A Level Biology: Interesting article on scientific studies

This article from Science, debating current research revealing links between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and viruses, does a good job of highlighting how the scientific community self-regulates. It discusses research protocols such as sample selection and demographics, faults such as contamination and bias linked to commercial interests. I think it makes a good up to date discussion of how scientific studies are carried out and the need to produce clear and detailed articles. It is an easy read too and I highly recommend it:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attacked Again

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GCSE Science podcasts for revision and general listening

My daughter got an iPod Touch for Christmas and I have to say I now want one my self. All of her friends have also received ipods and this has made me think about doing some podcasting for downloading onto ipods, as well as the videos I am developing. I am not alone in considering podcasts for my students as this is also a topic in the TES Science forums. I have come across some excellent audio files via the trusty GCSE Bitesize website and, although they do not match exactly with IGCSE, are an excellent resource. Biology, Chemistry and Physics collections are available and they are well presented. They are run by a group lnown as The Naked Scientists and there are further excellent podcasts available from their own website and may be useful for A level students also. Both links are available below (and are also available on my Links page).

Revision GCSE podcasts from the BBC and Naked Scientists

The Naked Scientists Podcasts

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Great site to get interactive PowerPoint templates

I came across an excellent open source video by Kevin Culpepper which teaches you how to make an interactive matching game in PowerPoint. If you have read my previous post, 13 top tips for teachers, about the use of PowerPoint and how one should limit the use of information slides to, at the very most, 5 in a row and to always incorporate interactive slides then you will see why I am keen on this site. Kevin has provided many templates for games that you can modify and use within your resources and also has videos to show you how to make them yourselves. I intend to have a go at few myself so keep an eye out for some customised matching games etc. Certainly worth having a look so click on the link below:

Culpepper Online

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1800 questions and answers biology website

This is quite a good a good website providing quick and easy answers to biology questions. Suitable for AS and A2 but could also be used for IGCSE/GCSE. You can even post a question if you can;t find the answer already.

Website link is:

http://www.biology-questions-and-answers.com/index.html

You can also download the e-book for only 5 dollars. See bottom of far right sidebar for link or follow the link below:
Click here to view more details

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Here it is! The one and only…PHOTOSYNTHESIS SONG!

Warning…this is very catchy. I played it to my Year 10 this year and the daft lot ended up singing along.

Photosynthesis Song from Simple Science on Vimeo.

Simple Science videos on Vimeo are well worth checking out for a bit of light-hearted but educational songs. They are primarily designed for the younger student but in truth I think all students would enjoy a bit of cheesy entertainment.

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