Resources by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

Cooler Times Ahead?

A Catalyst article explaining how scientists have found that the overturning circulation in the Atlantic Ocean, which maintains Europe’s moderate climate, was weaker in 2004 by 30% relative to earlier estimates. What does this mean and what impact could it have on our climate? Scientists' research and their climate...

Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies or Weetabix

This Catalyst article looks at how scientists can use material recovered from archaeological sites to see how crops have been introduced to different countries over the history of farming. Three processes by which some plant material can be preserved are explained. The ratio of carbon isotopes from the collagen in...

Could purple tomatoes help us be healthier?

This Catalyst article looks at how tomato plants have been genetically modified so that they produce high levels of substances thought to reduce the risk of diseases including cancer and heart disease.

This article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2016, Volume 27, Issue 3.

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Crash Investigators

This Catalyst article investigates the ideas traffic police use about speed, acceleration and force to determine what happened during road accidents. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2014, Volume 25, Issue 2.

Catalyst is a...

Crystals

These downloadable videos and animations are part of the multimedia package Stuff and Substance, developed by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). They can be used to develop the idea that substances in the solid state usually consist of crystals, even though...

Cum Grano Salis

This Catalyst article looks at salt, in particular the process of extracting salt from the sea in the salt factories of Trapani in Sicily. Located on the west coast of the island, the saline (salt ponds) were probably started by the Phoenicians around 3000 years ago. The article also looks at the structure of salt...

Curious About Mars

This Catalyst article looks at NASA's Mars Curiosity rover, the automated chemistry lab which landed safely on Mars in August 2012. Capable of analysing samples from the planet's surface and atmosphere, the rover will undertake two years of experiments in the hope of discovering even more about our neighbouring...

Damian Murphy: Music Technologist

A Catalyst article about the work of Damian Murphy a music technologist. Acoustics and sound are examined in addition to the physical modelling and acoustics of buildings and environments, both real and virtual.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2007, Volume 17, Issue 3.

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Darwin's Digital Children

This Catalyst article is about using computer models which use natural selection to evolve new products. Computers can be used to simulate evolution showing how some species die out and how others evolve and thrive. Products used by humans in everyday activities also evolve and this article describes how their...

Death of a King

This Catalyst article investigates the remains of King Richard III of England, which have been excavated, and how they were analysed to establish the details of how he died.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 26, Issue 1.

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