Space is a topic most learners find engaging. This article set out a short project investigating meteorite impacts, both practically and using simulations, and suggests resources that could be used. The formation of craters, such as those on the Moon caused by objects landing on its surface, is used to illustrate a study plan. The project is…

The Gatsby "Good Practical Science" report (Gatsby, 2017) identified opportunities to carry out open-ended investigative projects as one of ten benchmarks for good practical science. However, there is currently no requirement for post-16 students in England to have access to such opportunities as this is not required by A-level…

In England, GCSE and AS/A-level practical assessment has been reformed, with controlled assessments replaced with practical assessment in written exams and direct assessment at A-level. The awarding body OCR surveyed science teacher attitudes to the reform during its introduction. Teachers considered post-reform qualifications better in that they…

The compartmentalisation of distinct disciplines limits the opportunities for teachers to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary manner. Workshops such as 'Saviour Siblings' from the Epistemic Insight Initiative encourage students to consider big questions from different perspectives and thus provide a bridge between the religious education…

This article endeavours to define how the application of incorrect or wrong solutions to mathematical equations or problems can be used to help stimulate students to perform a critical analysis of the mathematics being applied or the context of the equations used. The context of the application is discussed together with the specific learning…

Research globally has shown that many children lose interest in science towards the end of primary school and throughout the post-primary phase. This article explores children's experience and views in Irish schools that have adopted innovative practices that aim to empower, excite and inspire children in science. One of these focuses on explicit…

The place of fieldwork in both geography and science qualifications across the 14-19 age range remains contested, unclear and sometimes under threat. This article explores these issues for science education and was informed by a one-day, invitation-only workshop, which cut across geography and the sciences, that we ran at the behest of the Field…

Critique and questioning are central to the practice of science; without argument and evaluation, the construction of reliable knowledge would be impossible. The challenge is to incorporate an understanding of the role of critique and, more importantly, the ability to engage in critique, within the teaching of science. The emphasis in both the US…

Feedback from teachers during in-service courses shows that they are fascinated by neuroscience, as they feel that it has the potential to improve their teaching practice. A previous article of mine in "School Science Review" reported the first eight messages of the outcomes from a small-scale action research project with primary and secondary…

As part of its National Science and Engineering Week activities in 2009 and 2010, the University of Reading organised two open days for 60 local key stage 4 pupils. The theme of both open days was "How do we predict weather and climate?" Making use of the students' familiarity with weather and climate, several concepts of relevance to secondary…

Reports on a class project study in which gibberellic acid was applied to 15 plant varieties and observations of the plants' growth from seed germination to maturity were made. (GS)

Describes a cut-out model that demonstrates the movement of electrons and ions for a complete cycle. (GS)

Indicates how some branches of chemistry lend themselves to interpretation using a modern mathematical approach. Examples include set theory and the periodic table, matrix algebra and determinants and atomic theory, and symmetry and molecular structure. (GS)

Describes a reaction rate experiment in which the manipulative skills needed are minimal and the measure of reaction rate is direct and understandable. (Author/GS)

Describes the construction of a box that is filled with indicator of a particular concentration. A little acid is added to one side and a little alkali to the other so that the complete colour range of the indicator is observable. (GS)