Teachers and other educators are free to use these materials. We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvements to any of the materials listed below.

Stem Cells: Science & Ethics

We have recently produced a 3rd edition of this popular booklet, with updated content on the science together with consideration of the legal and ethical issues of research using stem cells. Aimed directly at senior school pupils, the booklet - in addition to teachers' notes - can be downloaded here:

http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/stemcellsresource/

Think Darwin, Think Evolution, Think Now

This substantial A4 colour booklet was produced to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin in 2009. It is designed for Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher students of biology, and every Secondary School in Scotland have received copies. Download here:

www.biology.ed.ac.uk/public/sibe/projects/HappyBirthdayDarwin

Bioethical Discussion Activities

Discussion activities to download, suitable for Higher and Advanced Higher Biology pupils.

The Decision
A role play discussion activity on therapeutic cloning (also part of the booklet Stem Cells: Science and Ethics). 

DNA Databases
A discussion activity modelled on a select committee question time, exploring the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations and for medical research. 

Gene Patents: Needless or Necessary
A discussion activity in the form of a trial exploring the issues surrounding the patenting of genes used in genetic testing.

Green Fingerprinting Scenarios

A series of scenarios (containing teacher/technician and student guides) looking at the use of DNA fingerprinting in ecological and biodiversity contexts. These practicals can be carried out using the BioRad DNA fingerprinting kit (http://www3.bio-rad.com). Download here:

The FAIROAK Reforestation Project

Hedgehog recolonisation of Europe

The Japanese Knotweed Invasion

Orangutan Parentage

Conservation of British Orchids

Monitoring Otter Populations

 

Cheese Please

A practical protocol to investigate the proteins present in cheese using the NCBE Protein Power! Kit. Download here:

NCBE: http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/ncbe/materials/DNA/proteinpower.html

Powdered Protein Standards

Standards for use in making rough estimations of protein size when conducting protein electrophoresis. Free – contact us.

Signing Biotechnology

A dual language (British Sign Language and English) resource which looks at the biological concepts, vocabulary, equipment and experiments related to DNA Fingerprinting, DNA Extraction and bacterial transformation. Visit the web site or contact us for a free CD ROM.

http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/public/sibe/signingbiotechnology

Scrambled Eggs Game

This card game can be used for different age groups either as an activity itself, linking eggs to the environments where they develop, or as a starter activity leading to further discussions about stem cells. Contact us for a free set. Primary teachers' notes to go with the cards can be downloaded here:

Dynamic Development

A web-based resource hosted by Learning and Teaching Scotland which has movies demonstrating cell division, mitosis and the dynamics of genes.

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/resources/dynamicdevelopment/index.htm

University of Edinburgh Science Communication E-Newsletter 

News, opportunities, jobs and forthcoming events in the field of science communication. It is non-comprehensive and consists simply of information we have been sent. It is aimed at people based in the University of Edinburgh. To receive the newsletter or to submit material for inclusion, email pgscicom@ed.ac.uk.

http://www.scieng.ed.ac.uk/scicom/news.htm