nuffield science research project

Welcome to Research Placements & Experiences (formerly Nuffield Research Placements)

The Research Placements & Experience programme (formerly Nuffield Research Placements) provides engaging, hands-on projects, where Year 12 students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of a host organisation through a well-supervised but independent placement collaboration relating to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or a combination!).

Students can apply via the button below but please make sure you've checked your eligibility requirements

Check eligibility requirements here

Which placement?

Students can participate in Research Placements or Experience Placements. Both offer a rewarding experience for enthusiastic and curious young people

Research Placements

Research Placements are 2-week collaborations with a STEM-related knowledge expert on a live research question or area of development. While producing a scientific or technical report and poster, this opportunity ensures that students contribute meaningfully to the host organisation's current work.

Experience Placements

Experience Placements are 5-day explorations with industry experts to identify essential skills needed for employment in a specific STEM sector of interest. While producing a workbook and reflective report, students gain insight into working in

professional environments as well as knowledge of the challenges for different sectors, in turn preparing them for employment.

Employers who are interested in supporting students through a supervised placement can register below. Alternatively, feel free to contact your Regional Coordinating Team to hear more about the benefits of providing a placement and what's involved. Contact details can be found HERE .

The benefits of a Nuffield Research Placement

Title real-world experience.

Challenge yourself with a meaningful and rewarding supervised research project in a professional working environment.

Title Gain new skills

Learn to write a scientific report and develop your research, critical thinking and time management skills.

Title Valuable insight

Gain workplace skills and take an inside look at the sort of careers available to you.

Title Build your confidence

Take responsibility for your own project that’ll be useful to professional scientists, social scientists, engineers, technologists and/or mathematicians.

Title Exploration

Engage in a unique experience with professionals and become more confident working on novel situations.

Title Networking

Connect with your peers and make new network contacts you can keep in touch with in the future.

Previous student experiences

Title Abrar and Mutahir

Abrar and Mutahir talk about their placements at the University of Manchester.

Title Ife and Ian

Watch what happened on Ife and Ian’s placements at UCL.

Title Asma and Senel

Learn more from Asma and Senel about their placements at the Natural History Museum.

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nuffield science research project

Nuffield: getting to grips with science in the real world

Since 2011 we’ve welcomed students from the Nuffield scheme, who have been getting to grips with research projects at the cutting edge of science.

Since 2011 we’ve welcomed students from the  Nuffield scheme , who have been getting to grips with research projects at the cutting edge of science. This year, the students got their hands dirty with a metagenomics project looking at the hidden life in soil.

Article by Georgie Lorenzen, Science Communications Trainee

Year 13 is a critical time for students. With the end of their post-16 education in sight, they must make a decision about what to do next. Whilst many will go on to study higher education courses, choosing which ones to apply for can be a daunting decision; over 50,000 undergraduate courses offered at more than 395 providers in the UK alone. That’s before you count the other options: apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and higher national diplomas.

One way for students to better equip themselves in navigating this minefield of possibilities is by participating in placements, to get real life work experience. The  Nuffield research placement scheme  gives sixth form students the opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to work in the scientific sector. Placements run for 4-6 weeks during the summer holidays, with students working alongside scientists to carry out research and develop both their laboratory and computational skills. It is offered by many different providers in the UK, such as universities and research institutes.

We have been offering placements to Nuffield students since 2011 as both a standalone project provider and in partnerships, such as with the  John Innes Centre . Previous projects have covered topics such as circadian rhythms in clocks, sequencing European polecats and generating phylogenetic trees of pathogens.

Nuffield getting grips science real world Thomas Searle Anne Bongaerts 770

The Nuffield research placement scheme gives sixth form students the opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to work in the scientific sector.

nuffield science research project

This year, it was the turn of Thomas Searle and Anne Bongaerts. Their project involved exploring the use of long read sequencing to sequence the genomes of organisms within a population, working under the supervision of  Darren Heavens  and  Samuel Martin , both from the  Leggett group .

Darren, who was the student’s primary supervisor, thinks that having the chance to be a mentor is a great way to help inspire the next generation of scientists: “I have worked with two previous Nuffield students and personally get a great deal from them being here. I was very fortunate that in my first job I had two excellent role models who taught me a great deal about working in a laboratory and I see these placements as an opportunity to give something back.”

nuffield science research project

What is metagenomics?

Commonly referred to as environmental genomics, metagenomics involves studying the genomes of multiple species within a community without the need for obtaining a pure culture.

This could be a sample of the bacteria which make up our gut microbiome, or those found in an environmental sample, such as that from a river. These samples will contain the DNA from a range of species, some of which may have not been sequenced before.

The nature of these samples can make traditional, short-read sequencing difficult. That’s because the genome assembly step is harder when there is DNA from lots of different organisms - particularly if you don’t know what the organisms are!

Developing bioinformatics pipelines is one way that scientists are working to harness the data collected from metagenomic DNA samples. Another method is using long-read sequencing, such as nanopore technologies from Illumina, which read DNA strands in one go as opposed to chopping it up first.

I caught up with Thomas, a student at Thorpe St Andrew sixth form in Norwich, on his last day at EI to find out how the experience had impacted him.

What were you studying?

“We extracted DNA from a soil sample, then used electrophoresis to separate a sample of the DNA into twelve different size fractions. We then investigated if that made a difference to community composition when we sequenced and analysed it.”

Nuffield getting grips science real world extracting DNA soil sample 770

We extracted DNA from a soil sample, then used electrophoresis to separate a sample of the DNA into twelve different size fractions.

What have you learned during the placement?

“I'd never done anything to do with DNA sequencing or metagenomics before so everything was brand new! I feel like the project was a really good way of learning about it. I've learned firsthand the importance of good planning and hopefully I've developed my scientific writing a little bit too.”

What was the most interesting part of the placement?

“I thought that using the HPC was really exciting and I definitely feel like I underestimated the importance of computational biology.”

nuffield science research project

I thought that using the HPC was really exciting and I definitely feel like I underestimated the importance of computational biology.

What did you think of EI?

“EI is incredibly welcoming and everyone here has been really lovely. I think it was a great insight into the working environment. I definitely appreciated the coffee machine and the table football!”

Sowing a seed

The experience has encouraged Thomas to consider the importance of bioinformatics in biological research as he continues his academic studies:

“I was already quite interested in bioinformatics and learning about it at EI has made me want to focus more on being a mathematically and computer literate biologist in the future.”

Not only was the placement a positive experience for the students, Sam told me that he felt it was valuable for the researchers that they worked with, too:

“I haven’t hosted Nuffield students before, but I think it is useful for the institute in terms of outreach, and also for me, personally, to develop teaching and mentoring skills. I was impressed by how quickly the students learned the new skills necessary for the analysis we performed, and how enthusiastic they were to go beyond what I had planned.”

Darren added, “I have really enjoyed seeing them grow as scientists and observe the dynamic of how they worked together. I think that Setpoint do a good job in identifying students with immense potential and this year was no different.”

Nuffield getting grips science real world hero

I was already quite interested in bioinformatics and learning about it at EI has made me want to focus more on being a mathematically and computer literate biologist in the future.

~ Thomas Searle, Nuffield Research Placement Student (2019)

nuffield science research project

How can you get involved as a student or researcher?

Fancy doing a Nuffield placement in the future? There is a strict application criteria, so you’ll need to speak to your teachers first to check your eligibility. Applications are made via an online application process. They do not come directly to EI, but rather a local administration group. Read more about applying  here .

