Schools in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, funded by a Royal Society Partnership Grant, engaged in an animal behaviour project with a researcher at the University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. The pupils used camera traps to conduct wildlife surveys and investigate behavioural responses in European badgers ("Meles meles"). The…

The STEM team at the University of Worcester support STEM activities in schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Part of this help includes suggesting activities for STEM clubs. As the biologist on the team author, Sue Howarth was asked by teachers for ideas to use in biology clubs. This article was prompted by feedback that these ideas might…

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are fully fluorinated hydrocarbons that are used as blood plasma substitutes, in medical imaging and in the cosmetics industry. Most are inert and can also be used as tracers for applications such as air flow. However, because of their C-F bonds and their longevity in the atmosphere, PFCs have large global warming…

Discusses some of the major research in science education published during the last 10 years in order to raise some of the methodological issues involved. Illustrates the progress that has been made along the path toward a science of teaching science. (CW)

Describes a tentative hypothesis for the control of plant branching (apical dominance). Explores the mechanism by which apical buds inhibit the growth of axillary buds on the same shoot. Presents an up-to-date picture of the problem and gives economic implications of the study. (BR)

Describes a study of student understanding of the nature of physics in Hungary before and after curricular reform in 1985 similar to Nuffield physics in Great Britain. Concludes that students taking non-science courses do not readily adopt a physical style of thinking. (CW)

Describes experiments demonstrating that root pressure in plants is probably controlled by a circadian rhythm (biological clock). Root pressure phenomenon plays significant part in water transport in contradiction with prevalent belief. (PS)

Explains the structure and properties of asbestos, its importance in industry, and its world-wide use and production. Discusses asbestos-related diseases and suggests ways of preventing them, adding that current research is trying to make working with asbestos safer. (GA)