Secondary Catalogue

After all the work of conducting an investigation, a scientist’s role is not over yet. Essential viewing before concluding their own STEM investigation, this programme introduces students to the many benefits and ways of communicating their scientific research by following four scientists who are well versed in presenting their findings to those who need to know about it. Show Less

Exploring the broad issue of urban light pollution through the work of four dedicated researchers, this programme reveals how and why each scientist chose their niche and turned it into a measurable research question. Middle and Senior-secondary students will find this programme insightful viewing before delving into their own STEM investigation. Show Less

Even the most well planned experiment means little if the evidence collected isn’t properly analysed. Following the progress of four scientists researching the problem of urban light pollution from four different angles, middle and senior secondary viewers will gain valuable information about the methods and technologies available for data analysis and how to avoid research bias. Show Less

Experiments come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have special considerations and constraints that need to be meticulously planned for before any field or lab work can begin. Ideal viewing before undertaking their own STEM investigation, viewers will re-join four scientists researching different angles of urban light pollution as they talk through the planning behind their experiments and the types of evidence they collected. Show Less

This video explores the development of scientific theories over time using one of the biggest scientific questions of all time as an example: how did our universe begin? From the static model, to red shift, the cosmological constant, the Steady State model, redshift, the Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background, students will come to understand that scientific theories are by no means eternal. Show Less

Through an examination of Steno’s Law of Superposition, this video explains the importance of empirical data collection for gathering evidence in support of scientific laws. With the simple and entertaining analogy of pants in a laundry basket, Steno’s contribution to science – particularly palaeontology – will help students to understand the rigour that must go into a scientific law for it to be accepted. Show Less

The difference between a scientific theory, law and hypothesis can be easily misunderstood by students. This video aims to provide each of these terms with sturdy definitions, supported by a humorous and unlikely example that will be both illustrative and memorable to students. Show Less

Basic techniques in the science lab are important to master. This clip demonstrates how to safely light a Bunsen burner, how to correctly smell a test tube using wafting and how to gently mix the contents of a test tube. It also explains the importance of careful washing of glassware. Show Less

When working with circuits, it is necessary for students to also understand how to correctly connect a voltmeter and ammeter. This clip demonstrates how to connect an ammeter in series and a voltmeter in parallel to accurately measure the current or voltage in a circuit. Show Less

In a science lab, it's important to know how to take accurate measurements. This clip demonstrates how to: measure temperature using a thermometer, use an analytical balance, and measure the volume of a liquid using a measuring cylinder, taking into consideration the meniscus. Show Less

Safety in the Science Laboratory is imperative, not only is it the basic fundamental of a successful learning environment, it is also every student and teachers right to work in a safe environment. This programme is aimed at providing students with a review of safety concepts and the introduction of new safety techniques as they head towards the use of more volatile substances and equipment in the science laboratory. The correct use of MSDS sheets and Risk Assessment sheets are also highlighted within the programme. Show Less

Very few parts of our everyday lives are untouched by science in some form or other. Scientific inquiry, research and technological development have taken human beings on an incredible journey – particularly in the past 100 years. When students first encounter science as a subject at school, their minds are typically already well and truly in inquiry mode...an exciting and curiosity-provoking introduction to science can leave an impression that lasts for life – and in many cases, take students down fascinating and rewarding career paths in later years. This programme is aimed to both inspire and educate junior secondary level students about science – the scientific method, and the three major streams taught in secondary school – chemistry, physics and biology. It also explores a range of jobs and other roles performed by scientists in many areas of research, technology and enterprise. It is an ideal learning resource to introduce students to science as a discipline, and provides great scope for further discussion and student research. Show Less

Bill shows students how to examine out-of-this-world claims through the eyes of a scientist - by looking for evidence and proof. He exposes techniques used by psychics, demonstrates the science of walking on flaming coals, and considers "The Case of the Extraordinary Claim." Show Less

Scientific methodology is a cornerstone of modern science. This video introduces scientific methodology by describing its development and purpose. Then, using the basic question 'Do plants need light to grow?', the viewer is given a detailed illustration of how scientific methodology is applied. This includes identifying the problem or question, gathering relevant data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through observation and experimentation, and acceptance, modification or rejection of the hypothesis. The concepts of theory and scientific law are also addressed. The programme is a useful tool for introducing young students to the concept of scientific method, or for refreshing the knowledge of students looking to understand more. Show Less

This programme takes a student through the correct steps for solving a problem scientifically: define or state the problem, research the problem, form a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, record and analyse the data, and state a conclusion. A simple experiment is conducted to demonstrate the steps. Lab safety procedures are explained and demonstrated during the programme. Show Less