Researchers!

Fancy giving some bright students a great opportunity? If you want to look into hosting a Nuffield placement, the first step is to get in contact with your local Nuffield coordinator. You can find this information  here  and read more about the scheme  here .

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Delve into a wide range of chemical concepts and processes with this collection of over 200 step-by-step practicals

Developed by the Nuffield Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry, each resource contains detailed information for teachers and technicians.

Numerous expanded polystyrene foam beads on a blue background

‘Dissolving’ polystyrene in acetone

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Investigate what happens to polystyrene when it is placed in propanone (acetone) in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A hand holding a brush ready to make a white surface

‘Magic’ writing with colour changing reactions

Reveal invisible messages or pictures drawn with aqueous solutions by spraying them with suitable reagents in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Aqueous solutions of red potassium dichromate and yellow potassium chromate in glass jars

A chromate–dichromate equilibrium

Try this class practical to investigate an equilibrium between chromate(VI), dichromate(VI) and hydrogen ions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An enhanced image of a red-orange explosion against a dark background

A controlled explosion using hydrogen and air

Show how a hydrogen–air mixture can gain explosive properties using a plastic drink bottle in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Three clear empty plastic drink bottles, against a plain white-grey background

A hydrogen powered rocket

Try this spectacular demonstration to make a rocket using a plastic drink bottle fuelled by hydrogen and air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A variety of glassware and containers of sodium hydroxide and phenolphthalein indicator in a laboratory

A microscale acid–base titration

Use microscale titration to complete an acid–base neutralisation with sodium hydroxide in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a laboratory well-plate with 24 wells, containing an orange-yellow solution

A microscale oxidation of alcohols

Use this practical to investigate the oxidation reactions of various alcohols with acidified potassium dichromate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A glass Petri dish containing bromic acid, malonic acid and phenanthroline with a blue and red pattern

A red–blue oscillating reaction

Use this practical or demonstration to provide a visual illustration of an oscillating reaction and redox equilibria. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Copper sulfate crystals on a spatula

A reversible reaction of hydrated copper(II) sulfate

A class practical which investigates the reversible reaction of hydrated copper(II) sulfate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up image of a Petri dish containing bromic acid, malonic acid and phenanthrolinehe; a colourful blue-purple pattern is visible as an Belousov-Zhabotinsky oscillating reaction takes place

A simple oscillating reaction

Use this demonstration to illustrate an oscillating reaction as bromate ions oxidise malonic acid to carbon dioxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A sample of solid yellow lead iodide on a glass dish against a white background

A solid–solid reaction between lead nitrate and potassium iodide

Use this demonstration with kit list and safety instructions to prove that two solids can react together, making lead iodide from lead nitrate and potassium iodide.

A purple-red flame against a black background

A spontaneous exothermic reaction

Illustrate the reaction between glycerol and potassium manganate(VII) to produce flames and steam in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Several test tubes containing liquids that range in colour from light yellow, through orange to dark brown, representing the iodoform reaction.

A test to distinguish between ethanol and methanol

A class practical to distinguish between methanol and ethanol using the iodoform reaction. Includes kit list, safety instructions, procedure and teaching notes.

A glass thermometer resting in a glass conical flask in a laboratory setting

A thermometric titration

Use this class practical to practise locating end-points in titration by measuring temperature during the reaction. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Testing a slice of lemon with litmus paper

Acid or alkali? Acidic or alkaline? A litmus paper test

Test a variety of substances to see if they are acidic or alkaline, using litmus paper as the indicator. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A white polystyrene food container with the lid off, on a red-pink background

Addition polymerisation with phenylethene

Use this practical or demonstration as an example of addition polymerisation using phenylethene to form polyphenylethene. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A small heap of purified yellow sulfur powder against a neutral background

Allotropes of sulfur

Use this practical to explore the changes in the colour and consistency of sulfur as you heat it, melt it and eventually boil it. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a conical flask containing a purple liquid

Ammonia fountain demonstration

Try this experiment to make a miniature chemical fountain using only soluble ammonia and atmospheric pressure. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a small heap of ammonium dichromate which has been ignited, producing orange sparks and green chromium oxide

Ammonium dichromate volcano

Try this demonstration to create a mini volcanic eruption illustrating the decomposition of ammonium dichromate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Three glass boiling tubes containing blue copper sulfate solution, resting in a test tube rack on school laboratory bench

An equilibrium using copper(II) and ammonia

Try this practical to explore an equilibrium involving copper(II) ions, with copper(II) sulfate, ammonia and sulfuric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a roll of aluminium foil

Anodising aluminium

Explore an application of electrolysis in this demonstration by anodising aluminium to improve corrosion resistance. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of four paper five pound notes on a wooden surface

Burning money: what makes combustion happen?

Surprise your students by soaking a piece of paper (or an old £5 note) in ethanol and water and igniting it. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Evaporating dish containing burning hydrogen peroxide and ethanol

Cannon fire

 Increase the rate of burning with the inclusion of oxygen, in this loud exothermic practical

A small heap of black activated charcoal against a plain white-grey background

Carbon filtration and activated charcoal

Try this practical to remove objectionable tastes and odours from water using carbon in the form of activated charcoal. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Five conical flasks with different coloured liquids arranged as a spectrum from red to green to blue

Catalysing the reaction of sodium thiosulfate and hydrogen peroxide

Illustrate the effect of a catalyst as sodium thiosulfate is oxidised by hydrogen peroxide in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A glass measuring cylinder containing a dark purple liquid

Catalysis of a sodium thiosulfate and iron(III) nitrate reaction

Investigate the effect of transition metal catalysts on the reaction between iron(III) nitrate and sodium thiosulfate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a pile of zinc granules

Catalysis of the reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid

Compare the rate of reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid with copper as a catalyst in this simple class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A lit Bunsen burner on a laboratory bench, burning with a blue flame

Catalysts for the thermal decomposition of potassium chlorate

Try this demonstration to investigate the effectiveness of various catalysts for the decomposition of potassium chlorate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Pink cobalt chloride solution in a glass petri dish against a plain white-grey background

Catalytic oxidation of potassium sodium tartrate

Use this demonstration to illustrate catalysis of the oxidation of potassium sodium tartrate by hydrogen peroxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Blue chemiluminescence of luminol with sodium chlorate

Chemiluminescence of luminol: a cold light experiment

Show how the energy of a chemical reaction can be given out as light. Includes kit list and safety instructions. 

