Big Research Questions

Research is an integral part of science. These free resources help embed real world research in the classroom so that students gain a better understanding of how science works.

This series of resources have been developed by the Association for Science Education for their RCUK funded series ‘Research focused teaching resources to inspire students in STEM Careers’.

Whilst using these activities teachers may wish to show students the original research paper (see link provided in resource) and use this to illustrate how scientists share their research and discuss the need for peer review before publication. This supports coverage of Working Scientifically (England).

The King in a car park - Explore what isotope analysis reveals about the lifestyle of the king. What can isotope analysis tell us about the diet of...
RCUK

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What research are scientists doing to help prevent the spread of this deadly disease? How is malaria normally transmitted to humans? What is unusual...
RCUK

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How can hand touch data help to reduce healthcare associated infections? Using their own understanding of the communication of disease and real life...
RCUK

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How can hydrogen fuel be produced safely in cars? In this activity students consider how research into fuels derived from ammonia could be used to...
STFC

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In this activity students consider how research into variations in the uptake of radioactive isotopes by crop plants could be used to reduce human...
RCUK

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Can we keep street lights bright enough to make people feel safe, but reduce their demand for energy? Look up at the street lights in your area. Are...
RCUK

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In this activity students consider the design of clinical trials to test the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines for community protection in The...
RCUK

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