We’re keen to help you encourage your students to understand where their science lessons could take them, and how the skills and knowledge they learn in class relate to the work of scientists today, in all kinds of jobs.
This collection of six teaching resources to help put science into a modern context of careers, including two resources for each of the age groups 11-14, 14-16 and post-16.
Each of the six resources brings together a careers case study with a contemporary scientist working in a different field, followed by a practical investigation and an opportunity for your pupils to do some research of their own. The resources include student sheets and full technical and teaching notes.
Investigating the difference between organic and non-organic food (11-14) |
Investigating the anti-cancer properties of plants (11-14) |
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Students watch a video about James Seymour, a scientist with an unusual job, as Product Manager for a company growing herbs for all our supermarkets. They then consider how they can carry out a fair test into the taste of plants produced under different conditions. |
Students are introduced to Dr Jess Chu, a young scientist researching Malaysian rainforest plants to see if they have antioxidant, anticancer or antibacterial properties. Students then carry out their own investigations into the presence of vitamin C, an antioxidant, in the different parts of different plants. |
Investigating the biodiversity of different habitats (14-16) |
Using tissue culture and 'cloning' for rare plant conservation (14-16) |
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Students are introduced to Amy Eycott, landscape ecologist for the Forestry Commission, through a short video case study. They find out more about the skills and knowledge that she needs for her job, and carry out a practical activity, comparing the diversity of habitats using Cairns' sequential comparison index. |
Students are introduced to conservation biotechnologist Jonathan Kendon, who specialises in conserving endangered plant species. Our well-known cauliflower cloning practical is based on a technique developed by Jonathan's colleagues at Kew. Students will carry out the practical, and consider how this technique can be used for conservation. |
Investigating the antibacterial properties of plants (post-16) |
Investigating how plants use colour to attract pollinators (post-16) |
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In this resource, students are introduced to Julian Ma, Professor of Molecular Immunology and joint head of the Infection and Immunity Research Centre at St George’s Hospital Medical School in London. He specialises in ‘pharming’ – the production of medicines by plants. Students read the case study and watch the video about Julian's work, and then carry out a practical using the disc diffusion method, testing plants to see if they make chemicals which have antimicrobial properties. |
Students read an interview with Dr Beverley Glover, a plant scientist researching the evolution and development of features of flowers which attract pollinating animals. They then carry out a variety of short practicals and research activities related to biophysics and adaptation. |