Cromtography index

Chromatography of sweets | 11–14 years

In association with Nuffield Foundation , By Holly Walsh and Sandrine Bouchelkia

Try this class practical to carry out chromatography using dye from different coloured M&M’s®. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two glass beakers containing red and blue liquids

Colourful reactions using ammonia solution

Turn ammonia solution red, white or blue by adding phenolphthalein, lead nitrate or copper(II) sulfate in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a sample of copper ore, with patches of a distinctive blue-green colour, against a neutral background

Colourimetric determination of copper ore

Use this practical to introduce students to the determination of copper ore by colourimetry using copper(II) sulfate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An image of a cork flying from an explosion effect created by a sparkler against a black background

Combustion of ethanol

Illustrate the large energy changes that take place during the combustion of alcohols with this spectacular demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A single orange flame against a black background

Combustion of hydrogen in air

Try this demonstration or class experiment to investigate how varying amounts of fuel and oxygen affect combustion. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a spirit burner and orange-red flame on a black background

Comparing heat energy from burning alcohols

Investigate the amounts of heat energy produced by the combustion of different alcohols in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two white bottles of laundry detergent next to white and cream folded fabrics

Comparing light- and heavy-duty detergents

Try this set of experiments to compare the effects of light- and heavy-duty detergents with different pH values. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of a length of tin being melted using a soldering iron

Comparing the melting points of solder, tin and lead

Test the melting points of lead, tin and solder to investigate solder as a solid mixture and alloy in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a corroded carbon steel structure on a pier, with visible rust

Corrosion in different atmospheric conditions

Try this practical to test the corrosion of metals in dry air, moist air and air polluted by acidic sulfur dioxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing the outside of an industrial furnace and heat exchanger, used in the cracking of hydrocarbons

Cracking hydrocarbons in liquid paraffin with a catalyst

Model the industrial process of cracking larger hydrocarbons to produce smaller alkanes in this demonstration or class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A plastic model of a molecule of paraffin

Cracking hydrocarbons on a microscale

Use this microscale experiment to illustrate hydrocarbon cracking using paraffin, bromine water and aluminium oxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A plastic model of a molecule of ethene

Dehydration of ethanol to form ethene

Use this class practical or demonstration to produce ethene gas as an example of an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A round loaf of white bread partly cut to produce three slices

Detecting starch in food on a microscale

Test different foodstuffs for the presence of starch using iodine in this microscale class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Balancing a needle on the surface tension of water

Detergents, soaps and surface tension

A series of brief experiments on the effects of detergents and soaps on the surface tension of purified and hard water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of two large disposable plastic syringes against a plain white-grey background

Determining relative molecular mass by weighing gases

Use this demonstration to determine the relative molecular masses of different gases using the ideal gas equation. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A roll of silver-grey magnesium ribbon standing on its edge against a plain grey background

Determining the relative atomic mass of magnesium

Use this practical to determine the relative atomic mass of magnesium using its reaction with hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A small butane camping stove on grass

Determining the relative molecular mass of butane

Use this demonstration to calculate the relative molecular mass of butane using simple apparatus. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An image of a yellow substance dissolving and diffusing in a clear liquid

Diffusion in liquids

Demonstrate that diffusion takes place in liquids in this practical using lead nitrate and potassium iodide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Ammonia tank

Diffusion of gases: ammonia and hydrogen chloride

A demonstration to show the diffusion of gases, using ammonia solution and hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Magnesium ribbon

Displacement reactions between metals and their salts

Students will investigate competition reactions of metals and determine a reactivity series of the four metals used. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a glass test tube containing a liquid with visible air bubbles

Displacement reactions of non-metals

Investigate a displacement series of non-metals using oxygen and chlorine in this class practical or demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An aerial photograph of the surface of seawater

Dissolved substances in tap water and seawater

Compare the solids and gases dissolved in tap water and seawater in this class practical and demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of silver-grey iodine crystals on a neutral background

Distribution of iodine between two immiscible solvents

Use this class experiment or demonstration to create an equilibrium distribution using iodine in two immiscible solvents. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Four different coloured fabric swatches, including yellow, red, green and blue

Dyeing three colours from the same dye bath

Show how dyeing involves chemical interactions between dyes and the molecular nature of different fibres in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up, full-frame image of bubbles of different sizes in a purple liquid

Electrolysis of brine

Use this colourful practical to introduce students to the electrolysis of brine, or sodium chloride solution. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a glass beaker containing blue copper(II) sulfate solution on a white surface

Electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution

Explore the electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution and related industrial processes with this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered model of the equipment required for electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide, including gas burner, crucible and graphite rods

Electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide

Introduce your students to the study of electrolysis through the production of metallic lead and bromine in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Molten zinc chloride inside a crucible, with two graphite electrodes

Electrolysis of molten zinc chloride

Try this demonstration to show how an ionic salt will conduct electricity when molten but not when solid. Includes kit list, video and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a glass test tube containing water and oil

Emulsifiers in the kitchen

Test a range of common ingredients to see which ones stabilise an oil and water emulsion in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a glass beaker containing a liquid, with a gas visibly rising from the top

Endothermic solid–solid reactions

Observe an endothermic reaction between two solids in this demonstration or class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a burning marshmallow on a metal skewer, pictured against a dark background

Energy content in foods

Try this class experiment to investigate how much energy different foods contain. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up image of bubbles in fizzy water

Equilibria involving carbon dioxide in aqueous solution

Use this demonstration or class practical to illustrate changes to equilibria in carbonated soda water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

The tops of three different plastic bottles containing bleach and other household chemicals

Estimating the concentration of bleach

Compare the chlorine content and concentration of sodium hypochlorite in different bleaches in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A piece of zinc placed in blue copper sulfate solution in a glass beaker, with a dark coating of copper resulting from the reaction that takes place

Exothermic metal displacement reactions

Try this class experiment to explore what happens when different metals are added to a copper(II) sulfate solution. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A glass container or beaker containing a clear liquid and labelled with the formula for hydrochloric acid

Exothermic metal–acid reactions

Use this class practical to explore the temperature changes resulting from adding different metals to hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Measuring the temperature of a liquid to determine whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic

Exothermic or endothermic? Classifying reactions

Decide whether various reactions are exothermic or endothermic by measuring temperature change in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Zinc Iodide Formula. Handwritten chemical formula on blackboard. Illustration white background of a black school board.

Exothermic redox reaction of zinc with iodine

Using an exothermic redox reaction between zinc and iodine, student will make zinc iodide. This can be reversed using electrolysis to decompose the compound.

An orange flame shooting from a barely visible gas tank against a dark background

Exploding a tin can using methane

Use this demonstration to illustrate how methane can create an explosive mixture with the oxygen in air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up enhanced image of a soap bubble against a black background

Exploding bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen

Create a small explosion in this demonstration by electrolysing water to produce hydrogen and oxygen bubbles. Includes kit list, video and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of a piece of rock with malachite (copper ore)

Extracting copper from copper(II) carbonate

Use this practical to produce copper from copper(II) carbonate, modelling the extraction of copper from malachite. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of wet laminaria ribbon seaweed (or kelp) on a beach

Extracting iodine from seaweed

Discover how ribbon seaweed (or kelp) can be used as a source of iodine in this demonstration or class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A variety of different breakfast cereals in bowls on a wooden surface, with a glass jug of milk and spoons at the side

Extracting iron from breakfast cereal

Try this class practical or demonstration to extract food-grade iron from breakfast cereals using neodymium magnets. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up, full-frame photograph of pieces of charcoal

Extracting metals with charcoal

Try this class practical to illustrate the idea of competition reactions between metals and carbon. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of the head of an unlit matchstick

Extraction of iron on a match head

Try this practical as a small scale example of metal extraction, reducing iron(III) oxide with carbon on a match head. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A large fire rising from a black flying pan on a kitchen stove

Fat-pan fires and the conditions for combustion

Use this demonstration to illustrate the conditions required to start combustion, and how to put out a pan fire safely. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Previews of the Fermentation of glucose using yeast student sheets and teacher notes, and a coloured SEM image of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

Fermentation of glucose using yeast | 14–16 years

In association with Nuffield Foundation , By Neil Goalby

Use this class practical to investigate the fermentation of glucose by yeast and test for ethanol. Includes kit list, safety instructions, questions and answers

A close-up photograph of a sample of black copper(II) oxide on a glass dish

Finding the formula of copper(II) oxide

Use this class practical with your students to deduce the formula of copper(II) oxide from its reduction by methane. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Hydrated copper sulfate crystals (blue in colour)

Finding the formula of hydrated copper(II) sulfate

In this experiment students will measure the mass of hydrated copper(II) sulfate before and after heating and use mole calculations to find the formula.

Copper solution soaked splint in Bunsen burner flame.

Flame colours: a demonstration

Explore how different elements rect when exposed to a flame, and discuss how alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and metal salts change the colour of fire.

Bubbles of different sizes floating against a black background

Floating and sinking bubbles

Make bubbles of carbon dioxide, hydrogen or methane in this demonstration exploring density, diffusion and solubility. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered illustration of dark and light blue spheres or bubbles against a turquoise background

Generating, collecting and testing gases

Read our standard guidance on generating, collecting and testing gases during practical experiments, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen and chlorine.

A macro photograph of a piece of iron wool

Halogen reactions with iron wool

Illustrate an exothermic redox reaction by heating iron wool with chlorine, bromine and iodine with this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing a booklet of detachable strips of universal indicator paper, with a colour chart for comparison

Halogens in aqueous solution and their displacement reactions

Explore the chemical properties of halogens using this demonstration or class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A glass flask containing bromine liquid, suspended from a metal laboratory clamp

Handling liquid bromine and preparing bromine water

Find out how to handle liquid bromine and prepare bromine water safely using these health, safety and technical notes.

White eggs in a cardboard holder, with one broken in half to reveal the egg yolk and white

Heating chocolate and egg

Use this practical to introduce students to physical and chemical changes and the safe use of Bunsen burners. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A full-frame image of creased copper foil

Heating copper in air

Explore the reaction of copper with oxygen, producing copper oxide, when a copper envelope is heated in air in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A piece of the Group 1 metal sodium in a petri dish against a neutral background

Heating group 1 metals in air and in chlorine

Use this demonstration to illustrate the reactions of lithium, sodium and potassium in air and in chlorine. Includes kit list, video and safety instructions.

The underside of a bathroom tap coated in white and discoloured limescale deposits

How can hardness in water be removed?

Investigate the effects of three treatments for softening hard water in this class practical and demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A full-frame photograph of panels of rusty corrugated iron

How much oxygen is used when iron wool rusts?

Try this practical to investigate how much oxygen is used in rusting and calculate the percentage of oxygen in air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of many colourless hydrogel beads

Hydrogels in plant water storage crystals

Investigate plant water storage crystals as one application of hydrogels in this fun class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A full-frame photograph of a heap of plastic bottles and containers for recycling

Identifying polymers by density

Investigate and identify a variety of polymers used in everyday materials by testing their density in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Three small candles or tea lights burning against a black background

Identifying the products of combustion

Illustrate the presence of water and carbon dioxide in the products of hydrocarbon combustion in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered illustration of the equipment required for an experiment using an electrolysis cell

Identifying the products of electrolysis

Try this class experiment to carry out the electrolysis of various solutions and investigate the products formed. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Dry ice in a glass producing a white-grey 'fog' against a black background

Indicators and dry ice demonstration

Create bubbles, ‘fog’ and a colour change adding dry ice to alkaline ammonia or sodium hydroxide solution in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Blue-green hair gel in an opened plastic container against a black background

Investigating hydrogels in nappies and hair gel

Investigate hydrogels as polymeric smart materials in this series of activities using nappies and hair gel. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Bubbles of different sizes in water

Investigating the role of water in acidity

Try this practical or demonstration to explore the importance of water for acidity using hydrogen chloride and methylbenzene. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of the tops of glass test tubes in a laboratory

Investigating the solubility of lead halides

Encourage students to make and test predictions about the pattern of solubility among lead halides in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two iodine clock reactions in beakers showing how rate of reaction is affected by temperature

Iodine clock reaction demonstration method

Use this iodine clock reaction demonstration to introduce your students to rates of reaction and kinetics. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close up of someone using a spoon to add sulfur powder to a weighing boat on top of a balance

Iron and sulfur reaction

This demonstration or class experiment shows the exothermic reaction of iron and sulphur. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Five leaves representing different stages of turning brown, from completely green to yellow to fully brown

Leaf chromatography

Try this class practical to use paper chromatography to separate and investigate the pigments in a leaf. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D illustration of a square from the periodic table with the chemical symbol for

Liquefying chlorine gas

Use this demonstration to produce liquid chlorine and compare it with bromine and iodine in their condensed state. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of blue-green dioptase crystals

Making a crystal garden

Create chemical gardens with your students by growing crystals of coloured silicates in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a heap of red cabbages

Making a pH indicator using red cabbage

Try this class practical to make a pH indicator from red cabbage with your students. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Photographic prints and developing equipment in a dark room lit by a red safelight

Making a photographic print using silver chloride

Try this practical or demonstration to create a photographic image of an object using light sensitive silver chloride. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered model illustrating the structure of a molecule of ammonia

Making and testing ammonia

In this experiment, students make ammonia, investigate its solubility in water and test its alkaline nature. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing two people in lab coats; the person in focus is carefully smelling the contents of a test tube

Making esters from alcohols and acids

Investigate the reactions between a range of alcohols and acids by producing a variety of esters in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up, full-frame photograph of multicoloured stain glass panels

Making glass

Try this class practical to make samples of glass using lead oxide, zinc oxide and boric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up image of milk and a splash where more milk is poured or added

Making glue from milk

Try this class practical to prepare a polymer glue from milk using the protein casein. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Climber flicks excess magnesium carbonate off their fingertips before starting a new route

Making magnesium carbonate: the formation of an insoluble salt in water

Students react magnesium sulfate and sodium carbonate to form magnesium carbonate, which is insoluble in water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of two potatoes against a neutral background

Making plastic from potato starch

Try this class practical to make a plastic using potato starch and investigate the effects of adding a ‘plasticiser’. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Rolls of pink-purple rayon stacked inside a cardboard box

Making rayon

Use this demonstration to produce rayon fibres in the classroom using cotton wool or filter paper. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two clusters of white soap or detergent bubbles on a flat surface against a turquoise background

Making soaps and detergents using castor oil

Try this class practical to make a soap or detergent using castor oil and either sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two black wires being soldered together using a soldering iron

Making solder as an alloy of tin and lead

Try this practical to make solder by heating together the metals tin and lead before investigating the alloy’s properties. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Digital thermometer in front of a conical flask.

Melting and freezing stearic acid

In this class practical students take the temperature of stearic acid at regular intervals as they heat and cool it. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A full-frame photograph of small copper granules

Microscale extraction of copper

Try this practical to reduce copper(II) oxide to copper using hydrogen, revealing their positions in the reactivity series. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of three test tubes containing precipitates of blue copper hydroxide, red-orange iron(III) hydroxide and green iron(II) hydroxide

Microscale reactions of positive ions with sodium hydroxide

Try this microscale practical exploring the reactions of various positive ions with sodium hydroxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of orange potassium dichromate(VI) in a clear glass container

Microscale oxidation of cyclohexanol by potassium dichromate(VI)

Use this quick class experiment to observe the oxidation of cyclohexanol to produce cyclohexanone. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of a pile of red and red-purple cherries

Microscale preparation of ethyl benzoate

Try this class practical to prepare the ester ethyl benzoate on a microscale by warming ethanol and benzoic acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Three blue, red and green lumps of plasticine

Modelling alloys with plasticine

Try this class activity to explore how alloying can be used to change the properties of a metal. Includes kit list and teaching notes.

