What do you think when you watch Brian Cox on TV? 'Why doesn't he talk more about plants?'

Well, for all those who feel their plant science would be enhanced by a bit more Prof Brian, we have a treat in store. The Royal Society have collaborated with SAPS to create a new suite of videos to support primary science teaching.

But that's not all. How would you like to hear some of the UK - and the world's - leading scientists talk about cutting-edge research on epigenetics, cell death, and plant diseases? We've got amazing CPD for post-16 biology teachers.

Plus we've got a new teaching resource for you, developed by one of our SAPS Associates - this one to support post-16 biologists with computer modelling.

While the practicals are aimed at primary pupils, the 'science in society' videos, where Brian investigates innovative agriculture techniques and soil science, would be useful for 11-14 students. These resources are based on our recently updated Plants for Primary Pupils.

Watch the videos

"Thoroughly inspiring" SAPS Summer School - free* CPD for post-16 biology teachers

This course gives a select group of post-16 biology teachers the opportunity to join a plant science summer school hosted by some of the leading lights in biology, ecology and plant science.

Events will include practicals on plant disease techniques, developmental genetics, plant ID in the field, and modern microscopy techniques

Lectures for 2017 include:

• How microbes cause plant disease and how plants fight back, Prof Jonathan Jones, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich
• Epigenetic sensing and remembering of winter in plants, Prof Dame Caroline Dean, John Innes Centre
• Transforming crop yields with sugar, Prof Matthew Paul, Rothamsted Research
• Autography: the life and death of a plant cell, Prof Diane Bassham, Iowa State University

*An ENTHUSE award from the National STEM centre is available for eligible schools and colleges, to cover the costs of the CPD. 

Find out more

New resource (post-16) - A-level practical skills: Molecular modelling

This practical activity aims to develop students' understanding of primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins through computer protein modelling. Computer modelling can create 3D interactive images to support the student to visualize different interactions between amino acids within a molecule.

This resource can be used towards competency in computer modelling for the new practical skills endorsement for A level Biology (2015 specifications).

This resource was developed by Carla Jones-Bell of Hitchin Girls School.

View the resource

Plant pathology fact sheets

The British Society for Plant Pathology has developed materials in support of GCSE and A-level units on communicable diseases of plants. These simple and accessible descriptions of the pathogens (as single A4 sheets) have been reviewed by plant pathologists, and provide definitive information on the different diseases in 2017.

 View the resource 

Science and Plants for Schools, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE