Deadly diseases and plant pathology

In this new practical, students track down leaf pathogens under the microscope, as a starting point to consider the global impact of disease on society and the environment. The topic would make a contemporary science club activity, but is relevant to many aspects of A-level biology, such as leaf structure during the teaching of photosynthesis, productivity of crop species and reasons for using pest control.

Adaptation, evolution and the physics of coconuts

In this experiment students investigating the physics of floating and falling coconuts, using the coconut “kernel”. This makes an excellent idea for looking at evolution and adaptation in an unusual context. This activity combines physics, biology and maths, and makes a great school STEM club or science club activity.

Video demo - Investigations with Venus' Fly Traps

In this activity, perfect for STEM science clubs, students investigate what causes a Venus' Fly Trap to shut its trap. These experiments are related to a series of investigations that Darwin carried out as part of his work on evolution and adaptation. A great activity for science clubs.

Naked Scientists Podcasts

Stimulate your thinking beyond the classroom with these lively podcasts from the Naked Scientists - stripping science down to its bare essentials.

Plants as chemical factories: a science club activity

This short activity encourages students to think about the plants around them in a whole new light - as chemical factories, producing compounds which may be poisonous, delicious, or life saving. This is a great practical for science clubs, or to encourage gardening clubs to think differently about the plants they grow.

Adaptation, natural selection and winged fruits: science club activity

In this resource, students focus on the role of natural selection in evolution, by considering the extent to which the winged fruits from a tree are adapted for successful dispersal. A great activity for a STEM science club, or as a a backup activity for a gardening club when it rains!

Films on Pollen and Pollination

Three amazing films introducing pollen and pollinators as you've never seen them before.

rEvolution - online games for biology students

Online games, designed by the Centre for Applied Research in Educational Technologies at the University of Cambridge to introduce and reinforce key concepts in biology, ecology and plant science. These games make great activities for your students at the end of term, as a plenary, or for a STEM science club.

Wild Oats on the move - demonstrating adaptation in plants

This enjoyable practical demonstration shows plants 'on the move', encouraging students to think about the adaptations that make the Wild Oat such an invasive weed. The Wild Oats awn (hair) is hygroscopic and moves rapidly (within a minute) in response to small changes in humidity. This practical makes a great STEM science club activity or a demonstration for a school open evening.

Creating a model ecosystem with brine shrimps: a science club activity

Have you ever thought of making a model planet where the ecosystem is almost closed to everything except light? A great idea for STEM science clubs that can be extended for ecology investigations at KS4 and post-16 biology projects.

Investigations with Carnivorous Plants: science club activity

Carnivorous plants can capture your pupils' imagination with a wide range of cunning tactics to deceive and entrap their prey. In addition a variety of experiments can be performed on the remarkable digestive physiology of these plants. These make great activities for a STEM science club, or as a an activity for a gardening club when it rains.