The corner of large agricultural greenhouse, with plants visible through the glass panels

Modelling the greenhouse effect

Use this demonstration to illustrate the greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A plastic carton of universal indicator strips with a colour comparison chart

Neutralising an acidic solution

Use this simple practical to illustrate the pH and temperature changes as an acidic solution is neutralised. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Using a pipette to add ethanol to acidified sodium dichromate solution for the Oxidation of ethanol experiment

Oxidation of ethanol

In this class practical, ethanol is oxidised by acidified sodium dichromate to form ethanal and then ethanoic acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Four yellow patterned dominoes made from Bakelite, face down on a white surface

Phenol-methanal polymerisiation

Make Bakelite in class and investigate its properties using phenol, methanal and ethanoic acid in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Electrolysis of copper sulfate solution in a laboratory setting, with visible copper

Preferential discharge of cations during electrolysis

Use this practical to show that metal cations are preferentially discharged, in relation to the metal’s position in the reactivity series. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A small brown bottle labelled 'sulfuric acid' on a laboratory bench, with glass flasks and beakers in the background

Preparing a soluble salt by neutralisation

In this practical, students react alkaline ammonia with sulfuric acid to form the soluble salt ammonium sulfate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An edited photograph of white lead chloride in a glass dish against a plain blue background

Preparing an insoluble salt in a precipitation reaction

Produce an insoluble salt precipitate by reacting two soluble metal salts together in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A petri dish containing a pink aqueous solution of cobalt chloride

Preparing and using cobalt chloride indicator papers

Make your own cobalt chloride indicator papers, which can be used to test for the presence of water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of the crystals of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)

Preparing salts by neutralisation of oxides and carbonates

Try these class experiments to illustrate the production of soluble salts from insoluble metal oxides and carbonates. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a heap of long rusty nails

Preventing rust

Try this practical to test methods for preventing rust on iron nails, including painting, greasing and sacrificial protection. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of white or translucent crystals of the alkali metal salt sodium nitrate

Properties of alkali metal compounds

Try this class practical to explore the physical and chemical properties of various alkali metal compounds. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Macro photograph of white alum crystals

Purifying an impure solid

Purify alum as an example of obtaining a pure chemical from an impure sample in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of students sitting around a table and wearing protective gloves while making slime in plastic pots

PVA polymer slime

In this fun class experiment student will make slime by adding borax solution to PVA. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of two glass Petri dishes containing blue copper(II) sulfate solution

Quantitative electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate

Use this demonstration to find the value of the Faraday constant from electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up image of a drop of clear liquid at the tip of a glass pipette

Rate of evaporation

Use this class practical to measure and compare the rate of evaporation of propanone under different conditions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Rhubarb stalks in a row against a dark grey background

Rate of reaction of potassium manganate(VII) and oxalic acid

Investigate the effect of surface area or concentration on rate of reaction using oxalic acid in rhubarb and potassium manganate(VII). Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of purple vapour against a plain background

Reacting aluminium and iodine

Illustrate the spectacular reaction between aluminium and iodine with water as a catalyst in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of blue copper sulfate crystals on a white surface

Reacting copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid

Illustrate the reaction of an insoluble metal oxide with a dilute acid to produce crystals of a soluble salt in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a glass tube containing magnesium and copper oxide; the tube has been heated and glows as a reaction takes place.

Reacting magnesium with copper(II) oxide

Illustrate reduction, oxidation and the relative reactivity of magnesium and copper(II) oxide in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing a pile of white zinc powder

Reacting zinc and copper(II) oxide

Illustrate competition reactions using the exothermic reaction between copper(II) oxide and zinc in this class demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An image of the periodic table with chlorine in focus, showing its name, symbol, atomic number and mass

Reactions of chlorine with water or halide ions

Generate chlorine gas on a microscale and investigate its reactions with water or halide ions in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A sealed round-bottom flask suspended using a metal clamp, containing pale green chlorine gas

Reactions of chlorine, bromine and iodine with aluminium

Try this demonstration to produce some spectacular exothermic redox reactions by reacting aluminium with halogens. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing three labelled flasks containing hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid

Reactions of metals with acids producing salts

Explore the production of hydrogen gas and salts when metals react with acids in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A sample of sodium in a dish

Reactivity trends of the alkali metals

Use this experiment to demonstrate the trend in reactivity down group 1 of the Periodic Table, exploring the physical and chemical properties of the alkali metals.

Five silver and yellow AA alkaline batteries against a yellow background

Rechargeable cells: the lead–acid accumulator

Use this practical to demonstrate the chemistry behind rechargeable batteries, using a lead–acid accumulator cell. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of glass apparatus for evaporating and condensing liquids in the laboratory

Recovering water from a solution using a condenser

Use this demonstration to show how pure water can be recovered from copper sulfate solution using a condenser. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Blue copper(II) sulfate solution in a glass beaker against a neutral grey-white background

Recovering water from copper(II) sulfate solution

Try this practical to introduce students to aqueous solutions by distilling water from copper(II) sulfate solution. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Seawater splashing against a rocky shore

Separating salts from seawater

Try this simple practical to show that seawater contains a mixture of different salts. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing apparatus for filtering mixtures, including conical flasks, glass funnels and filter paper

Separating sand and salt by filtering and evaporation

Try this class experiment to practise manipulating mixtures of soluble and insoluble materials by separating sand and salt. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A piece of old photographic paper, creased and discoloured

Silver and lead halides

Try this practical or demonstration to produce silver and lead halides in a series of precipitation reactions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A colourful microscopic image of sodium acetate (or sodium ethanoate) micro crystals in polarised light

Sodium ethanoate ‘stalagmite’

Quickly grow your own ‘stalagmite’ from a supersaturated solution of sodium ethanoate in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a heap of salt (sodium chloride) on a dark surface

Solubility patterns of halogen anions

Try this microscale practical to identify and explain patterns in the solubility of fluoride, chloride, bromide and iodide anions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of a drop of pale yellow liquid and the end of a pipette on a white surface

Solubility trends of metal halides

Investigate patterns in the solubility of halides of silver and some Group 1 and 2 metals in this microscale practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a bottle of sulfuric acid, with hazard symbols clearly visible on the label

Sulfuric acid as a dehydrating agent

Try these two demonstrations to illustrate the difference between dehydration and drying using sulfuric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Translucent crystals of sodium thiosulfate on a red-orange surface

Supercooling and the energetics of freezing

Explore what happens when a liquid is supercooled using sodium thiosulfate in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D illustration of the structure of the catalase enzyme

Testing for catalase enzymes

Try this class experiment to detect the presence of enzymes as they catalyse the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Hands holding a small glass container with water and universal indicator solution, comparing the green colour with a simple pH chart

Testing the pH of different solutions

Use this practical to reinforce students’ understanding of pH by preparing and testing acidic and alkaline solutions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A circular plastic chart with the different possible colours of universal indicator, used for determining the pH of a solution

Testing the pH of oxides

Use this class practical to investigate the pH of different metal and non-metal oxides using a universal indicator. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of water flowing from a silver tap

Testing the hardness of water

Try this practical with your students to measure the hardness of water samples and investigate the effect of boiling. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Conical flask containing Conical flask containing methylene blue redox indicator with glass stirring rod

The ‘blue bottle’ experiment

In this demonstration, the redox indicator Methylene blue can be oxidised many times by shaking. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Previews of the Breathalyser reaction student worksheet, teacher and technician notes, and a crime scene technician on a blue background

The ‘breathalyser’ reaction | 16–18 years

In association with Nuffield Foundation , By Tim Jolliff and Sandrine Bouchelkia

Try this demonstration to recreate an early ‘breathalyser’ test, passing ethanol vapour through potassium dichromate. Includes kit list and safety instructions

Orange liquid in a glass laboratory beaker against a green-blue background

The ‘Old Nassau’ or Halloween clock reaction

Illustrate dramatic colour changes as a result of redox and precipitation reactions in this vivid demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Large plastic water bottle required for whoosh bottle demonstration.

