Independent project resources

Practising Science offers a set of guided projects, designed for students’ first projects (year 10). They follow-on from the topic areas of the case-studies in the teaching element of year 10, and allow students to explore further the topic they found most interesting with a guided investigation, that balances autonomy with structure.

The guided projects will have read-to-go curriculum resources, to run the project successfully, which can easily be adapted to suit the needs of students and teachers:

  • teacher guide
  • presentation materials
  • student sheets
  • technician guides

Space

The Space project explores the intriguing world of exoplanets—planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system. Students learn how astronomers use the transit method to detect these distant worlds. They analyze telescope data, classify exoplanets, and participate in citizen science research, sparking interest in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Fuels

In the Fuels project, students address aviation carbon emissions by exploring sustainable alternatives like biofuels and electric batteries. They learn about chemistry and engineering practices, experimenting with biofuel production through fermentation and comparing its energy output with conventional fuels. This project provides insights into sustainable energy solutions.

Biodiversity

The Biodiversity project allows students to engage with remote monitoring techniques for endangered species, for instance investigating penguin colonies in Antarctica using satellite data. This hands-on experience in environmental science underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation. The project can be done in partnership with the Institute for Research in Schools, so that students gain the expertise of a university mentor.

Sports

The Sports project focuses on engineering design through Olympic Bob Skeleton racing. Students explore how mechanical engineers enhance athletic performance by designing competition-winning sleds. This project involves defining engineering problems and developing prototypes, offering insights into sports engineering.

Climate

The Climate project focusses on students investigating an issue and coming to an informed judgement. Industries like fashion, or transport, or food are facing up to the need to become carbon neutral. Students will take one industry, and research it, interviewing people, analysing current strategies, and develop an improved proposal for reducing their carbon footprint or a public awareness campaign.

Learn more

Project-Based Science GCSE Course design and benefits

HPQ  Qualification requirements and assessment

Teaching Element Scheme of work, pedagogy and resources

Projects Element Ready-to-go projects in science and engineering

Launch your course  Support for pilot schools and how to apply