Teaching resources

Science and engineering cases

Practising Science comes with a set of real-world case studies to teach students the scientific practices (enquiry skills) they will need for their projects. 

  • Discovery cases: how scientists solve phenomena using an investigative enquiry process
  • Design cases: how engineers tackle problems, using the engineering design cycle
  • Decision cases: how citizens investigate issue, using a deliberative enquiry process

    • The cases are set in contexts designed to spark curiosity and interest students in possible questions or problems for their project, and give insight into a range of STEM careers.  

    Each case is deisgned to last 2-3 lessons. and can be adjusted to vary the amount of structure and scaffolding to match the students' level of expertise.

    Biodiversity (biology)

    This Discovery case explores biodiversity's vital role in ecosystems through a landmark example. It highlights the work of environmental biologists and the impact of species loss. Students learn to ask scientific questions and test hypotheses, leading to a project on remote monitoring of species for hands-on environmental science experience.

    Fuels (chemistry)

    This Discovery case study examines sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, like ethanol. It provides a glimpse into the world of chemists and chemical engineers. Students design experiments and collect data, progressing into a project on sustainable fuels that applies their learning to real-world challenges.

    Space (physics)

    This Discovery case takes students on a journey through the discovery of other solar systems, offering insights into how planetary physicists work. Students learn to analyze data, draw conclusions, and evaluate investigations. It culminates in a project on exoplanets, exploring the possibilities of life beyond Earth.

    Sports (engineering)

    This Design case focuses on how mechanical engineers innovate energy-efficient solutions to enhance athletic performance. Students gain insights into engineering practices by defining problems and developing prototypes. This leads to a project on sports vehicles, where students apply engineering principles to improve athletic capabilities.

    Climate (chemistry)

    This case looks at how organisations have moved to become carbon neutral, considering sources of emissions and strategies to reduce them. Students learn the scientific practices of obtaining information, and arguing from evidence. This leads directly towards a project on exploring ways to make an industry of interest, such as fashion reduce its carbon footprint.