The ‘whoosh’ bottle demonstration

This exciting demonstration is a combustion reaction where a mixture of alcohol and air in a large bottle is ignited. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of four bottles containing different varieties of vinegar, including apple cider, black, white and malt vinegar

The acidic reactions of ethanoic acid

Explore the properties of ethanoic acid as a weak organic acid in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of a laboratory scale or balance being used, with a hand pressing one of the buttons

The change in mass when magnesium burns

A class practical to measure the change in mass when magnesium burns and to find the formula of magnesium oxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A saucepan on a gas hob with potatoes in boiling water

The chemistry of cooking potatoes

Use this class practical to investigate what happens to potatoes and potato cells when they are boiled. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of strands of iron wool burning white, orange and red against a dark background

The combustion of iron wool

Try this quick teacher demonstration to demonstrate the increase in mass as iron wool is heated in air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of droplets of water on a bright blue surface

The composition and formula of water

Try this demonstration to determine the formula of water through the reaction of copper(II) oxide with hydrogen. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered illustration of ethanol molecules in white against a grey background

The conversion of alcohols to halogenoalkanes

Try this practical or demonstration to produce bromoethane in a substitution reaction between ethanol and phosphorus tribromide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A yellow-orange explosion against a black background, surrounded by sparks

The cornflour ‘bomb’

Create a small explosion inside a tin can using cornflour in this demonstration, illustrating energy transformation. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of the top of a lit candle, showing the flame against a black background

The density of carbon dioxide

Illustrate the higher density of carbon dioxide relative to air by pouring it over a lighted candle in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An ice cube floating in a glass of water against a neutral background

The density of ice

Demonstrate to students what happens as ice cubes floating on oil start to melt and the density of the water changes. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Solid iodine crystals in a glass beaker, with a purple vapour visible as sublimation occurs

The effect of concentration and temperature on an equilibrium | Le Chatelier’s principle

Try this demonstration to illustrate how changing chlorine concentration or temperature shifts the position of an equilibrium. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up image of a glass bottle of dilute hydrochloric acid with a blue stopper

The effect of concentration on equilibrium | Le Chatelier’s principle

Illustrate the reversible reaction between bismuth(III) oxychloride and bismuth(III) chloride in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of two sealed ampoules containing nitrogen dioxide; one is dark brown in colour, in a beaker of hot water, and one is light brown, in a beaker of ice water.

The effect of pressure and temperature on equilibrium | Le Chatelier’s principle

Try this demonstration to explore the effects of pressure and temperature on an equilibrium mixture with your students. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Two coloured cobalt solutions - one pink, one blue

The equilibrium between two coloured cobalt species

In this demonstration the equilibrium between two different coloured cobalt species is disturbed. Le Chatelier’s principle is used to predict a colour change.

A small heap of powdered red iron oxide pigment

The formation of a sol

Convert a rusty-brown precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide into a cherry-red iron(III) oxide sol in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Equipment set up in a school laboratory for an experiment simulating the fractional distillation of crude oil, with a side-arm test tube, a thermometer and a delivery tube

The fractional distillation of crude oil

Try this class practical or demonstration to simulate the industrial fractional distillation of crude oil. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Image

The hydration of alkenes

Try this demonstration and class practical to illustrate the addition reactions of alkenes, with the preparation and purification of an organic liquid.

Crystals of potassium permanganate in a glass container

The migration of ions during electrolysis of potassium manganate(VII)

Try this class practical to investigate the migration of ions during electrolysis as evidence for the ionic model. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A rack of red wind bottles

The properties of alcohols

Ethanol and propan-1-ol are tested for pH, reaction with sodium, combustion and oxidation with acidified dichromate(VI) solution. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A 3D rendered model of a hydrogen chloride molecule, with a hydrogen atom in white and a chlorine atom in green, joined by a covalent bond in white

The properties of hydrogen chloride

Use this demonstration and practical to investigate properties of hydrogen chloride, such as its solubility in water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Photo of the equipment used to measure a chemical reaction rate using a gas syringe

The rate of reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid

A class practical on reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid and how to measure the rate of reaction. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of wrinkled silver aluminium foil

The reaction of aluminium and copper(II) sulfate

Try this practical or demonstration to illustrate the displacement of copper from copper sulfate using aluminium foil, with kit list and safety instructions.

Bubbles in water

The reaction of carbon dioxide with water

Form a weak acid from the reaction of carbon dioxide with water in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of some small yellow flames burning against a dark background

The reaction of ethyne with chlorine

Try this teacher demonstration with your students to illustrate the spontaneous reaction of ethyne and chlorine. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of silver-grey iron filings

The reactivity of iron

Illustrate iron’s position in the reactivity series by heating it with copper and magnesium oxides in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Three glass tubes containing silver deposits resulting from Tollens' test, or the silver mirror test, used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones

The silver mirror test with Tollens’ reagent

Try this practical to explore the mirror-making reaction between silver nitrate (Tollens’ reagent) and glucose. Includes kit list, video and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of melted chocolate being poured over a pile of chocolate pieces against a light brown background

The structure and properties of chocolate

Investigate how melting chocolate changes its structure and affects properties like taste, texture and melting point. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Sublimation index image

The sublimation of air freshener | 11–14 years

In association with Nuffield Foundation , By Dorothy Warren

Use this experiment to demonstrate sublimation, showing how solid air freshener changes directly from a solid to a gas. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Plain white paper cups scattered across a white surface

The thermal properties of water

Explore water’s boiling point, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph showing a highly exothermic thermite explosion against a black background

The thermite reaction between aluminium and iron(III) oxide

Illustrate a highly exothermic thermite reaction resulting in molten iron in this teacher demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Blocks of calcium carbonate

Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate

A class practical on the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a lighted wooden splint against a black background

Thermal decomposition of nitrates: ‘writing with fire’

Make an invisible message ‘glow’ by applying a lighted splint to filter paper treated with sodium nitrate in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Copper II carbonate chemical powder in the laboratory used in the thermal decomposition of metal carbonates experiment

Thermal decomposition of metal carbonates

Use this class practical to compare the thermal stabilities of carbonates of reactive and less reactive metals. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An image showing students doing a titration experiment; the main subject is a male student wearing safety glasses who is focused on his work

Titrating sodium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid

Use this class practical to explore titration, producing the salt sodium chloride with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Crystals of potassium permanganate(VII) and a glass of water with a pink-purple hue on a wooden surface

Turning ‘red wine’ into ‘water’

Use acidified potassium permanganate – or ‘red wine’ – to make ‘water’, ‘milk’ and ‘lemonade’ in this engaging demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

One pence pieces

Turning copper coins into ‘silver’ and ‘gold’

Perform what looks like alchemy with ordinary copper coins in this teacher demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Image

Universal indicator ‘rainbow’

Try this demonstration to create a rainbow effect using universal indicator, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of margarine melting in a pan

Unsaturation in fats and oils

Use this class practical to investigate the amounts of unsaturated fats and oils in different foods. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A pile of white plastic cutlery on a red and white checkered tablecloth

Urea-methanal polymerisation

Explore condensation polymerisation by creating and investigating the properties of a thermosetting polymer in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A photograph of red, orange and white calcium carbonate indigestion tablets and the plastic lid from their container

Using indigestion tablets to neutralise an acid

Investigate and measure the neutralising effect of indigestion tablets on hydrochloric acid in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Pieces of a broken glass bottle with ice in a freezer, after the expanding water caused the bottle to explode

Water expands when it freezes

Use this demonstration to show that water expands when it freezes, showing students how it can break a bottle. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

An overhead drone photograph of a neutral grey sandy beach and waves from the sea

What are the dissolved solids in seawater?

