Brian Cox school experiments - secondary level
Following on from the first series of the Brian Cox Schools Experiments, the Royal Society has produced a further set of videos and resources based around new and emerging technologies. Aimed at teachers of students aged 11 to 14, the resources explore genome editing, machine learning and cybersecurity and ocean acidification. These resources introduce teachers to a practical experiment, before showing a commercial application of the technology and the latest research being undertaken by scientists within that field.
Each topic in this series includes three videos:
Classroom video - in each classroom video, Professor Brian Cox joins a teacher as they demonstrate a classroom experiment designed for the 11-14 age group. They cover equipment needed, risks to be aware of, and demonstrate the experiment being carried out in a class environment.
Industry video - the industry videos are in depth interviews with STEM professionals working in industrial or commercial settings. Those featured are experts within their fields and are driving fascinating change in their respective areas. These videos offer insight into career pathways in STEM that may be unconventional or that students may not have considered. Each interviewee discusses their journey to their work, including the skills and qualifications required.
Research video - in these videos, we visit research laboratories across the country to interview scientists working at the forefront of their areas, as they give an introduction into the cutting-edge work being done. These videos offer students an insight into research careers and the skills needed to work in such fields.
The experiments used link directly to curriculum topics and are simple to carry out. The equipment needed is basic, and readily available, and the activities will engage students with practical science, aiding their understanding of curriculum topics.
The experiments
- Do sun and shade plants have different rates of photosynthesis? This activity includes free downloadable resources. This activity is based on an original activity, called Investigating Photosynthesis with Leaf Discs, designed by Science and Plants for Schools, who have kindly agreed to its use in the Royal Society Brian Cox School Experiments.
- What is the effect of data size on a sorting activity? This activity includes free downloadable resources. This activity is based on an original activity, called All sorted, designed by Oxford Sparks who have kindly agreed to its use in the Royal Society Brian Cox School Experiments.
- Does CO2 affect the pH of seawater and how does acidity affect the strength of seashells? This activity includes free downloadable resources. This activity is based on an original idea designed by The Royal Geographical Society, in collaboration with The Goldsmiths' Company, who have kindly agreed to its use in the Royal Society Brian Cox School Experiments.
All videos have been filmed and produced by Paul Olding, Dionysus Films.
Subtitled versions of the videos are also available on the Royal Society YouTube channel.
If you would like to receive a physical pack of resource sheets please fill in this short survey and receive a folder pack delivered to your school.