This article presents the transcript of the Presidential Address delivered to the Association for Science Education Annual Conference held at the University of Birmingham in January 2014. In her address, Alice Roberts traces the evolution of various features that are often thought to make humans different from other animals. Examples such as…

Discusses the post World War II decline in enthusiasm toward science and the science role in influencing scientific attitudes, raising scientific literacy, and emphasizing science as an open-ended process. (MLH)

Discusses the need to adapt science education objectives to the objectives and expectations of students. Proposes a framework for the study of science which has a firm knowledge basis and gives a valid description of science in our contemporary society. (MLH)

Describes a variety of experiments and activities such as refractive index by an interference method, Young's third slit, a microscope problem, uses of a hand stroboscope, an acceleration game, an aluminum thermometer, why milk boils over, and others. (BR)

Presented are the main features of lung histology as a source for biology teachers. Includes background material on the lung as well as labeled photographs and drawings. (BR)

Discusses the nature of the proton in solution. Describes the acidity concept and the measurement of acidity functions in concentrated solutions of strong acids or basis. (BR)

An approach to teaching biology to mixed ability groups which primarily relies on individualized instruction is described. (BR)

Describes an approach to chemistry for sixth form students which incorporates many practical applications of chemistry in the areas of pollution, drug problems and other areas. (BR)

Describes the difficulties that arise from teaching science to mixed ability groups where individualized instruction is emphasized. (BR)

Discusses how modern mathematical language can be used to develop chemical ideas in class. Examples for the application of Venn Diagrams and Flow Diagrams in teaching chemistry in the Nuffield courses are presented. (HM)

Describes how some experiments in physics can be presented in class using cheap materials. How to produce an electrostatic charge using a polythene bottle and how to make a tissue paper electroscope using a tin can are among the experiments described. (HM)

Presents experiments, demonstrations, activities and ideas relating to various fields of biology to be used in biology courses in secondary schools. Among those experiments presented are demonstrating the early stages of ferns and mosses and simple culture methods for fern prothalli. (HM)

Describes experiments, demonstrations, activities and ideas relating to various fields of chemistry to be used in chemistry courses of secondary schools. Three experiments concerning differential thermal analysis are among these notes presented. (HM)