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Science teaching resources

Many organisations and associations provide teaching resources on their websites. The following have been divided into sections for quicker reference and offer a broad range of activities, resources and lesson plans — both printable and online.

Thematic approaches

Looking for a topical issue to tackle during your science lessons?

Resources showing how sustainable development themes such as energy and water can be applied to the science curriculum are available.

You can also download British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) curriculum entitlement documents which offer a valuable resource for using ICT to enhance the teaching and learning of science subjects.

ICT in primary science: A pupil's entitlement
This document describes lessons that focus on the use of ICT.

ICT in secondary science: A pupil's entitlement (document 1)
This document provides examples of how ICT can be used in science to help pupils in their learning and presentation of work.

ICT in secondary science: A pupil's entitlement (document 2)
This document provides further examples of how ICT may be used in science.

Biology

  • ARKive
    ARKive is a superb electronic archive of photos, sounds and moving images of endangered species and habitats. The pictures and video clips are handy for illustrating lessons.
  • BEEP (BioEthics Education Project) This website has been developed to help teachers and students learn about the difficult dilemmas that arise out of the modern applications of biology. The site covers many topics with the content cross-linked to exam syllabus specifications.
  • Inside DNA
    This website is designed to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the fast-moving world of human genomics and provide a forum for everyone to discuss and debate the issues raised.

Chemistry

  • RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry)
    Find out about the range of activities for students that the RSC is involved in.
  • whynotchemeng
    This website is part of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and features a citizenship in science lesson for Key Stage 4 which is fully resourced. The area 'Future Life' looks at the challenges faced by chemical engineers in the 21st century with the environment, water supplies and clean energy solutions.

Physics 

Resources covering more than one branch of science, and/or science as a general subject

  • The Association for Science and Discovery Centres represents over 80 science centres in the UK and many other discovery centres in museums, botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos.
  • The Association for Science Education
    Download Science Year CD-ROMs and other resources for chemistry and physics.
  • The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science)
    BA is dedicated to making science accessible to all. It organises National Science Week and provides resources and event ideas. BA also organises UK-wide science events, searchable through the comprehensive database.
  • BBC resources for Key Stages 1 to 4
    This site offers lesson plans and worksheets.
  • BBC revision material for Key Stage 3 National Tests
    Support for teachers getting Year 9 pupils through tests, and revision notes for students.
  • BBC SOS teacher
    This site is aimed at pupils of Key Stages 2 to 4 and post-16, but is also useful for teachers.
  • Challenge of materials
    This is a colourful and highly interactive website that investigates uses of materials, from how materials are selected on the basis of their properties for inventions, to actual pictures from the Science Museum's exhibits.
  • Creationism and intelligent design in the science curriculum (guidance)
    Creationism and intelligent design are not part of the National Curriculum for science, but there is scope for pupils to discuss creationism as part of RE in developing their knowledge and understanding of Christianity, and other religions. This guidance is therefore designed to clarify for teachers the place of creationism and intelligent design within the National Curriculum.
  • English Heritage
    The English Heritage site contains a wealth of information, downloadable resources and interactive activities. Many of their sites have opportunities for work in science.
  • FirstScience
    This lively website features Science articles, weekly editorials and news alongside quizzes, crosswords, video clips and nature poems.
  • GCSE booster pack 
    This pack contains resources suitable for all GCSE students, but they are particularly aimed at those who are predicted a grade D and need support to achieve grade C at GCSE.
  • The GLOBE programme
    The GLOBE Programme is an international environmental education project that encourages pupils to explore and measure their local areas and report their findings over the internet. The programme links students and scientists in 104 countries.
  • Natural History Museum
    The schools and colleges area of the Natural History Museum website provides information for teachers planning a visit or workshop session. It is also possible to download teacher guides and museum maps, and book visits online.
  • Nuffield Curriculum Centre
    The Centre explores new approaches to teaching and learning by developing, managing and supporting curriculum projects, including science, for primary, secondary and post-16 students.
  • Planet Science
    Access an innovative range of resources, games and quizzes aimed at under 11-year-olds, as well as encouraging post-16 students to continue with science.
  • QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency)
    QCDA offers a range of publication and web resources that support schools in assessing pupils aged 3 to 19.
  • The Royal Society
    Find out about the society's work in promoting science education and awareness.
  • The RSPCA
    The RSPCA has produced a large number of curriculum-linked resources. Topics range from Animals and the Law to Biodiversity. They are aimed at different age groups and cover curriculum material for Key Stage 1 to 4. Many of these resources are also available in Welsh.
  • schoolscience
    This site is packed with free online resources and information including notes and worksheets in all areas of science for Key Stages 3 to 5.
  • Science InsideOut
    This website provides information about the programme of science events for schools run by the Royal Institution. The events are packed with experiments and demonstrations and offer pupils an excellent opportunity to experience the reality of scientific discovery. The programme is designed to complement the national curriculum.
  • Science Museum
    The Science Museum website provides downloadable resources for curriculum themes, as well as information to help plan a successful visit, and classroom activities independent of a visit.
  • SciShop
    SciShop is an online resource database designed to support teachers and students in Key Stages 3 science. 
  • Structural Concepts
    A university website which aims to enhance the understanding of structural concepts through using simple physical models and appropriate practical examples.
  • TeacherNet's reviewed lesson plans
    Read a lesson plan review before downloading it. The database contains over 2000 reviews on subjects across all levels and Key Stages.
  • Teacher Resource Exchange (TRE)
    Teachers can post and access downloadable lesson plans and worksheets here. Search tip: the database is large so best results are achieved using the keyword search box, rather than browsing by subject and Key Stage.
  • Try Science
    Fun, online activities and printable lesson ideas.
  • US Geological Survey: Learning Web
    This website provides a range of multimedia resources on topics such as volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks and fossils, maps and caves. The lesson plans and activities have been based on US national education standards.
  • Waste Watch Recycle Zone
    This website teaches about the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. With facts, quizzes, a glossary, games and tips for recycling at home, this website makes learning about this subject fun.

Last updated: 26 February 2010



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