Analyse the salts that crystallise from evaporating seawater, illustrating cation and anion tests in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a pile of rusty metal nails

What causes iron to rust?

Use this class experiment to help students investigate what conditions are needed for iron to rust. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A macro photograph of a foamy lather from soap or detergent against a plain purple background.

What ions cause hardness in water?

Investigate how different cations and anions in dissolved salts affect the formation of a lather in this experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Universal indicator strip coloured red, with colour identification chart in the background

What makes a substance acidic?

Try these experiments to investigate acidity and learn how the acidic properties of some substances require water. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of a substance being heated in a test tube over a spirit lamp

Where is carbon in the reactivity series?

Determine the position of carbon in the reactivity series by heating with metal oxides in this practical and demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of an old, small unlit light bulb, similar to those used in school experiments

Which substances conduct electricity?

In this class practical, students test the conductivity of covalent and ionic substances in solid and molten states. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

A close-up photograph of raw yeast dough

Yeast and the expansion of bread dough

Try this class practical to investigate how temperature affects yeast and the expansion of bread dough. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, hundreds of balloons go airborne to witness the eclipse from the edge of space.

Geoff Brumfiel, photographed for NPR, 17 January 2019, in Washington DC.

Geoff Brumfiel

nuffield science research project

Hundreds of balloons are being launched into the path of the eclipse as part of a program to educate students. Meredith Rizzo for NPR hide caption

Hundreds of balloons are being launched into the path of the eclipse as part of a program to educate students.

For millions of Americans, spring weather is making this eclipse a nail-biter: Will clouds spoil their view?

But that's not the case for the roughly 650 balloons being launched today by the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project . The high-altitude balloons are traveling at altitudes anywhere between 70,000 and 115,000 feet. Those altitudes are more than twice that of commercial airlines and far above the cloud tops. (The balloons are also made of biodegradable latex, so they won't harm the environment).

On eclipse day, hundreds of students will send up balloons for science

On eclipse day, hundreds of students will send up balloons for science

On board are instruments built primarily by undergraduate science and engineering students. Teams from more than 75 institutions are launching balloons from points all along the path of totality.

The eclipse offers a unique opportunity to study the atmosphere, says Mary Bowden, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Maryland. The moon's shadow cools a column of air that will move from south to north across the U.S., mixing things up.

"The eclipse itself is kind of stirring up the atmosphere as it traverses across the country," Bowden says. "What we're looking for is the signature, or the effect, of the movement of the shadow."

nuffield science research project

Students prepare a practice balloon for launch late last month. The ballooning project offers an opportunity for them to learn many skills they might someday use for space probes and satellites. Meredith Rizzo for NPR hide caption

Students prepare a practice balloon for launch late last month. The ballooning project offers an opportunity for them to learn many skills they might someday use for space probes and satellites.

The balloon project also offers a unique opportunity for students to learn how to build things that must operate in extreme environments, work in a large group and troubleshoot problems on the fly — all skills that could someday be used for everything from satellites to deep space exploration.

The Maryland team will launch its balloons from Portland, Ind. It hopes to share views from above on a livestream .

"Hopefully we'll have livestream video from the balloon in flight," says Daniel Grammer, a junior who will direct today's balloon launch for the team. "You'll see the shadow move across the Earth, and it'll be super cool to look at."

NPR will be sharing highlights from across the NPR Network throughout the day if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

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ActEarly: new citizen science project in Tower Hamlets

12 April 2024

New citizen science project in Tower Hamlets will see local residents design and deliver research investigating ActEarly themes

ActEarly

Tower Hamlets Council and the UCL Citizen Science Academy are joining forces to train local residents to become social scientists in their own neighbourhoods.  

Around 10 residents will be employed part-time while they are trained and supported to design their own research connected to ActEarly - a major prevention research programme that aims to improve the life chances of children by focusing on improving the environments that influence their health. Research will also be developed in direct connection with Council teams, ensuring the production of useful knowledge to inform policymaking in the east London borough. 

Communities involved in ActEarly are keen to have a more central role in research – identifying local priorities, setting research questions, and carrying out research and analysis. This project will explore how citizen science can bring new insights about lived experiences and concerns of local communities to ActEarly themes, and the Council’s new Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). It will also demonstrate a more bottom-up implementation of the ActEarly Co-Production strategy.  

The programme is currently being co-designed with a range of local stakeholders, with recruitment of this new cohort of citizen scientists taking place in later Summer 2024.

Related News

About the ucl citizen science academy.

The UCL Citizen Science Academy offers high-quality, practice-based education and training programmes to equip people with research knowledge and practical skills to get involved in social action and local decision-making.   

The UCL Citizen Science Academy is based at the Institute for Global Prosperity and has been designed in partnership with the  UCL Office for Open Science  and the cross-faculty Citizen Science Working Group in order to make participation in research inclusive and accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Find out more about the Academy on our website  or email [email protected]  

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Computer Science > Computation and Language

Title: realm: reference resolution as language modeling.

Abstract: Reference resolution is an important problem, one that is essential to understand and successfully handle context of different kinds. This context includes both previous turns and context that pertains to non-conversational entities, such as entities on the user's screen or those running in the background. While LLMs have been shown to be extremely powerful for a variety of tasks, their use in reference resolution, particularly for non-conversational entities, remains underutilized. This paper demonstrates how LLMs can be used to create an extremely effective system to resolve references of various types, by showing how reference resolution can be converted into a language modeling problem, despite involving forms of entities like those on screen that are not traditionally conducive to being reduced to a text-only modality. We demonstrate large improvements over an existing system with similar functionality across different types of references, with our smallest model obtaining absolute gains of over 5% for on-screen references. We also benchmark against GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, with our smallest model achieving performance comparable to that of GPT-4, and our larger models substantially outperforming it.

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Nuffield Science Activities for GCSE

The three packs of Nuffield Science activity sheets were designed to match the National Curriculum Science at Key stage Four from 1996. The ideas were drawn from materials produced by various Nuffield projects over the previous ten years.

Each pack contains activities which exemplify the Nuffield approach to learning science. Many of the activities require apparatus and laboratory facilities. Others lend themselves to group discussion or private study at school or at home.

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Nuffield Biology Activities for GCSE

This pack of Nuffield Biology activity sheets was designed to match the National Curriculum Science: Biology at Key stage Four from 1996. The ideas were drawn from materials produced by various Nuffield projects over the previous ten years. The pack includes student...

Nuffield Chemistry Activities for GCSE

This pack of Nuffield Chemistry activity sheets was designed to match the National Curriculum Science: Chemistry at Key stage Four from 1996. The ideas were drawn from materials produced by various Nuffield projects over the previous ten years. The pack includes student...

