High-stakes assessments prominently influence what is done in secondary school science lessons ('washback' effects). It is therefore important that assessments of knowledge and understanding gained from practical work are constructed to reward and incentivise effective practices in practical work. To do that, they must differentiate between pupils…

Practical work and experimental science are at the heart of teaching and learning in science classrooms. The COVID-19 pandemic forces secondary school science teachers to make difficult decisions about how best to facilitate practical work safely. We present empirical evidence of the effectiveness of teacher demonstrations and videos in preparing…

This article describes an opportunity to engage the public in demonstrating and explaining some aspects of science. About 10 years ago, the author met Peter Evennett in the ASE Conference exhibition. Peter was a member of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society and currently its president. As a contribution to "Science Week" (which…