Classroom resources
The following resources have been developed in collaboration with primary teaching specialists to help students explore everyday science and highlight a diverse range of scientists.
These resources are free to download and use.
Introduction to DNA
With all the billions of people in the world it is amazing to think that we are all different. When we are born, each of us grows according to a unique set of instructions that are inside every cell in our body. All living things are made of cells – they’re like small packets of life.
Inside each cell is a nucleus where the instructions are stored. This instruction manual is called DNA and contains all the information needed to make you, you. DNA provides the instructions to make proteins? which are the building blocks of life and carry out lots of different functions to make us work!
Script developed by Maria A Duque-Correa, Susanna Repo and the students of Great and Little Shelford Primary school.
Animation by Bob Banks (Bob Banks animation studio)
Scientist profiles
Short and simple role profiles demonstrating diverse scientists in a range of jobs and disciplines. The profiles highlight relatable skills that the students can also demonstrate in school and are accompanied by short simple activities that demonstrate how scientists use those skills in their jobs.
Name: Virginie Uhlmann
Job: Research group leader at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)
Name: Michal Szpak
Job: Scientist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Outreach Officer at the EMBL-EBI
Name: Mennat-Allah Ghouraba
Job: Advanced Research Assistant- Wellcome Sanger institute
My career in science
These activity get students thinking about themselves as scientists. In the ‘make your own profile’ activity, students complete their very own scientist profile – thinking about what science question or topic they’d want to explore, what skills they’d need, and drawing themself as a scientist. The skills cards can be used to support this activity and can be used to enhance discussions around the career profiles above.
Science passport
An easy activity that can be an individual or class-based challenge, to encourage students to engage with everyday accessible science at home or at school. The passports can be edited to include your own ideas for challenges or tasks. There are two levels ages 4-6 and 7-11