Nuffield Physics Activities for GCSE

This pack of Nuffield Physics activity sheets was designed to match the National Curriculum Science: Physics at Key stage Four from 1996. The ideas were drawn from materials produced by various Nuffield projects over the previous ten years. The pack includes student sheets for 97 different activities.

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  1. Welcome to Research Placements & Experiences (formerly Nuffield

    The Research Placements & Experience programme (formerly Nuffield Research Placements) provides engaging, hands-on projects, where Year 12 students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of a host organisation through a well-supervised but independent placement collaboration relating to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology ...

  2. Nuffield Research Placements

    Nuffield Research Placements are funded by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning. They are engaging, hands-on research projects, where students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of a host organisation. They are a fantastic opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned at ...

  3. PDF Nuffield Research Placements

    Nuffield Research Placements (NRP), formerly known as Nuffield Science Bursaries, has supported approximately 20,000 post-16 students over the last 25 years to engage in real life research working alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths ' (STEM) professionals. The collaborative nature of NRPs has seen young people work on a range ...

  4. Student Programmes and Teaching Resources

    Since 1962, the Foundation has supported major curriculum projects and the creation of a wealth of teaching resources across STEM subjects and beyond. Our work in education includes funding research and supporting its translation into policy and practice. The Foundation has supported some 60 major curriculum projects and countless smaller ones ...

  5. PDF Nuffield Research Placements

    the Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) programme has been adapted so that an entirely virtual ... A well-supervised but independent research project relating to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or a combination!).

  6. PDF Guide for student applicants

    What is a Nuffield Research Placement? When? Summer holidays after Year 12 (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or S5 (in Scotland). How long? Four to six weeks. What? A well-supervised but independent research project relating to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or a combination ...

  7. Nuffield Science Project

    The Nuffield Science Teaching Project was a programme to develop a better approach to teaching science in British secondary schools, under the auspices of the Nuffield Foundation. ... Journal of Research in Science Teaching 7.4 (December 1970) 283-302 (pdf, payment required).

  8. The Nuffield project: creating opportunity

    The Nuffield project is the brainchild of the Nuffield Foundation set up by founder of Morris Motors, William Morris, Lord Nuffield in 1943; funding research for better social policy in education, welfare and justice. ... Institute, the foundation also seeks to provide opportunities for young people to develop skills and confidence in science ...

  9. Nuffield Research Placements

    Nuffield Research Placements provide over 1,100 students each year with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. Nuffield Research Placements take place in your summer holidays after Year 12. You will work on a project that relates to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or

  10. Improving access to university through Nuffield Research Placements

    Results so far - initial findings from the evaluation. Nuffield Research Placements have a positive impact on participants' access to STEM higher education courses. Nearly a third (32%) of participants enrolled in a STEM course in a Russell Group institution, compared to 25% of comparable pupils with similar demographic background and ...

  11. Nuffield: getting to grips with science in the real world

    Since 2011 we've welcomed students from the Nuffield scheme, who have been getting to grips with research projects at the cutting edge of science. This year, the students got their hands dirty with a metagenomics project looking at the hidden life in soil.

  12. Opening the door to STEM research: the value of Nuffield Research

    For over 25 years Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) have matched thousands of students to thought provoking research projects. By taking part in the Nuffield Research Placements programme, high attaining year 12 (or equivalent) students have the opportunity to carry out STEM research in a professional setting.

  13. How to Host a Research Placement or Experience: Q&A

    Nuffield Research Placements (NRPs) are 2-week collaborations with a STEM-related knowledge expert on a live research question or area of development. While producing a scientific or technical report and poster, this opportunity ensures that students contribute meaningfully to the host organisation's current work.

  14. Nuffield practical collection

    Fermentation of glucose using yeast | 14-16 years. In association with Nuffield Foundation, By Neil Goalby. Use this class practical to investigate the fermentation of glucose by yeast and test for ethanol. Includes kit list, safety instructions, questions and answers.

  15. (PDF) The Nuffield Physics Ordinary-level Curriculum Project in the

    The Ordinary-level Nuffield physics project, developed between 1962 and 1966 for academic pupils in grammar schools, was one of the most interesting and innovative projects of the 1960s. It had ...

  16. Nuffield Science Project

    The Nuffield Science Teaching Project was a programme to develop a better approach to teaching science in British secondary schools, under the auspices of the Nuffield Foundation. Although not intended as a curriculum, it gave rise to alternative national examinations, and its use of discovery learning was influential in the 1960s and 1970s.

  17. Hundreds of balloons go airborne to witness the eclipse from the edge

    On board are instruments built primarily by undergraduate science and engineering students. Teams from more than 75 institutions are launching balloons from points all along the path of totality.

  18. PDF Nuffield Research Placements

    A well-supervised but independent research project relating to an area of science, quantitative . social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or a combination!). ... • A personal statement outlining your interest in completing a Nuffield Research Placement.

  19. NSF tests ways to improve research security without ...

    The National Science Foundation is testing a new approach to research security by reviewing proposals in quantum information science, which may use facilities such as IBM's quantum computer. ... Jason recommends that national security be folded into the second criterion, which is intended to capture how a research project might also benefit ...

  20. Research

    We provide access to outputs from all our research projects and work to strengthen their collective impact. View all projects. 12 of 558 results. Filter. Nuffield Foundation research aims to improve social well-being by funding research and innovation in education, justice and welfare.

  21. ActEarly: new citizen science project in Tower Hamlets

    Communities involved in ActEarly are keen to have a more central role in research - identifying local priorities, setting research questions, and carrying out research and analysis. This project will explore how citizen science can bring new insights about lived experiences and concerns of local communities to ActEarly themes, and the Council ...

  22. Nuffield Primary Science

    The Nuffield Primary Science materials were based on the findings of a research project called the Science Processes and Concept Exploration (SPACE). This was the first set of resources published in the UK for primary science teaching that was explicitly based on a constructivist view of learning. The research aims.

  23. Research Guides: Research Project Management: Getting Started

    Research Project Management. ... Science Education Specialist. Danny Dotson Email Me. Contact: 180E Geology Library Orton Hall. 614-688-0053. Subjects: Computer Science, Earth Science (Geology), Engineering, Geography, Math & Statistics. Recommended Ebooks. A Concise Guide to Project Collaboration.

  24. [2404.07143] Leave No Context Behind: Efficient Infinite Context

    This work introduces an efficient method to scale Transformer-based Large Language Models (LLMs) to infinitely long inputs with bounded memory and computation. A key component in our proposed approach is a new attention technique dubbed Infini-attention. The Infini-attention incorporates a compressive memory into the vanilla attention mechanism and builds in both masked local attention and ...

  25. Education

    Our goal is to find ways to improve educational outcomes through policy change and interventions that are grounded in robust evidence. We fund research and development projects relating to education across all life stages - from early years through school, to further and higher education and vocational learning. We want to understand young ...

  26. [2403.20329] ReALM: Reference Resolution As Language Modeling

    Reference resolution is an important problem, one that is essential to understand and successfully handle context of different kinds. This context includes both previous turns and context that pertains to non-conversational entities, such as entities on the user's screen or those running in the background. While LLMs have been shown to be extremely powerful for a variety of tasks, their use in ...

  27. Nuffield Science Activities for GCSE

    Quality Assured. Subject: Science Physics. This pack of Nuffield Physics activity sheets was designed to match the National Curriculum Science: Physics at Key stage Four from 1996. The ideas were drawn from materials produced by various Nuffield projects over the previous ten years. The pack includes student sheets for 97 different activities.