Online submission of Science notes

5 Editorial

6 Personal opinion: Let’s agree on some basic definitions

9 Letters

15 Science notes

15 A reappraisal of the investigation on estimating the solute potential of plant cells Din Yan Yip
18 Archimedes – the first forensic scientist? Steve Dennis
20 A shocking experience with the Van de Graaff generator Geoff Auty
22 Electrostatic recycling Geoff Auty
24 Warning bells Frank Harris
25 Growing cacti and other small drought-resistant plants outdoors Peter Freeland
Practical advice and information on growing these fascinating plants

33 Where is the science in agriculture? Bill Graham
How agriculture can assist teaching and learning about the application of science in a range of industries, and examples of support and resources already being used by schools

39 Using a bead model to teach A-level molecular biology Gili Marbach-Ad, Yosi Rotbain and Ruth Stavy
Learning about fundamental concepts and processes in molecular biology improves significantly after carrying out activities with a bead model

53 The effect of different experiences of environmental education on environmental literacy
Michal Zion, Ronen Ventura, Haya Yogev, and Ori Stav
A long-term educational programme, combining formal and informal instruction, encourages environmental literacy among 14–15 year-old students

59 Teaching and learning science using data-projection facilities Helen Harden
Ideas for teaching and learning activities arising from the installation of data-projection facilities and a wireless network in a school science department

67 An international student conference on glass and its use in the containment of nuclear waste
Barry Cartwright and Kay Ackom-Mensah
At the PEEP International Science Conference in Sheffield in 2003 students from six countries got together to research and debate this issue

75 What can secondary pupils gain if they are involved in primary transfer? Liz Morrison
Pupils in their second year at secondary school can benefit from being included in projects that aim to facilitate the transfer of children from primary to secondary schools

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83 The student review of the science curriculum Ian Murray and Michael Reiss
This article describes the process and presents some of the main findings of a student-led review of the science curriculum in England, a project conducted as part of Science Year

95 How effectively do science textbooks teach earth science? Chris King, Alastair Fleming, Peter Kennett and David Thompson A comprehensive survey of the earth science content of commonly used secondary science textbooks found inadequate coverage and a very high error/misconception level

105 The continuing professional development of science teachers: a discussion paper White Rose University ConsortiumTeam The investment of £51m in a network of Science Learning Centres across England and a National Science Learning Centre covering the UK, presents a unique opportunity to enhance science teachers’ continuing professional development

112 Online submission of Science notes

113 Book reviews

121 ICT reviews

125 Science websearch

128 Notes for contributors

128 Special issues list

128 Index to advertisers