is an important and ongoing area of professional development. As well as formal subject-specific CPD, teachers can extend their pedagogical subject knowledge by researching and using curriculum materials. This article reviews the resources available from the National STEM Centre eLibrary to help teachers…

Proposes that caution be used against generalities and improper terminology in the description of structure and function relationships. (CP)

Cites efforts to relate macro-level research (studies examining science achievement as related to the economic development of a nation), intermediate-level research (e.g., achievement as related to institutional variables), and micro-level research (cognitive development, etc.) to determine a science of teaching science. (CP)

Includes methods for determining melting and boiling points, illustrating the Finkelstein reaction, choosing acid-base indicators, growing perfect NaC1 cubes and "whiskers," bromination of alkenes, using vanadium in the laboratory, preparing phenylamine-copper (II) sulfate (VI) complex, simulating first-order chemical kinetics on a programmable…

Includes methods for demonstrating Schlieren effect, measuring refractive index, measuring acceleration, presenting concepts of optics, automatically recording weather, constructing apparaturs for sound experiments, using thermistor thermometers, using the 741 operational amplifier in analog computing, measuring inductance, electronically ringing…

Includes methods for using harmonographs in demonstrating motion of pendulums, constructing an electrostatic "bell," inverting mirror images, demonstrating the corrosion rate of steel, demonstrating expansion, studying rate of reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid, using matchboxes in science for containers, problem boxes, building…

Describes the technique and benefits of having physics students practice connecting paper models of electric circuits before attempting to use real ones. (WRM)

Includes procedures for demonstrating anaerobic respiration in peas, isolating virgin Drosophila females, solving mortality problems in young gerbils, measuring dissolved oxygen, constructing models for transpiration and DNA molecules, freezing chick embryos, mixing nutrient media, illustrating Darwinian ecological principles, and detecting…

Presents seven science experiments and activities for the junior high school level relating to electrostatics, electronics, magnetism, electricity and other areas of science. (HM)

Presents eighteen selected chemistry notes which could be used in school chemistry courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested--a reading list is also presented. (HM)

Presents eight selected middle school science notes which could be used in school science courses. Each includes the name of the author and a description of activities suggested. (HM)

Laboratory techniques and teaching methods on applied biology topics are described. (CP)

Provides contributed suggestions in applied topics of secondary school physics. Entries include notes on instructional materials, methodology and laboratory techniques. (CP)

Examines problems associated with the increase in non-streaming in British comprehensive secondary schools. Science teachers, for example, are being faced with classes that contain a wide range of student abilities. Provides guidelines for providing suitable teaching and learning conditions in non-streamed science classrooms. (JR)