Accessibility statement

Curriculum projects

The University of York Science Education Group (UYSEG) sees the development of innovative teaching materials, based on the best available research and scholarship, as a key means of improving teaching and learning, and ensuring research makes a positive impact on practice.  UYSEG has an international reputation for the courses it has developed for the 11-18 age range. 

Much of the work of UYSEG is supported by the Salters' Institute.

Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST)

  • a new curriculum package for teachers of 11-14 science
  • designed using the best available research evidence about science education
  • helps teachers to develop evidence-informed practice
  • provides high-quality resources for effective teaching of difficult ideas, increased student engagement, effective practical work and embedded formative assessment

Salters Advanced Chemistry

  • context-led AS/A-level chemistry course
  • developed by teachers, academics, industrialists
  • coherent framework for practical work
  • chemical literacy and maths skills embedded throughout

Other UYSEG Projects

Twenty First Century Science

  • provides innovative courses leading to GCSE Science qualifications
  • links science ideas to issues relevant to all students as citizens
  • explores how experiments and modelling help us build scientific explanations
  • develops students’ abilities to evaluate knowledge claims critically

Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology

  • context-led AS/A-level biology course
  • developed by teachers, academics and industrialists
  • coherent framework for practical work
  • biological enquiry and maths skills embedded throughout

Past Projects

Developing Diagnostic Assessments

  • developing diagnostic questions for formative assessment
  • identifying common ways of thinking
  • research into use in teaching and impact on practice

Salters Horners Advanced Physics

  • context-led AS/A-level physics course
  • developed by teachers, academics, industrialists
  • coherent framework for practical work
  • maths skills embedded throughout

Research themes

  • Research supporting curriculum development
  • Attitudes, participation and engagement in science
  • Contexts for science learning
  • The roles and practices of science teachers
  • Improving the quality of science education research